Overview of Ohio Testing Requirements

How to Qualify for Licensure

For information on how to qualify for initial licensure in Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Education website and enter "Initial Licensure" in the search box.

Important Information

• In September 2009, ETS began administering a new version of the Library Media Specialist (0311) test. The new test covers the same content as the previous test. However, scores are reported on a different scale, so requirements will vary from previous versions. All scores for discontinued tests are reportable for 10 years. Consult the Test Requirements table for specific score requirements.

Who Must Take the Educator Licensure Tests?

Teacher candidates or other professional educators wishing to become licensed must take The Praxis Series™ tests.

Applicants for educator licensure who meet any of the following criteria are required to successfully complete applicable portions of the Praxis II® test(s):

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) requires only ONE PLT test be taken in an educator’s career. However, new content or licensure areas require additional Praxis II Subject Assessment testing to establish minimum competency in that subject area. Any applicant interested in specific test requirements of an educator preparation program MUST contact the school, college or department of education of an approved institution.

If you are licensed in another state and are interested in obtaining a license in Ohio, contact:

The Ohio Department of Education
Center for the Teaching Profession
Office of Educator Licensure
25 S. Front Street, MS 105
Columbus, Ohio 43215-4183
1-614-466-3593

Changes in the following Praxis II subject assessment tests were effective September 1, 2008:

Any candidate who successfully completed tests #0351, #0120, #0400 or #0560 prior to September 1, 2008 will be considered to have met the subject assessment test requirements for the license sought. Any teacher candidate having successfully completed test #0310 prior to September 1, 2009 will be considered to have met the subject assessment test requirements for license sought.

Praxis II tests — In Ohio, you must take a Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test for your chosen grade level, as well as the appropriate Praxis II tests for each additional licensure area you wish to pursue.

Alternative Educator License

The two-year, non-renewable Alternative Educator License was created in January 2000 in response to current and expected teacher shortages in grades seven through twelve and in special education for grades Kindergarten through twelve. The Alternative Educator license is a non-traditional route for qualified baccalaureate degree-holders to transition to careers as classroom teachers.

For more information, see requirements for the alternative educator license.

Other Information

If you test in Ohio your score will automatically be sent to the ODE. If you test outside of Ohio, select the ODE (code R7945) as a score recipient when you register or on an additional score report request.

Visit the ODE website:

For information about the out-of-state application process, enter Out of State Applicants in the search box.

See also:

• About the Praxis™ Tests
• The Praxis Series™ 2009 – 10 Information Bulletin (PDF)
• Prepare for a Test  
• Register for a Test