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Arizona teacher licensure exams

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What is the AEPA/NES exam?

The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) is a series of tests that determine an individual’s competency for employment in the Arizona public school system. Passing scores on the National Evaluation Series (NES) tests are used to attain certifications or endorsements from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). The ADE provides information on Arizona educator exams, exam preparation, and testing requirements.

Information and preparation resources

This page offers information and resources on preparing for your teacher licensure exams both in and outside of Arizona.

Which licensure exam(s) do you need to take?

To teach in Arizona:

Professional Knowledge

  • Aligns with InTASC standards and methods coursework.

Subject Knowledge

  • Aligns with discipline standards.
  • Subject Knowledge exams are optional for some degree programs/teacher certification areas.

Foundations of Reading (literacy exam)

  • Required by all new kindergarten through grade five teachers by 2028.

Certification Test Information and FAQ

  • Find out which certification tests are applicable to you.
Learn more about certification tests

When should you take the licensure exam(s)?

Professional Knowledge and Foundations of Reading:

  • It’s recommended that students take Professional Knowledge licensure exam(s) right before their student teaching semester or during student teaching.

Subject Knowledge:

  • Subject knowledge can be taken once content knowledge coursework is completed.

Plan Ahead:

  • It takes approximately four weeks to get Professional Knowledge exam results due to scoring handwritten scenario items.
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Preparation resources

Professional Knowledge Exam items are connected to the InTASC model core teaching standards.

1. Download the InTASC model core teaching standards.

2. Connect each of the 10 Standards to content from the methods classes you have or will take.

 

 

 
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AEPA Preparation resources

Go to the Pearson AEPA website and view all available preparation materials.

 

 
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NES preparation resources

  • If you are interested in purchasing test preparation materials, we recommend the National Evaluation Series (NES) Right Start interactive courses and the NES practice tests for the exam(s) you will be taking. Costs are about $35.
  • AVOID purchasing preparation materials from other vendors.

Go to the AEPA Prepare page for sample question, free study guides and tutorials, and to purchase the Right Start interactive learning courses and the practice tests.

 

 
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Free COE test preparation resources

  • NAU is now offering a webinar each semester titled Arizona Teacher Licensure Exams: Information and Preparation Resources:
  • NAU also offers self-paced web courses to assist students, alumni, and the community with preparing for the following AEPA/NES licensure exams:
    • NES Professional Knowledge: Elementary
    • NES Professional Knowledge: Secondary
    • NES Elementary Subject Knowledge Tests I and II
    • NES Special Education: Mild/Moderate Subject Knowledge Test

If you encounter any issues registering, please contact TestPrepCenter@nau.edu

Register here

Subject Knowledge Exam

The Subject Knowledge Exam items are directly connected to discipline standards.

Subject Knowledge Exam

Elementary subject knowledge aligned with K–5 discipline standards.

 

Registration steps

  1. Go to the AEPA website.
  2. Select the “my account” tab and create an account.
  3. Make sure to choose NAU as your reporting school.
  4. Locate a testing center

Remember to keep a copy of your exam results.

Student teaching

Student Teaching Intern Certificate (STIC)

Licensure exam requirements include a passing score on the required Arizona Professional Knowledge and the subject knowledge exam(s) that correspond to the teaching certificate the applicant is pursuing.

 

Out of state

Planning to teach out-of-state after graduation?

Resources

Please note that AEPA tests were specifically developed for Arizona and may or may not be accepted by other states. Check out-of-state licensure exam rules in advance.

Which states accept the NES test for certification?

Not all states accept NES certification. Additionally, each state that does accept NES has varying standards for certification. It is important to check the specific state’s NES testing requirements, including what role and conditions require the certification. The following states currently accept NES test scores for certification: Arizona, California, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Planning on teaching in a state that requires Praxis instead of NES? Check out the varying state requirements.

Resources to help you prepare for the NES® and AEPA® teacher licensure exams

Exam registration

Locate a testing center