Licensure Testing and Resources
Licensure Testing Requirements and Resources
Most teacher preparation programs require students to complete and pass licensure assessments as part of their degree requirements. Below is an overview of the assessments required. Because requirements vary by program and endorsement area, students should consult their program advisor for specific guidance.
Accommodations
Please review this document if you need accommodations for your exams.
Praxis Assessments
Praxis Subject Assessments (if required) must be passed before submitting an internship application. Consult with your program and visit the VDOE website for a listing of prescribed Praxis Subject Assessments for applicable endorsement areas.
Praxis Assessments required for Initial Licensure
| Program | Subject Area Test | Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Special Education | ||
| Early/Primary Education PreK-3 | X | X* |
| Elementary Education PreK-6 | X | X |
| Foreign Language | X | |
| English as a Second Language | X | |
| Health/Physical Education | X | |
| Secondary Education | X | |
| Special Education-General Curriculum | X* | |
| Special Education-Adapted Curriculum | ||
| Special Education-Blind/Visually Impaired | X | X* |
| Art | X | |
| Music | X | |
| Theatre Arts |
*These programs require that the Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary exam is taken prior to graduation. It is not due at the time of internship.
Note: Students who already hold a Virginia teaching license, may not need to complete additional assessments. Please confirm requirements with your program advisor.
Advanced Programs
Students pursuing the following advanced endorsements must complete the following assessments:
| Endorsement Area | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Administration and Supervision PreK-12 | School Leaders Licensure Assessment (6990) |
| Reading Specialist | Praxis Reading Specialist (5302) |
| Math Specialist for Elementary Middle | Praxis Algebra I (5162)* |
*The Algebra I assessment is only required if students are seeking the Elementary/Middle Education endorsement and do not already hold a Mathematics Grade 6-12 license.
Praxis Bridge
If you don’t receive a passing score on a Praxis assessment, and you’ve been notified by ETS that you qualify for the Praxis Bridge, you can find more information on the Praxis Bridge website.