How to Pass Teacher Certification Exams: Five Strategies for Success
You may have just earned your degree in education. Maybe you’ve been working in the classroom already, but now you want to become a certified teacher. There’s only one thing standing in the way of you and your teaching certificate- passing the teacher certification exams. These exams can send chills up the spine of even the most dedicated teacher candidate.
In this blog post, learn how to pass teacher certification exams, why preparation matters, and five strategies to successfully prepare for your exams so you pass with flying colors!
What are teacher certification exams?
Teacher certification exams are standardized tests all teachers must pass to become certified. Most public schools in the United States require teachers to have a teaching certificate, also called a teaching license. Passing your state’s licensing exam is often the final step in becoming a certified teacher. Licensing exams are commonly referred to as teacher certification exams. There are often multiple exams involved in this process, but you can take them back to back. Although the content of the exams varies from state to state, they mostly measure basic skills and knowledge.
Why does exam preparation matter?
According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, over 50% of teacher candidates fail their exams on the first attempt. Many never try again. To contextualize this data, Education Week reporter Madeline Will wrote an article in 2019 titled “You’re More Likely to Pass the Bar than an Elementary Teacher Licensing Exam.” Although many factors contribute to the shockingly low pass rate on a candidate’s first attempt, you can increase your chances of passing by preparing for your exams. Preparation matters, and if you put in the work, you can pass your exams on the first try and get that teaching certificate you’ve worked hard for.
How to pass teacher certification exams : Five strategies
There are many ways to prepare for and pass your teacher certification exams. Below are five tips to help you prepare to show what you know, get that passing score, and put those exams in your rearview mirror.
Know what the exam covers
The exams you take will depend on the teaching field you’re going into, the state you live in, and any special endorsements you want to add to your teaching license. Be sure to check with your state’s Office of Public Instruction to ensure you’re preparing for the exact exam you will take. Once you know the test number, visit the official testing website and explore resources specific to your exam. These can include study companions and study guides. These documents will also help you learn the exam format, the scoring, the time limits, and other crucial information you can use to target your preparation activities.
Create a study plan
Having a realistic study plan can help structure your study time and ensure you fit everything in. If you can, start your preparation 2-3 months in advance. Determine how much time you have until the exam and work backward to create a plan for success. Plan to dedicate time each day or week to prepare and study. A solid plan can help you avoid any last-minute cramming. You can look for resources online to help you formulate a plan that will work for you.
Take practice tests
Nothing will prepare you more for the exam than the practice exam. Most test producers will offer free website resources to help test takers prepare for their exams. Be sure to take advantage of any practice tests you can find. Consider taking the practice test in an environment that will mimic the conditions of exam day. You can time yourself to make it more realistic. Interactive practice tests will also give you feedback about your strengths and weaknesses so you can tailor your prep to address weaker areas.
Analyze your strengths and weaknesses
Use the information from your practice tests to build your skills before test day. There will be areas you are naturally stronger and weaker in. For example, scanning through sample test questions and making notes of unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts can help you create a personalized study guide based on your needs. You can also find free help online. If you are taking the Praxis Test by ETS, they have partnered with an educational non-profit, Kahn Academy, where you can create an account for free to take advantage of their excellent test prep resources online.
Have a dedicated study space
Having a dedicated study space can help you prepare for your exams. Try to find a quiet place in your home with minimal distractions. Turn off your phone to eliminate distracting sounds and notifications. You can also invest in noise-canceling headphones. Other locations, such as your public library, offer a premium study environment, and often you can book private study rooms. A dedicated study space will help you make the most of your time preparing.
How to pass teacher certification exams: Preparation is key
Passing your teacher certification exams is essential to getting your teaching certificate to become a licensed teacher. Preparation is key. Strategies for success include knowing what the exam covers, creating a study plan, taking practice tests, analyzing your strengths and weaknesses, and having a dedicated study space. Follow these tips and stride confidently into the teaching career of your dreams.
Don’t want to tackle this alone? Want better results? Consider buying exam prep materials such as The Praxis Learning Paths Program. Learn how to pass teacher certification exams from the people who wrote the test. That makes sense, right? You may also consider hiring a private tutor or a test prep company. Search online for one that fits your specific needs.