Feb 7 / Dr. Jason Ampel

How to Prepare for a Test and Become a Teacher in 2024

Becoming a teacher is a noble and rewarding career. However, before you’re licensed, you have to take and pass certification tests. The assessments are designed to ensure that teachers are well-equipped to provide quality education to their students.

Teacher certification tests vary by state and the subject or grade level you aim to teach in. They test your content knowledge, ability to convey instruction and professionalism.

In this article, we will cover in detail why you must take tests if you want to become a teacher, the purpose these tests serve in your teaching career, and at which stage you’re required to take the assessments.

We'll also provide strategies to help you prepare for and pass these tests to bring you closer to your goal of becoming an educator.

Test Preparation for Teachers

Despite the teaching career you’re pursuing, passing exams significantly impacts your future. Therefore you must prepare adequately for the tests. For instance, you can attend engaging lessons facilitated by experienced tutors passionate about their subjects. 

An experienced tutor will create curiosity and help deepen your understanding of complex concepts by:

  •    Using diverse teaching methods to help you grasp and retain information
  •    Providing ample practice opportunities
  •    Offering constructive feedback

As an aspiring teacher, you’ll be prepared to pass the exam and also equipped with the tools needed for effective classroom instruction.

The following is an overview of crucial teacher certification exams you may have to take before you’re licensed:

  •    Praxis:  The Praxis exams assess the academic proficiency of prospective teachers. They are used by many states as part of the teacher certification process. The exams cover various subjects and teaching levels, ensuring that candidates meet the standards required for effective teaching.
  •    CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers): CSET is specific to California and assesses the subject-matter knowledge of candidates seeking teaching credentials in the state. They cover a range of subjects from multiple subjects for elementary teaching to specific subjects for secondary education.
  •    CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test): CBEST evaluates the basic reading, writing, and math skills of prospective teachers in California. The assessment is aimed at certifying that aspiring teachers in California have the foundational skills necessary for effective instruction. It’s divided into three sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
  •   CPACE (California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination): CPACE is for individuals seeking preliminary administrative services credentials in California. The exam assesses candidates' knowledge related to educational leadership and administration.
  •    RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment): RICA is also a teacher assessment in California. It’s designed to ensure California teachers have the skills to provide effective reading instruction. The exam covers assessment, instruction, and the ability to create a literate environment.
  •    FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations): FTCE assesses the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking teaching certification in Florida. The exams cover various subjects and grade levels, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to provide quality instruction in Florida’s classrooms.


Effective test preparation is not just about passing an exam; it's about building a solid foundation for a successful teaching career. 

In the next section, we will delve into practical strategies to help you navigate the preparation process for these critical exams.

Strategies to Prepare for Teaching Tests

Teacher exams are essential milestones on your journey toward becoming an educator, and their significance extends far beyond the confines of the examination room. 

Passing these exams is not just a personal achievement but a prerequisite for stepping into the teaching profession. These assessments are designed to evaluate if you’re well-prepared to excel in the classroom.

They measure your readiness to undertake the responsibilities of educating and nurturing the next generation. 

Education authorities and institutions use teaching tests to uphold the standards of teaching excellence and safeguard the quality of education provided to students.

To guide you on your path to success, we will explore some of the most effective strategies employed by prospective teachers when preparing for their exams:

1. Create Your Studying Routine

A study routine is an organized schedule outlining specific times for studying, reviewing study material, and completing academic tasks. It allocates specific time slots for studying, making it easier to manage time effectively.

If you have a procrastination problem, a study routine establishes a pattern of learning that becomes a habit, making it easier to stay focused. It can help increase productivity by prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals.

Here are tips to help you develop an effective study routine:

  •    Choose a quiet and comfortable place to study, free from distractions and ensure you have all the necessary materials.
  •    Identify your existing commitments, such as classes, work, and other obligations.
  •    Allocate specific time blocks for studying, taking into account your peak concentration periods.
  •    Set specific, measurable, achievable and relevant learning goals.
  •    Recognize the topics you need to work on more and prioritize them.
  •    Remember to include breaks to avoid burnout.
  •    Allow room for adjustment in your routine to accommodate unexpected situations or changes.
  •    Mix up your study methods to keep things interesting and engage different learning styles.
  •    Regularly evaluate and adjust your routine based on what works best for you.


What works for another person may not work for you. Create a study routine suitable for you and be ready to adjust it if the need arises.

2. Start With the Easiest Parts

Initiating your study sessions by tackling the simplest parts of the exam content is a confidence-boosting approach. 

Beginning with familiar material lets you ease into your study routine and build momentum. This strategy helps overcome initial anxiety and serves as a positive reinforcement mechanism. 

As you progress through the more difficult sections, you'll gain a sense of accomplishment, motivating you to tackle more challenging topics with increased confidence. 

Furthermore, starting with the easiest parts enhances your understanding of the subject, making it easier to address complex concepts later in your study sessions.

3. Attend Preparation Courses

Exam preparation courses are programs designed to help aspiring teachers prepare for their standardized tests and professional certifications.

Exam preparation courses equip participants with the knowledge and strategies to perform well on the exam. 

There are several benefits of enrolling in an exam preparation course:

  •    They are tailored to the content and format of the specific exam. Therefore they ensure that candidates cover all the essential topics required for success.
  •    Exam preparation courses are led by qualified instructors with extensive expertise in the subject matter and the exam.
  •    These courses come with a well-organized study plan that helps candidates manage their time effectively leading up to the exam.
  •    Exam preparation courses provide access to sample questions, practice tests, and mock exams.
  •    Courses teach effective strategies for approaching different types of questions and managing


Look for preparation courses that align with your exam requirements and learning preferences.

4. Take Practice Tests

Practice tests simulate the exam environment, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the format, question types, and time allocated. They assess your content knowledge and help you identify areas that require further review. 

Taking practice tests also helps you learn to allocate your time wisely across different sections.

You can get practice tests from the official website of your exam. Alternatively, you can enroll in a preparation course such as The Learning Liaisons, where you’ll get practice tests as part of the course.

Here are some tips to help you take practice tests effectively:

  • Create a quiet and distraction-free environment to simulate exam conditions and use the same time limits as the actual exam to get a realistic experience.
  • Once you’re done with a practice test, review the incorrect answers. Understand why you made mistakes and learn from them to avoid similar errors in the future.
  • Establish specific goals for each practice test, such as achieving a certain score or improving in a particular area.
  • Take advantage of any additional resources provided with practice tests, such as answer explanations and study guides. They’ll help deepen your understanding of concepts and improve your performance.

5. Join a Study Group

Being part of a study group enriches your test preparation experience through a supportive community and collaborative learning. 

When you engage with peers who share similar goals, you exchange ideas, get clarification of doubts, and solve problems together.

Explaining concepts to others within the group also reinforces your understanding.

To get the most out of a study group, follow these tips:

  • Choose study group members with varied strengths to create a well-rounded support network.
  • Establish clear goals and a regular meeting schedule to ensure productivity. 
  • Use technology to share documents and communicate to enhance group collaboration, especially if members cannot meet in person.
  • Maintain a supportive and helpful atmosphere within the group.


Joining a study group enhances your grasp of the material and provides emotional support during the challenging preparation journey.

6. Make Flash Cards

Flashcards are small cards with information on both sides. One side contains a question or concept, and the other side provides the corresponding answer or explanation. 

Flashcards help strengthen memory retention by promoting active recall. It’s a powerful learning technique where you retrieve information from memory. 

Flashcards are portable and focus on key information. You can study on the go, making productive use of short breaks.

The following tips will help you use flashcards effectively to prepare for your assessment:

  • Keep each card focused on one topic or concept.
  • When reviewing flashcards, attempt to recall the information before flipping the card to check your answer.
  • Include visual elements on your flashcards, such as diagrams, charts, or images, to enhance memory and understanding.
  • Exchange flashcards with peers during group study sessions.

7. Create a Mind Map Summary Sheet

Developing a mind map summary sheet is a visual technique to organize complex information, reinforce connections between topics, and enhance overall comprehension. 

This method aids in information recall and provides a quick reference for a deep review. 

Creating the mind map itself reinforces your understanding of the subject matter. Use it for last-minute reviews or as an overview of your test preparation.

The following is a step-by-step process of creating a mind map summary sheet:

  1.    Identify the central topic or main concept you want to summarize and place it at the center of your mind map.
  2.    Determine the main subtopics related to the central topic to form the primary branches extending from the central point.
  3.    Draw main branches from the central topic, each representing one of the key subtopics. Label these branches with the names of the subtopics.
  4.    For each main branch, add additional branches to represent supporting details, facts, or subcategories related to the subtopic.
  5.    Include keywords, short phrases, or brief explanations on these branches.
  6.    Enhance visual clarity by using colors to distinguish between branches or highlight important information.
  7.    Use connecting lines or arrows to show relationships between different ideas or concepts.
  8.    Arrange information in a hierarchical manner, with the most important or fundamental concepts closer to the center.
  9.    Mind maps are most effective when they are concise. Avoid long sentences and instead use keywords and short phrases to convey information.
  10.    Incorporate Images or symbols to make the mind map summary sheet more and memorable.

8. Create Study Checklists

A study checklist helps you organize and track your study tasks to ensure you cover all the material and stay on top of your exam preparation.

It provides a clear overview of the topics or tasks you need to cover, helping reduce stress and confusion about what needs to be done.

You can monitor your progress as you complete tasks and set specific, measurable, and achievable goals for each study session. 

Here’s how you can create a study checklist:

  • Start by writing a list of all the study activities you need to accomplish.
  • Allocate time for review sessions to deepen your understanding of concepts you’ve learned previously. 
  • When you complete a task, check it off your list to get a feeling of accomplishment and visualize your progress.


Creating a  study checklist motivates you to organize your test preparation efforts and track your progress.

Day of the Exam

As the day of your teacher certification exam approaches, do not forget that your test preparation extends into the day of the examination. 

What you do on this pivotal day can greatly influence your performance and increase your chances of success. 

Let’s explore effective strategies to apply on the exam day to optimize your performance and enhance your test-taking experience.

1. Get Enough Sleep

Getting adequate sleep is important in test preparation, especially on the exam day. 

Quality sleep ensures that your cognitive functions, memory retention, and problem-solving abilities are at their peak.  Therefore, aim for a full night's sleep before the exam to promote alertness and reduce fatigue. 

Avoid caffeine or electronic devices close to bedtime to enhance the quality of your sleep. Establish a consistent sleep routine in the days leading up to the exam to allow your body to adjust. 

You will wake up on exam day feeling refreshed and mentally sharp.

2. Arrive Early

Being punctual provides a buffer for unexpected delays, reduces stress, and allows you to acclimate to the exam environment. 

Familiarize yourself with the location, check-in procedures, and any specific instructions provided by the testing center. 

When you’re early, you’ll have a composed start to your exam, setting a positive tone for the entire testing experience. 

Avoid the unnecessary anxiety of rushing by planning to arrive well in advance so that you give yourself ample time to focus on the test and perform at your best.

3. Read Questions Several Times Before Answering

Take the time to read each question thoroughly before answering. Doing this will  help prevent misinterpretation and improve your accuracy. 

Rushing through questions may lead to misunderstandings and mistakes. Reading questions multiple times ensures you understand and you approach them with clarity. 

Pay attention to nuances, keywords, and any specific instructions provided. It’ll help you avoid common errors and contribute to more strategic and confident test-taking.

4. Be Conscious of Time

Time management is critical to successful test-taking, and being conscious of time throughout the exam can impact your performance. 

Allocate specific time limits for each section or question and regularly check the clock to ensure you stay on track. It helps prevent spending too much time on a challenging question, allowing you to cover the entire exam. 

If you’re running out of time, decide which questions to prioritize based on your strengths. 

Being mindful of time ensures you complete the exam, minimizes stress, and enhances your efficiency.

5. Answer the Easiest Questions First

Starting with the easiest questions boosts your confidence and maximizes your efficiency during the exam. 

Tackling familiar or straightforward questions first allows you to accumulate points quickly, providing a positive momentum for the rest of the test. 

You will build confidence early in the exam, making it easier to approach more challenging questions with a clear mind later. 

Furthermore, answering the easy questions first helps ensure you don't miss out on securing points you are well-prepared to earn.

6. Review the Exam Before Submitting

Reviewing your answers before submitting the exam can help catch errors, improve accuracy, and provide a final opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge. 

During the review, pay attention to any questions that you found challenging, and ensure that your responses align with the instructions. 

Check for grammatical errors, calculation mistakes, or misinterpretations. Use any remaining time to revisit questions and confirm your choices. 

Carefully reviewing your work helps rectify potential errors and provides closure and confidence before concluding the exam.

7. Ask Questions If You Don’t Understand

If you encounter unclear instructions or have doubts about a question during the exam, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. 

When you seek clarification, you’ll provide accurate responses because you’ll fully comprehend the intent of the question. 

Most testing centers have staff available to address queries or concerns. Prioritize clarity and understanding to take the exam confidently and avoid potential misunderstandings.

8. Relax

Maintaining relaxation during the exam is essential for optimal performance. High levels of stress can hinder cognitive functions and decision-making abilities. 

Practice deep breathing techniques or mindfulness exercises to manage anxiety. Remember that feeling nervous is normal, but channel that energy positively. 

Take short breaks if allowed, stretch, and refocus your mind. 

A relaxed state of mind enhances clarity, allowing you to approach each question calmly and composed.

Prepare Yourself to Become a Teacher

Embarking on a teaching career involves seeking knowledge, rigorous test-taking, and dedicated studying. Once you pass the certification tests, you can begin the rewarding journey as a teacher.

Even after certification, you’ll still engage in professional development and take tests that will move you up the career ladder and advance your career. This means you must embrace lifelong learning to succeed as a teacher.

Teaching exams evaluate whether you are well-equipped to inspire and educate future generations. You need to be proficient in the subject matter as well as in the art of test-taking and studying. 

To get test-taking tips, strategies, and personalized coaching. Reach out to us at The Learning Liaisons. We’ll provide video tutorials, study guides, practice exams, study groups and experienced tutors to help you prepare for all your teacher assessments.