Overview of Alaska Testing Requirements

How to Qualify for Certification

For initial certification in Alaska, all candidates must:

• earn a baccalaureate degree
• complete an approved program of teacher education
• meet basic competency exam requirements, such as the Praxis I® Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST®) option
• receive and submit an institutional recommendation
• submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• submit appropriate certification fees

While holding an initial certificate, all candidates must:

• complete the required Alaska studies courses
• complete the required multicultural/cross-cultural communication courses
• complete and pass a content area exam

For complete details on certification requirements, including application forms, teacher education programs and out-of-state application procedures, access the Teacher Certification page of Alaska's Department of Education & Early Development.

Important Information

• Beginning with the 2012–13 testing year, ETS is administering a new version of the Theatre test. The test will have a new test code: 0641. 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 from the date the test was taken. Consult the Test Requirements table for specific score requirements.

• ETS is offering several additional tests in a computer-delivered format that will be introduced throughout the testing year. Visit Test Centers and Dates to find testing centers near you.
  The computer-delivered versions cover the same content as the paper-delivered versions and are scored on the same scale; however, the computer-delivered tests have different test codes.

  • Art: Content Knowledge (5134) — February 2013
  • Biology: Content Knowledge (5235) — September 2012
  • Business Education: Content Knowledge (5101) — December 2012
  • Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) — September 2012
  • Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge (5571) — October 2012
  • Family and Consumer Sciences (5121) — December 2012
  • General Science: Content Knowledge (5435) — September 2012
  • Music: Content Knowledge (5113)* — February 2013
  • Physics: Content Knowledge (5265) — September 2012
  • World and United States History: Content Knowledge (5941) — December 2012
• Alaska requires a Social Security number (SSN) in order to process teacher certification paperwork. ETS does not require your SSN for its own purposes, but will submit it to Alaska with your test results. Failure to provide your SSN will delay processing of your certification application.

* This test is not available in a paper-delivered format except as required for ADA accommodations.

Who Must Take the Tests?

Teacher candidates or those wishing to become certified may be required to take The Praxis Series™ tests.

Prior to entering a teacher education program at your college or university, you may be required to take the Praxis I tests to demonstrate your qualifications.

In Alaska, you may take the Praxis I tests to satisfy the basic competency exam requirement for Initial teacher certification. An approved Praxis II® exam meets the content area exam requirement for Professional Teacher certification.

In Alaska, you may take the appropriate Praxis II as one option toward becoming highly qualified in a specific content area.

In Alaska, you may also add endorsements to your teaching certificate in five areas based on the successful completion of the appropriate Praxis II exams.

See also:

• About the Praxis™ Tests
• The Praxis Series™ Information Bulletin
• Prepare for a Test
• Register for a Test
• ParaPro Assessment
• Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities