State licensure laws and testing requirements change often. Please check with your state and the ETS for the most up-to-date testing information.
Q. Where should I double check the testing requirements for my state?
A. The ETS website lists each state's requirements: here
Q. Where can I find additional teacher certification information based on my state?
A. Check out your state's certification requirements by clicking below. Each site lists certification guidelines, testing requirements, and contact information:
- Alabama Candidates
- Arkansas Candidates
- California Candidates
- Colorado Candidates
- Louisiana Candidates
- Tennessee Candidates
- Texas Candidates
Q. Do I need to report my scores to Reach?
A. YES! Arkansas and Louisiana candidates can input the following codes when registering for Praxis exams!
|
STATE |
CODE |
|
Arkansas |
6208 |
|
Louisiana |
6430 |
Q. What happens if I don’t share my scores before my test?
A. You can change your score recipient after the test; there is a $50 fee. Please visit the ETS website for more information on selecting a recipient for your scores. Here is the link to the website.
Q. What is the name of the testing website? Will they help me if I get stuck registering?
A. The website is ETS. And the answer is yes! Here is the link to the website.
Q. What are the cost and requirements for Middle and Secondary Licensure Content exams and when must they be taken?
A. To reiterate, any candidate planning on serving as a teacher of record (a full-time teacher) and expecting full teacher pay, must gain licensure in the state in which they are seeking employment. One requirement is passing licensure exams. Reach Teachers College provides the content foundation for elementary education, so candidates looking to teach and gain licensure for middle and high school in subject-specific areas must continue studying on their own to pass those additional requirements. All exams will be required to partner with alternative certification providers. They will not be able to complete the alt-cert program without passing scores. This is non-negotiable for alt-certs as they are mandated by state governance.
Q. I'm a candidate from Arkansas. Do I need to take the Foundations of Reading exam?
A. Yes! You can find more information on the website here.
- If you do not see Reach listed you can reach out to their customer support line:
(866) 565-4880
Toll-free, US and Canada only
Mon–Fri: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern time, excluding holidays.
You can find more contact information here.
Q. I’m a candidate from California. Do I need to take the Praxis exams too?
A. Candidates from CA do not have to take Praxis exams. In order to meet the testing requirements for the state of California, you need to pass the cluster courses with a letter grade of “B” or better. Learn more about California credential requirements here.
Q. I’m a BLS candidate in Texas. Do I need to take these Praxis exams too?
A. Candidates from TX are not required to take Praxis exams. The Texas Education Agency lists testing requirements for TX candidates here.
Q. What happens if I can’t afford to take the Praxis exam at the end of each semester? What are my options?
A. Unfortunately at this time, Reach is unable to pay for the registration of Praxis for candidates. When becoming a teacher, there are some fees that are associated with getting your license - the Praxis exam is one of those sets of fees.
Currently, each separate exam starts at around $70. Since this is a requirement (for all BAGE candidates), we suggest planning early by saving a few dollars a semester. In addition, we have seen some candidates approach their schools or district offices for support for paying for these exams. Some districts have specific programs that pay for candidates who need financial assistance with registration.
The ETS also offers fee waivers here.
AR candidates only - There is a Praxis fee reimbursement you can request from the Arkansas Department of Education HERE.
Q. My degree is in Bachelor’s of Liberal Studies. When I graduate, I want to teach HS Math. Do I HAVE to take the Praxis exams at the end of my cluster courses (Math, Science, Social Studies, ELA)?
A. For BA-LS candidates, the Praxis registration is optional at the end of each cluster course so you do not HAVE to take the Praxis exams at the end of the cluster courses. As you get closer to graduation from Reach, you will still want to pass the content area exam in the area you want to teach, for example, HS Math Praxis. Please note that DEP 303B will require you to complete ONE Praxis exam of your choice (as of Fall 2024). Keep in mind that praxis exams are generally required for alternative certification programs as well.
Q. I want to earn two certifications at the same time. I want to earn a teaching certification in 1-5 elementary AND secondary Math. What courses do I need to take?
A. In most states, you can only earn one certification at a time. Meaning, you will need to choose which certification you wish to earn first and after you earn your initial certification. You will need to follow your state’s requirements to add on additional certification after earning your first.
Q. Are accommodations available for the Praxis exams?
A. Yes! You can visit this link to find out more about requesting accommodations during your Praxis exams. Their direct phone line is 1-866-387-8602. Please request early.
Q. Does Praxis offer fee waivers?
A. Yes! ETS offers fee waivers directly through their site. They only offer ONE fee waiver per testing year and there are a limited number of waivers available on a first come first serve basis. Apply early! Here is the link to learn more.