Should I Take My Teacher Certification Test Before I Graduate?

When you take your teacher certification tests depends on which exams you’re required to take and which program you enroll in to earn your license. 

Having a clear understanding of your timeline is crucial to ensure you schedule your teacher certification tests at the right time and stay on track to meet your licensure goals.

Should I Take My Teacher Certification Test Before I Graduate?

It depends. For example, if in Texas and you’re in college while pursuing a teaching certification, you typically take your teacher certification exams during your final year of study, often after completing most of your coursework and clinical teaching (student teaching) requirements. 

Your program advisor or certification office will guide you on the exact timing based on your progress and readiness.

If you’re in an educator preparation program (EPP), your timeline will vary as well. Nearly half of all new teachers in the state become certified through an educator preparation program. Many of these interns obtained their bachelor’s degree in another subject area and pursued a different career before switching direction.

Your educator preparation program should also guide you on the exact timing of taking the required exams to earn your teaching certification. These exams include:

• TExES content exams
• Science of Teaching Reading (STR)
• Texas Examinations of Educator Standards Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)

If you’re enrolled in an EPP like ECAP, here is when you will likely take the above exams.

TExES Content Exams

These content exams qualify teachers for certification in more than 60 specialties. They are designed to measure teaching readiness and skills, and are divided by grade levels or special certification areas like core subjects, computer science, English language arts and health.

You must take and pass one content exam to earn your intern or probationary certificate. However, you can take more than one test and become certified in multiple fields.

When you should take your content exams: Before you take your TExES tests, you must enroll with an alternative teacher certification test and complete all required background checks. At ECAP, you must complete the first 40 hours of training before you can take a practice content exam. If you receive a score of 270 or higher, ECAP will give you permission to take your TExES.

Science of Teaching Reading (STR)

You may not have to take this exam. If you’re seeking certification in one of these areas below, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) says you must take the STR:

• Early Childhood: EC - Grade 3
• Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood - Grade 6
• Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4-8

When you should take the STR: If required, you will take this exam after you take the TExES test, but before your PPR exam.

TExES PPR

The TExES PPR “is designed to assess whether a test taker has the requisite knowledge and skills that an entry-level educator in this field in Texas public schools must possess,” according to the TEA. This is the final certification test you will take before earning your Texas teaching license.

When you should take the PPR: You will not take the PPR until you have completed your training. However, you should take this exam before you apply for your intern certificate. 

Factors That Can Impact Your Timeline

Several factors can influence the timing of when you take your teacher certification exams, including:

1. Program Requirements: Each educator preparation program (EPP) or college teacher certification track has unique requirements and milestones you must meet before being allowed to sit for specific exams.
2. Field of Certification: The type of teaching certification you are pursuing—such as early childhood education, secondary math, or special education—may have specific testing timelines or additional certification requirements.
3. Preparation Level: Your readiness to take the exam, based on completed coursework, practice tests, and feedback from instructors or advisors, plays a key role in determining your schedule.
4. Testing Availability: Certification exams are offered on specific dates and at designated testing centers. Early registration is essential to secure a testing slot that aligns with your program timeline.
5. Background Checks and Administrative Processes: Completing background checks, fingerprinting and other administrative requirements is necessary before you can register for your certification exams.

By understanding these factors and working closely with your program advisor, you can ensure that you take your exams at the most strategic time, keeping you on track to earn your teaching license.