Teacher Certification Exam Study Guide
Prepare for your teacher certification exam with free practice tests and study guides covering teaching foundations, classroom management, and assessment and learning.
- 3 Topics
- Free, online
- Plain-English explanations
Curriculum Structure
3 modules
Module 1 Teaching Foundations
FreeStudy teaching foundations for your teacher certification exam. Covers learning theories, Piaget, Vygotsky, Bloom's Taxonomy, and instructional planning.
Start with Module 1Module 2 Classroom Management
FreeStudy classroom management for your teacher certification exam. Covers preventive strategies, IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, behavior plans, and professional duties.
Module 3 Assessment and Learning
FreeStudy assessment and learning for the teacher certification exam. Covers formative vs summative assessment, validity, reliability, and differentiation.
The Full Guide
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.
This guide is for study purposes only. Always confirm current exam content and requirements with the official licensing authority in your state.
Frequently asked questions
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.
