Licensure Exams

Candidates in the teacher licensure program must pass a licensure exam in the content area where they are seeking endorsement. The state of Tennessee stipulates what exams qualify in each endorsement area. 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 October 14th, 2022. Candidates are responsible for ensuring the information on this page is accurate and up-to-date. 

Policy Revisions made on Feb 10, 2023 will go into effect July 1, 2023. These revisions include the elimination of licensure exams for students who earn a major in their content area. This means Rhodes students recommended for licensure after July 1, 2023 do not need to pass the licensure exams below. Elementary candidates must still pass the exams below.

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.

All endorsement areas except for one require candidates to submit a qualifying score on the relevant Praxis exam. Candidates can schedule their Praxis exam by going to the Praxis page at the ETS website. Candidates are responsible for ensuring their scores are reported both to Rhodes College (code: RA1730) and the Tennessee State Department of Education (code: R8190). Candidates will be financially responsible for ordering any additional score reports if they do not provide these codes when they register for their Praxis exam.

*Candidates seeking an endorsement in Russian 6-12 must take the Alta Language Services Speaking and Listening Assessment administered by the Tennessee Language Center.