Overview of Idaho Testing Requirements

How to Qualify for Certification

For initial certification in Idaho, all candidates must:

• Earn an appropriate bachelor's degree or advanced degree.
• Complete the minimum requirements in a state-approved educator preparation program or an Idaho state-approved alternative educator certification program.
• Complete a criminal history check pursuant to Idaho Code §33-130.
• Pass The Praxis Series™ tests for their certification areas, hold National Board for Professional Standards Teaching Certification or verify Highly Qualified status, as defined by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, in their certification area by other approved means (e.g., test, degree, High, Objective, Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE), etc.). National Board certification or a degree cannot be used to demonstrate highly qualified status in the area of elementary education.

For more information, visit the Idaho State Department of Education online.

Important Information

• Idaho requires a Social Security number (SSN) in order to process educator certification paperwork. ETS does not require your SSN for its own purposes, but will submit it to Idaho with your test results. Failure to provide your SSN could delay processing of your certification application.
• Beginning with the September 2011 administration, ETS is administering a new version of the Geography test. The test will have a new test code: 0921. 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 which will be introduced throughout the testing year. These computer-delivered assessments are given by appointment through a national network of Prometric™ Testing Centers. 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.

  • Health Education (5550) — available in June 2012
  • Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5061) — available in June 2012
  • Physical Education: Content Knowledge (5091) — available in August 2012
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K–6 (5622) — available in July 2012
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5–9 (5623) — available in July 2012

Who Must Take the Tests?

Teacher candidates or those wishing to become certified must take The Praxis Series tests or verify Highly Qualified status by another approved means.

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 Idaho, you must also take the appropriate Praxis II® tests for each area of certification you seek.

See also:

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