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Free practice tests and study guides covering teaching foundations, classroom management, and assessment to help you pass your teacher certification exam.
The teacher certification exam is required in every state before a candidate can receive a teaching license or credential. Exams vary by state and grade level, but most assess knowledge of general pedagogy, child development, instructional planning, classroom management, and student assessment.
The most widely used national exams are the Praxis series (Educational Testing Service), the edTPA portfolio assessment, and state-developed exams. Many states require both a subject-area exam (testing content knowledge in the subject you will teach) and a pedagogy or general teaching exam. Requirements vary by state and grade level.
Common exam areas include teaching foundations (developmental theory, learning science, instructional design), classroom management (behavior management, learning environments, professional responsibilities), and assessment and learning (formative and summative assessment, data use, differentiated instruction).
ExamsLib provides free practice questions and study guides covering the general pedagogy content most frequently tested across teacher certification programs, with explanations grounded in established teaching and learning research.
Core topic areas
Read the study guide and skim every topic page.
Work through topic quizzes and review the explanation behind every miss.
Take timed, full-length practice tests until you pass consistently.
Take our free teacher certification practice test with 20 questions covering pedagogy, classroom management, and assessment. See your score instantly.
Free Foundations-tier teacher certification practice exam 1: 25 questions on learning theories, child development, lesson planning, classroom routines, and a...
Free Foundations-tier teacher certification practice exam 2: 25 questions on learning theories, child development, lesson planning, classroom routines, and a...
Free Foundations-tier teacher certification practice exam 3: 25 questions on learning theories, child development, lesson planning, classroom routines, and a...
Every tier comes with a free, timed practice test and explanations for each answer.
By state
Licensing requirements, fees, and exam formats vary by state. Pick yours for local details.
What does a teacher certification exam test?
Teacher certification exams typically test knowledge of learning theory, child and adolescent development, instructional planning and delivery, classroom management strategies, student assessment methods, and professional and legal responsibilities of teachers. Some exams also cover technology integration and differentiated instruction.
What is the Praxis exam and is it required in my state?
The Praxis series (published by ETS) is a widely used set of teacher certification exams covering both general pedagogy and subject-area content. Many states require one or more Praxis exams for initial licensure, but not all states use Praxis. Some have their own state-developed exams. Confirm which exams your state requires with your state department of education.
What passing score is required for teacher certification exams?
Passing scores are set by each state and vary by exam. A score that passes in one state may not meet the requirements of another. Confirm the current passing score requirements with your state department of education or the approved exam provider.
How many questions are on a typical teacher pedagogy exam?
Most general pedagogy exams contain 60 to 130 questions, depending on the specific test and state. Some exams include constructed-response (written) sections in addition to multiple-choice questions. Verify the current format with your state or the exam provider.
Can I teach while waiting for my certification results?
Some states allow candidates to teach under an emergency or provisional certificate while completing certification requirements. Rules vary by state and district. Contact your state department of education for current options in your situation.
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H. Jackson Brown Jr.
