Iowa: Praxis Test Requirements
Who Must Take the Tests
Every new Iowa elementary teacher completing an Iowa state approved teacher preparation program beginning with the 2006-07 school year must take a content test in order to be considered Highly Qualified under the federal legislation No Child Left Behind.
The requirement applies only to candidates seeking the K-3 or K-6 regular classroom endorsements, including
- Endorsement 100: Teacher – Pre-kindergarten through Grade Three, including Special Education
- Endorsement 102: Teacher – Elementary Classroom K-6
- Endorsement 106: Teacher – Pre-K to Grade 3
Candidates in secondary and K-12 programs (Art, Music, P.E.) are not included.
Testing Requirements for Iowa Program Completion
How do I meet the new testing requirement for elementary teacher program completion?
The Iowa Department of Education requires that you take one of these two paper-based tests:
| Licensure Area | Session/ Test Code | Test Name | Qualifying Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Candidates | 10011 | Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (PDF) (calculators prohibited) | 151 |
| or | |||
| 10014 | Elementary Education: Content Knowledge | 142 | |
Note: ETS will NOT put Pass/Not Pass on score reports.
Which content test should I take? Would I have a better chance of earning a higher score on one of these tests?
This is your decision. Considerations in choosing which of the two tests to take may include:
- The content of each of the tests
- The state in which you plan to teach.
Sample test questions can be viewed in the Test at a Glance materials on this website.
Other states may have different requirements for Praxis II content tests. See the requirements listed under each state in the State Requirements section on this website.
Either elementary education content test will meet the new Iowa elementary teacher program content requirement.
If I plan to teach outside of Iowa, do I need to take this elementary education content test?
Yes.
You may view other state requirements on the Praxis website.
If you are graduating in the spring of 2007 or AFTER:
- You are required to take one of the two content tests in order to complete your teacher education program.
- You ARE required to attain a qualifying score. The qualifying score is 142 for Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (0014) and 151 for Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (0011).
When To Take the Test
Candidates scheduled to complete their programs and graduate after the 2009-10 school year should follow the recommendations of their respective teacher education programs.
Test dates are listed on the Registration page of this website.
Where To Take the Test
Test sites for the 2009-10 school year can be found on the Registration page of this website.
Cost of the Test
The cost of either test will be $130.00 This includes $80.00 for the test and $50.00 for the test registration fee (charged once per testing year).
How to Register for the Test
Register online at on the Registration page of this website:
- Follow the link to the Praxis II tests.
- Follow the link to Registering for a Test.
- Select a test: type in either 0011 or 0014; the prompt will provide you with the test name and ask you to select that test. You will then be asked to choose a test site.
- Select a city in which you wish to test (these are not available as a single menu of options); test site information will be displayed.
- Once you have chosen a test site, you will be prompted to check for seat availability.
- If a seat is available at that site, you will be prompted to choose that test at that site.
- You will be provided a summary of your test registration information (test and test site).
- You will then need to enter the higher education institution you are attending, which will automatically be a score recipient.
- You will then be able to select additional score recipients (states or institutions).
- Pay by credit card.
- Print your electronic ticket; this ticket will be needed when you arrive to take the test.
You may also register by paper, but it requires more time and familiarity with the test names, numbers, and the fees.
Where to Send Test Scores
Request that your score be sent to your teacher preparation institution (where you are completing your teacher preparation program). Your score must be received by your college/university program in order for you to complete your program and be recommended for licensure.
This page is a supplement to The Praxis Series 2009-10 Information Bulletin (PDF).
