Teacher Testing Frequently Asked Questions

What are Indiana's testing requirements for licensing teachers?

Indiana requires PRAXIS I: the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) for anyone seeking an initial Standard License as a teacher. In addition to the PPST, Praxis Specialty Area Tests are required for most content areas. (The PPST replaces the Praxis II Core Battery Exams.)

Certain narrow exceptions to the PPST exist. Click here for details.

What are Indiana's testing requirements for licensing administrators and student services professionals?

Beginning with all original licenses issued after February 1, 2003, all administrators will be required to pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment. For more information on this test please refer to the Educational Testing Service web site (www.ets.org/sls).

There are currently no testing requirements for licensed school service personnel.

Will Indiana still accept the Praxis II Core Battery scores?

Only in certain circumstances. Click here for details. Note that ETS has announced it is not offering the Core Battery exam after June 2000.

Will Indiana accept other tests taken for teacher licensure in other states?

Will Indiana accept scores on other tests in place of the PPST?

No.

What are Indiana's passing scores?

Passing scores for all required tests can be seen here.

Are my Praxis I: PPST scores valid if I took the tests before September 1, 1999?

Yes.

How do I know which Specialty test to take?

If you completed a teacher preparation program in Indiana, your licensing advisor will tell you which examinations are required. Be sure to use the correct test code number when registering for the test.

If you completed a teacher preparation program outside of Indiana, submit your credentials to the Division of Professional Standards for an evaluation which will include information about the examinations, if any are required. Click here to learn how to apply for an Indiana license and get the evaluation. DO NOT inquire about tests before you receive your evaluation letters - you may not have to take tests.

Where can I get more information about the tests?

Visit our Teacher Testing page.

Also, you can call the Educational Testing Service at 609-771-7395 or e-mail praxis@ets.org.

ETS makes testing bulletins available generally in July for the next testing year. The testing year generally coincides with an academic year, August 1 through July 30. Picking one up at the campus nearest to you offering a teacher education program will be quickest. It will take six to eight weeks if requested by mail.

When should I take the necessary exams?

Take the PPST as soon as you feel prepared to do so in the event that you need to allow for time to pursue any necessary remediation.

Subject area tests are best taken when you have completed most of the coursework in the subject area. Waiting until the summer before you want to be licensed is not a good idea. Allow time for any needed remediation, and to get your license application processed. Contact your Indiana licensing advisor for further advice.

If I have teaching experience, can this be used to waive the exams?

There are no waivers for Praxis I and Praxis II.  However, if you hold a valid out-of-state teaching license comparable to the Indiana standard teaching license and have at least three (3) years out-of-state teaching experience, then you have the necessary experience to demonstrate proficiency for the license using an alternative method. The experience must be at the grade level, in the subject area of the Indiana license you want, and at a school accredited by a state government or a regional accrediting association. The six accrediting bodies that the Division of Professional Standards recognizes are:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association
• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Can college or university teaching experience be used to waive the exams?

Can military experience be used to waive the exams?

No.

Can Sunday School teaching or day care experience be used to waive the exams?

Can substitute teaching experience be used to waive the exams?

No.

How are my test scores provided to the Division of Professional Standards?

If you took the test at an Indiana test site, your scores are automatically sent to the Division of Professional Standards for the Praxis II Core Battery, Praxis I: PPST, or Praxis II Specialty Area Tests.

Otherwise, check the Praxis Bulletin for how to secure score reports - the form is in the Bulletin. Complete the form, and pay the required fee.

If you are being recommended by an Indiana college or university, you must also code that institution to receive your test scores.

For how long are my test scores valid?

Five (5) years or as long as official reports are obtainable from ETS, unless cut-off scores are changed by the Board.

If I have a disability, can I get a waiver of the exams?

There are no waivers of the exam.  However, The Education Testing Service can make some accommodations for candidates with disabilities in some cases. Click here or look in the Praxis Series Registration Bulletin, special sections for non-standard testing accommodations.

If you still do not pass after testing with special accommodations, have verified that you have a disability, and have a degree and have completed a teacher preparation program, Click here for the procedure to request a review before the Proficiency Evaluation Committee to determine whether you can demonstrate proficiency for the license by using an alternative method. If you have further questions e-mail the Division of Professional Standards at krusso@doe.in.gov. Click here for the Division of Professional Standards rule governing this type of Proficiency Evaluation.

How can I prepare to take the licensure exams?

How many times can I take a test over?

Indiana sets no limit on the number of times a test may be repeated.

What are Indiana's cut-off scores for the PRAXIS II Specialty Exams?

Click here

Click here for when; the Bulletin tells you where (at most Indiana colleges and universities, and some other locations).

Any other testing question:

1) Check the ETS web site.

2) Check the ETS testing bulletin, or call ETS at (609) 771-7395, or e-mail ETS at praxis@ets.org;

3) Contact your licensing advisor;

Where and when can I take the licensure exams in Indiana?

I am applying for licensure in another state, How do I get verification of my scores?

You will need to send a written request complete with your name, SS# and the address you would like to have the information sent to, along with the form from the state you are trying to get licensed in (if applicable) to the Division of Professional Standards Attention: Assessment Division 101 W. Ohio St. Ste.300, Indianapolis, IN 46201.