Licensure Exams

Candidates in the teacher licensure program pursuing an Elementary Endorsement must pass licensure exams. The state of Tennessee stipulates what exams qualify. The information on this page comes from Policy 5.105 "Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators," which candidates can look up by typing the policy number into the search bar at the State Board of Education Policy website. This information was last updated on April 12th, 2024. Candidates are responsible for ensuring the information on this page is accurate and up-to-date. 

Candidates pursuing secondary endorsements do not need to pass licensure exams as long as the name of their second major corresponds closely to their endorsement area. All secondary endorsement candidates should confirm their major satisfies this requirement with the Teacher Licensure Coordinator.

If you need support to pass the Praxis exam, there are free Test and Career Prep modules available through the University of Memphis. Click this link to explore the options. If you normally have accommodations for taking standardized tests, you may be eligible for those same accommodations on the exams below. The process for getting test accommodations can be arduous, and you should talk to the Teacher License Coordinator early on in this process. You can also direct questions to ETS Disability Services at  609-771-7780 or stassd@ets.org.

Candidates can schedule their Praxis exam by going to the Praxis page at the ETS website. Candidates are responsible for three things: 

1. ensuring you include your Social Security Number in your Praxis account profile,
2. ensuring your scores are reported to Rhodes College (code: RA1730), AND
3. ensuring your scores are reported to the Tennessee State Department of Education (code: R8190). 

Candidates will be financially responsible for ordering any additional score reports if they do not provide their SSN or either of these codes when they register for their Praxis exam.