May 27 / by The Learning Liaisons

How to Study for Your Teacher Certification Exams - 2024 Edition

Teacher certification exams are assessments designed to evaluate the preparedness of aspiring educators.

The exams are required by state education departments and professional teaching organizations as part of the certification process for educators.

Teacher certification exams ensure prospective teachers understand the subject matter, teaching methodologies, and educational principles required to educate students effectively. 

By passing these exams, candidates demonstrate their readiness to become teachers and meet the standards set by regulatory bodies.

This guide provides essential information and tips for individuals seeking to become certified teachers in the United States. 

We will cover exam preparation, study resources, test-taking strategies, and insights into the content and format of these exams. 

Read on and discover how to improve your chances of success in becoming a certified teacher.

What Are Teacher Certification Exams?

Teacher certification exams are standardized tests designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of aspiring teachers. 

You must pass teacher certification exams to be licensed as a teacher in a public school.

Different states in the United States have unique requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate. The first step in your journey to becoming a certified teacher should be to check the specific requirements of the state where you wish to teach. 

Here's a breakdown of some common requirements: 

  •    Meet degree requirements: You must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution. The degree needs to be in education or a specific subject area, depending on state regulations.
  •    Pass teacher certification exams: As a prospective teacher, you must demonstrate proficiency in subject matter knowledge, teaching methods, and pedagogical principles by passing one or more teacher certification exams.
  •    Pass the background check: Most states will require you to undergo a criminal background check to ensure you meet the ethical and moral standards expected of educators.
  •    Gain classroom experience: Most states mandate a certain amount of supervised teaching experience, often through student teaching or internships, to provide hands-on training in classroom management and instructional techniques.


Teacher certification exams vary in format, content, and scoring criteria. However, they all aim to ensure that aspiring teachers are qualified to effectively educate students and contribute to the education system.

The following are common teacher certification exams:

  •    Praxis series: They are developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Praxis exams are widely used by over 40 states for teacher certification across the United States. They cover various subjects and grade levels, including elementary education, secondary education, and specialty areas.
  •    Pearson exams: Pearson offers a range of exams for aspiring teachers in several states, covering general pedagogy and specific subject areas. For example, the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) and Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
  •    TExES: The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) assess the knowledge and skills required of educators in Texas. These exams cover subject-specific content as well as pedagogy and professional responsibilities.
  •    FTCE: The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) are used to assess the competency of prospective teachers in Florida. The exams cover general knowledge, subject area knowledge, and professional education competence.
  •    CBEST: The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) evaluates basic reading, writing, and math skills for prospective teachers in California.

Studying Tips for Teacher Certification Exams

Preparation is crucial for success on teacher certification exams. These exams cover a wide range of areas and topics related to education, subject-specific content, teaching methodologies, and professional responsibilities. 

Developing a comprehensive study plan is essential to ensure that you are adequately prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in all areas assessed by the exams.

Let's cover tips to increase your chances of achieving a passing score and obtaining certification as a qualified educator.

1. Create a Studying Plan

Having a structured study plan helps you organize your study materials, resources, and time effectively, ensuring that you cover all necessary topics and skills before the exam.

When you decide on specific hours and days to study and add them to your calendar, you will allocate dedicated time for exam preparation amidst other commitments.

Following a study plan promotes consistency in your study routine, preventing procrastination and ensuring steady progress toward your goal of passing the certification exam.

Follow these tips to create and follow a study plan:

  •    Be honest with yourself about your study habits, strengths, and weaknesses. Set achievable goals and break down your study sessions into manageable tasks.
  •    Decide how many hours per day or week you can realistically devote to studying. Consider your other commitments and responsibilities when setting study hours.
  •    Map out your study sessions with a calendar or organizer. Treat these study sessions as appointments that cannot be missed.
  •    Incorporate a variety of study methods, such as reading textbooks, watching educational videos, taking practice tests, and participating in study groups, to keep your study sessions engaging and effective.
  •    Ensure that your study plan includes sufficient breaks and downtime for relaxation and rejuvenation. Research shows that adequate rest and sleep are essential for cognitive function and retention of information.
  •    Track your learning and make changes to your study plan as you go.

Don't hesitate to seek support from mentors, peers, or professional tutors if you encounter challenges or need clarification on certain topics. 

 2. Use Study Guides

Study guides are comprehensive resources designed to assist prospective teachers in preparing for certification exams. They outline the key concepts, important information, and potential question formats you might encounter on the exam.

Study guides include practice questions and sample exams that allow you to assess your understanding of the material and familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the actual exam. 

Study guides provide test-taking strategies and tips for approaching different types of questions, managing time effectively, and reducing test anxiety. 

These strategies can help you navigate the exam more confidently and efficiently.

The following are different purposes for using study guides:

  •    You can analyze your performance on practice questions and sample exams to identify areas of strength and weakness.  
  •    Study guides help you prioritize your study efforts based on the results of your practice tests. You can allocate more study time to areas where you struggle and focus on mastering the content and skills required for success on the exam.
  •    Study guides provide tips on what to do if you encounter questions you are unsure about during the exam. For example,  educated guessing, eliminating obviously incorrect answer choices, and managing time effectively to maximize chances of success.


Using study guides effectively can help you enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success on teacher certification exams.

3. Take Practice Tests

Practice tests are crucial for prospective teachers preparing for certification exams because they allow you to gain familiarity with the specific teacher certification tests you need to take. 

You experience the format, structure, and types of questions commonly found on the actual exam, helping you reduce anxiety and feel more confident on test day. 

Practice tests give an accurate sense of how it feels to take the actual teacher certification exam. They simulate the testing environment, time constraints, and pressure of the real exam, providing a realistic preview of what to expect. 

Taking practice tests helps you identify areas of weakness or gaps in your knowledge. By reviewing your performance on practice questions, you can pinpoint which topics or concepts require further study and focus your efforts accordingly.

Here are tips for using practice tests effectively:

  •    Incorporate regular practice tests into your study routine to track your progress and reinforce your learning. Aim to take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the exam experience as closely as possible.
  •    After completing a practice test, review your answers and analyze your performance. Identify any patterns of errors or recurring themes in the questions you struggle with to determine which areas require additional study.
  •    Use practice tests as tools to identify areas of weakness and spend enough time understanding them better. Allocate extra study time to these topics to strengthen your knowledge and skills before the actual exam.
  •    Create a testing environment similar to the actual exam when taking practice tests. Minimize distractions, set a timer, and adhere to the same rules and guidelines as you would on test day. This will help prepare you for the pressure of the actual test.
  •    Seek feedback from instructors, mentors, or peers on your performance on practice tests. They may offer tips, or additional resources to help you improve your understanding of the material.

4. Consider Getting a Study Partner or Joining a Study Group

Studying for teacher certification exams may feel like a solitary activity, but combining different ways of studying, such as joining a study group or finding a study partner, can increase your chances of success.

Studying with others provides motivation and accountability because you're more likely to stay committed to your study schedule when you have others relying on you.

Interacting with study partners exposes you to different approaches to solving problems, which can deepen your understanding of the material and help you see concepts from new angles.

Study groups often pool resources such as notes, textbooks, and practice exams, giving you access to a wider range of study materials than you might have on your own. 

Follow these tips when studying with others:

  •    Set goals and expectations for your study sessions with your partner or group. Determine what topics you'll cover, how you'll review them, and what outcomes you hope to achieve.
  •    Rotate roles within the group, taking turns leading discussions, quizzing each other, and providing feedback.  It helps ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute and learn from each other.
  •    Minimize distractions during study sessions. Set specific time limits for each topic or activity to ensure that you cover everything you need to.
  •    Experiment with visual aids and other learning strategies to find what works best for you.
  •    Offer constructive feedback to your study partners, and be open to receiving feedback yourself. Helpful feedback shows you what to work on and how to improve your studying.

5. Prepare Everything the Day Before the Exam

Minimizing stress on exam day is critical for optimal performance.  To ensure a smooth test-taking experience, prepare everything the day before your exam.

Here's a checklist to ensure you're fully prepared:

  •    Double-check the testing center's requirements and ensure you have all necessary documents, such as your official photo ID and registration confirmation.
  •    Pack a comfortable outfit, a few sharpened pencils, a healthy snack, and some water. Be sure to check the testing center's policy regarding bringing food and drinks.
  •    Locate the testing center and plan your travel route. Factor in potential traffic delays and aim to arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress.
  •    Spend some time reviewing key concepts and topics you might be unsure about. Don't overload yourself with new information; a quick refresher can boost your confidence on exam day.
  •    Aim for a good night's sleep before the exam to ensure you feel alert and focused on test day.

6. Familiarize Yourself with the Testing Center

Before your teacher certification exam, it's essential to learn the location of the testing center and familiarize yourself with the center itself. 

Knowing the testing center's location beforehand can alleviate stress on the exam day. You won't waste time finding the center, ensuring you arrive on time.

Familiarizing yourself with the layout of the testing center, including the entrance, restrooms, and the room where you'll take the exam, can help you easily navigate the facility. You'll have more confidence and a greater sense of control when you feel comfortable in your surroundings. 

Take note of important details such as parking availability, nearby landmarks, and any specific instructions the testing center provides. This information will help you plan your journey on the exam day.

Are You Ready For Your Teacher Certification Exam?

As established, preparation is crucial for success on teacher certification exams. Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  •    Develop a strategic study plan 
  •    Utilize high-quality study guides 
  •    Take practice tests regularly 
  •    Consider studying with a partner or Group 
  •    Minimize exam day stress 


Many students opt to engage the services of test preparation experts to help them successfully prepare for the exam and eliminate frustration.

Enrolling in preparation programs, such as The Learning Liaisons, can provide support from experienced educators and increase the likelihood of success.

If you're getting ready to take your teacher certification exam, ensure you're fully prepared by considering enrollment in a preparation program. 

Reach out to The Learning Liaisons today for study guides, video tutorials, one-on-one coaching and access to exclusive study groups.