In addition to meeting educational requirements, Tennessee requires that academic (and many vocational) teachers take the PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II examinations.    

PRAXIS I Overview

The PRAXIS I exam is a general knowledge test that is required before the PRAXIS II will be administered. It is also required before entering into a teacher preparation program (i.e. usually before one’s third college year). The exam is delivered as a single testing session.

• The combined test will consist of four separately timed sections: Reading, Mathematics, Multiple-choice Writing, and Essay Writing.
• Individual scores will be reported for Reading, Mathematics, and Writing.
• The testing session for the combined test is set for 4 1/2 hours.
• The exam is available computer and paper-based. For testing centers that offer them in each format, visit Educational Testing Service’s website.
• You may be exempt from taking the PRAXIS I (in TN) if you:
  • Achieved an SAT score of 1020 or higher
  • Achieved an ACT score of 22 or higher
  • Getting a master's degree with initial licensure

PRAXIS II Overview

PRAXIS II: Subject Assessment tests measure knowledge of specific subjects that K-12 educators will teach as well as general and subject-specific teaching skills and knowledge. There are Subject Assessments, Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Tests and Teaching Foundations Tests. Passing a PRAXIS II test within a specific subject is commonly referred to as being “endorsed.” Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), a teacher must be endorsed in every subject that he/she teaches. For example, if a science teacher teaches Biology I, Biology II and Chemistry, he or she needs to be endorsed in Biology and Chemistry.  The PRAXIS II exams are available in both paper and computer-based forms.

Educational Testing Services, the company that creates the PRAXIS exams, provides numerous tests within and beyond the PRAXIS series. Only certain exams from the PRAXIS series qualify for Tennessee licensure. Visit Tennessee’s Department of Education website for a list of qualifying exams.

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