State tests are required—but remember, your scores don’t necessarily reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Assessments like the core skills test and content exam are just one more step on your way to teaching, and you can take them more than once. 

You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!

You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve put together an amazing application, and you’re pretty sure you aced your teaching exam. But just as you’re submitting your materials to your program, you find out that your test scores won’t be available until after the application deadline. 

Don’t let this happen to you! Making a test schedule can save you application frustration and stress later on. You’ll want to know:

• Your program’s application deadline.
• Which tests your program requires.
• The dates that your test is offered. 
• How far in advance the test-maker requires you to register before you take your test.
• How long it takes to get your scores after you’ve taken the test.

Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding in at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time. 

After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 4!)

Check with your teaching program to find out when you need to have taken and passed the content exam, and to verify which tests you’ll take. 

Praxis exams

If you’re taking a Praxis test, head over to the Praxis registration page. There, you will:

1. Click Register Now.
2. Select Create Account.
3. After you’ve created an account, select Register for a Praxis Test.
4. To find the test you need, choose North Carolina as the certifying state.
5. Check the box next to the test you need to take. Then you’ll be able to choose your testing location, date and time. You’ll choose the date and time separately for each test you’ve selected (most people only need to take one test).
6. Choose where you want your score reports sent. If you know your program’s code, you can use that, or you can look up the program by state.
7. Verify your information and pay for your exam. The Praxis Core costs $150. Most Praxis content exams cost $130.

World Languages

For a world language teaching license, you’ll take your exam through Language Testing International (LTI). On the LTI page, you will:

1. Select your language and click Get Certified.
2. Scroll down until you see “WL & Bilingual Teacher Certification.” Click Choose Test.
3. Select North Carolina on the list of states.
4. Select your teaching program.
5. Select the age group that you plan to teach.
6. Read the information about finding a testing site or proctor. Then click Continue.
7. Select the tests you plan to take. In North Carolina, you’ll take both the Written Proficiency Test and the Oral Proficiency Interview. You can choose to take the spoken test with either an interviewer or through a computer program. If you choose the computer program option, you’ll select “OPIc” for your oral test.
8. Choose your testing date and time.
9. To continue, you’ll be asked to create an account and pay for your exams. The combined oral and written tests cost $218. 

Foundations of Reading 

If you need to take the Foundations of Reading assessment, you’ll do that through the Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum Tests website for North Carolina. 

Click Register in the top bar. Once you create an account, you can schedule your test, access preparation materials and check your scores.

At-home testing

Due to Covid-19, most test-makers now offer a “test from home” option. This lets you take your exam online through a secure portal or proctoring service.

Praxis online

You can register to take your Praxis at home through your Praxis account. Visit the Praxis At Home Testing page to see which Praxis exams are available for at home testing and what equipment you’ll need.

Language tests online

You can choose a remote proctoring service when you register for your exam. When you get to the test scheduling page, click the web-based proctoring option. 

Alternative testing arrangements

All exams have options to request special accommodations, such as alternative testing locations or extra time. Make sure you schedule your exam far enough out so that your accommodations request can get processed. Depending on the exam, this extra processing time can be anywhere from ten days to six weeks.  

Learn more about available accommodations and how to request them for each exam: 

Praxis Testing Accommodations

World Language Testing Accommodations

Foundations of Reading Alternative Testing Arrangements

Once you’ve registered, make a list of everything you need to do between now and your test day. 

Make a study schedule that includes time to: 

• Get a general test overview. The Praxis test prep center has familiarization videos that highlight the exam structure and types of questions, so you’ll know what to expect when the time comes. Not taking the Praxis? You can also check out the:
  • Guide to the world languages oral test with an interviewer.
  • Guide to the world languages oral test with a computer.
  • Guide to the world languages writing test. 
  • Foundations of Reading test overview.
• Plan your approach. ETS (the Praxis test-maker) offers study companions and study plans to help you figure out where you need to focus and get the right resources. This study plan is designed for the Praxis, but you can adapt it for whichever test you’re planning to take! 
• Research test prep resources. Figure out what study materials you want to use, and give yourself plenty of time to order the right books, manuals or other resources (see our resource list below).
• Study your subject matter. This is where you’ll spend most of your time. Plan regular time to look over study guides, revisit textbooks or old class assignments, review flashcards, work with a study group… There are lots of ways to get the material down! The most important thing is to pace yourself so you’re not cramming at the last minute. 
• Take practice tests. Even if you know all the information, you’ll want to get used to the test-maker’s phrasing and test structure. Practice tests can help you know what to expect on test day and learn how to approach questions you’re unsure of. 

Whichever test you’re taking, there are study guides to help you prepare. Some come directly from test-makers, while others come from other educational organizations and universities. 

We’ll share a few resources here. 

Study materials from test-makers

• Test prep materials: Most tests come with free preparation materials from the test-maker. These materials cover everything from study tips to sample questions to strategies for answering multiple-choice questions. Find the free prep materials for your test:
  • Praxis Core and Praxis II:
    • The Praxis preparation page offers study companions and testing strategies.
    •  Study.com offers study materials for Praxis exams. You can get a free 30-day trial, followed by a monthly fee.
  • World Languages: The world languages test descriptions page features overviews of each exam, as well as links to additional materials for each test. Find your exams on the page and click “More details.” Then check out the Examinee Handbook for sample questions and test-taking tips. You can also get more information about language tests with:
    • Tips for oral test-takers.
    • The oral test preparation page.
    • The writing test preparation page.
  • Foundations of Reading: Check out the Foundations of Reading study guide to find sample questions and suggestions to prepare for your exam.
• Practice tests:
  • Praxis Core and Praxis II: When you register for the Praxis, you’ll automatically receive a free practice test. You can also buy an additional practice test for $19.95 at the Praxis store.
  • World Languages: Take a demo test for the written portion of your exam.

Third-party study materials

You also have numerous test prep options from third-party companies. Here are a few suggestions to get started. While we have not personally vetted all of these resources, you may find them useful in your test preparation. 

Free test prep options

• Praxis Core or Praxis II: Head to your local library and check out Praxis prep books from test prep gurus like Kaplan or CliffsNotes. (If you’re planning to mark up your book, you should probably buy the book instead!)
• Spanish Oral Exam: The University of Texas offers free practice modules for each language proficiency level. You can watch and analyze videos of interviews with Spanish speakers, then create and analyze your own interview video to practice. 

Paid test prep options

• $26.99: CliffsNotes offers a study book for the Praxis Core. The book includes content review and sample exams.
• $3-$24.99: Kaplan offers Praxis test prep books that have practice tests, detailed explanations of answers, question banks and content review.
• $49.99/month: For a monthly subscription fee, 240Tutoring offers access to their full catalogue of Praxis content exam study guides. If you score 90% on their practice test but don’t pass your exam, you’ll get a full refund for up to two months of your subscription.
• $39.99-$58.99: Test Prep Review offers free Praxis example questions and study tips, plus flashcards and study guide books in both printed and ebook formats.
• $59.99/month: Study.com offers study materials for Praxis exams. You can get a free 30-day trial, followed by a monthly fee. Test prep materials include a free practice test, plus study guides, practice questions and video lessons.
• Free-$295: Teachers Test Prep offers support for certain Praxis content area tests. You can get free study guides and practice tests, plus paid test prep courses, one-on-one tutoring, video instruction and more.
• $299-$399: Kaplan offers test prep courses for some Praxis content area tests. Courses include content review, hundreds of sample questions, full-length practice tests, video instruction and more.

State tests are required—but remember, your scores don’t necessarily reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Assessments like the core skills test and content exam are just one more step on your way to teaching, and you can take them more than once. 

You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!

You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve put together an amazing application, and you’re pretty sure you aced your teaching exam. But just as you’re submitting your materials to your program, you find out that your test scores won’t be available until after the application deadline. 

Don’t let this happen to you! Making a test schedule can save you application frustration and stress later on. You’ll want to know:

• Your program’s application deadline.
• Which tests your program requires.
• The dates that your test is offered. 
• How far in advance the test-maker requires you to register before you take your test.
• How long it takes to get your scores after you’ve taken the test.

Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding in at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time. 

After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 4!)

Check with your teaching program to find out when you need to have taken and passed the content exam, and to verify which tests you’ll take. 

Praxis exams

If you’re taking a Praxis test, head over to the Praxis registration page. There, you will:

1. Click Register Now.
2. Select Create Account.
3. After you’ve created an account, select Register for a Praxis Test.
4. To find the test you need, choose North Carolina as the certifying state.
5. Check the box next to the test you need to take. Then you’ll be able to choose your testing location, date and time. You’ll choose the date and time separately for each test you’ve selected (most people only need to take one test).
6. Choose where you want your score reports sent. If you know your program’s code, you can use that, or you can look up the program by state.
7. Verify your information and pay for your exam. The Praxis Core costs $150. Most Praxis content exams cost $130.

World Languages

For a world language teaching license, you’ll take your exam through Language Testing International (LTI). On the LTI page, you will:

1. Select your language and click Get Certified.
2. Scroll down until you see “WL & Bilingual Teacher Certification.” Click Choose Test.
3. Select North Carolina on the list of states.
4. Select your teaching program.
5. Select the age group that you plan to teach.
6. Read the information about finding a testing site or proctor. Then click Continue.
7. Select the tests you plan to take. In North Carolina, you’ll take both the Written Proficiency Test and the Oral Proficiency Interview. You can choose to take the spoken test with either an interviewer or through a computer program. If you choose the computer program option, you’ll select “OPIc” for your oral test.
8. Choose your testing date and time.
9. To continue, you’ll be asked to create an account and pay for your exams. The combined oral and written tests cost $218. 

Foundations of Reading 

If you need to take the Foundations of Reading assessment, you’ll do that through the Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum Tests website for North Carolina. 

Click Register in the top bar. Once you create an account, you can schedule your test, access preparation materials and check your scores.

At-home testing

Due to Covid-19, most test-makers now offer a “test from home” option. This lets you take your exam online through a secure portal or proctoring service.

Praxis online

You can register to take your Praxis at home through your Praxis account. Visit the Praxis At Home Testing page to see which Praxis exams are available for at home testing and what equipment you’ll need.

Language tests online

You can choose a remote proctoring service when you register for your exam. When you get to the test scheduling page, click the web-based proctoring option. 

Alternative testing arrangements

All exams have options to request special accommodations, such as alternative testing locations or extra time. Make sure you schedule your exam far enough out so that your accommodations request can get processed. Depending on the exam, this extra processing time can be anywhere from ten days to six weeks.  

Learn more about available accommodations and how to request them for each exam: 

Praxis Testing Accommodations

World Language Testing Accommodations

Foundations of Reading Alternative Testing Arrangements

Once you’ve registered, make a list of everything you need to do between now and your test day. 

Make a study schedule that includes time to: 

• Get a general test overview. The Praxis test prep center has familiarization videos that highlight the exam structure and types of questions, so you’ll know what to expect when the time comes. Not taking the Praxis? You can also check out the:
  • Guide to the world languages oral test with an interviewer.
  • Guide to the world languages oral test with a computer.
  • Guide to the world languages writing test. 
  • Foundations of Reading test overview.
• Plan your approach. ETS (the Praxis test-maker) offers study companions and study plans to help you figure out where you need to focus and get the right resources. This study plan is designed for the Praxis, but you can adapt it for whichever test you’re planning to take! 
• Research test prep resources. Figure out what study materials you want to use, and give yourself plenty of time to order the right books, manuals or other resources (see our resource list below).
• Study your subject matter. This is where you’ll spend most of your time. Plan regular time to look over study guides, revisit textbooks or old class assignments, review flashcards, work with a study group… There are lots of ways to get the material down! The most important thing is to pace yourself so you’re not cramming at the last minute. 
• Take practice tests. Even if you know all the information, you’ll want to get used to the test-maker’s phrasing and test structure. Practice tests can help you know what to expect on test day and learn how to approach questions you’re unsure of. 

Whichever test you’re taking, there are study guides to help you prepare. Some come directly from test-makers, while others come from other educational organizations and universities. 

We’ll share a few resources here. 

Study materials from test-makers

• Test prep materials: Most tests come with free preparation materials from the test-maker. These materials cover everything from study tips to sample questions to strategies for answering multiple-choice questions. Find the free prep materials for your test:
  • Praxis Core and Praxis II:
    • The Praxis preparation page offers study companions and testing strategies.
    •  Study.com offers study materials for Praxis exams. You can get a free 30-day trial, followed by a monthly fee.
  • World Languages: The world languages test descriptions page features overviews of each exam, as well as links to additional materials for each test. Find your exams on the page and click “More details.” Then check out the Examinee Handbook for sample questions and test-taking tips. You can also get more information about language tests with:
    • Tips for oral test-takers.
    • The oral test preparation page.
    • The writing test preparation page.
  • Foundations of Reading: Check out the Foundations of Reading study guide to find sample questions and suggestions to prepare for your exam.
• Practice tests:
  • Praxis Core and Praxis II: When you register for the Praxis, you’ll automatically receive a free practice test. You can also buy an additional practice test for $19.95 at the Praxis store.
  • World Languages: Take a demo test for the written portion of your exam.

Third-party study materials

You also have numerous test prep options from third-party companies. Here are a few suggestions to get started. While we have not personally vetted all of these resources, you may find them useful in your test preparation. 

Free test prep options

• Praxis Core or Praxis II: Head to your local library and check out Praxis prep books from test prep gurus like Kaplan or CliffsNotes. (If you’re planning to mark up your book, you should probably buy the book instead!)
• Spanish Oral Exam: The University of Texas offers free practice modules for each language proficiency level. You can watch and analyze videos of interviews with Spanish speakers, then create and analyze your own interview video to practice. 

Paid test prep options

• $26.99: CliffsNotes offers a study book for the Praxis Core. The book includes content review and sample exams.
• $3-$24.99: Kaplan offers Praxis test prep books that have practice tests, detailed explanations of answers, question banks and content review.
• $49.99/month: For a monthly subscription fee, 240Tutoring offers access to their full catalogue of Praxis content exam study guides. If you score 90% on their practice test but don’t pass your exam, you’ll get a full refund for up to two months of your subscription.
• $39.99-$58.99: Test Prep Review offers free Praxis example questions and study tips, plus flashcards and study guide books in both printed and ebook formats.
• $59.99/month: Study.com offers study materials for Praxis exams. You can get a free 30-day trial, followed by a monthly fee. Test prep materials include a free practice test, plus study guides, practice questions and video lessons.
• Free-$295: Teachers Test Prep offers support for certain Praxis content area tests. You can get free study guides and practice tests, plus paid test prep courses, one-on-one tutoring, video instruction and more.
• $299-$399: Kaplan offers test prep courses for some Praxis content area tests. Courses include content review, hundreds of sample questions, full-length practice tests, video instruction and more.