Overview of Kentucky Testing Requirements

How to Qualify for Certification

For initial certification in Kentucky, all candidates must:

• Complete an approved educator preparation program
• Pass The Praxis Series™ tests for their certification area 
• Complete the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program
• Submit the appropriate certification form and fees
• Verify additional options for their Kentucky educator certification
• Assessments for the Kentucky Principal Certification

Important Information

• Please note: Not all tests are offered on each administration date. Please plan ahead by checking the Test Date Exceptions table for paper-delivered or computer-delivered tests on the Test Centers and Dates page.
• Beginning with the 2012–13 testing year, ETS is administering new versions of two test titles (listed below). The new tests cover the same content as the previous tests. 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.
  • Latin — New Test Code: 0601
  • Theatre — New Test Code: 0641
• Kentucky requires your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN) to process educator certification paperwork. ETS does not require your SSN for its own purposes, but will submit your information to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (KYEPSB) with your test results. Failure to provide the information requested above could delay processing of your certification application.
• If you test in Kentucky, your score report will be sent automatically to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. If you test outside of Kentucky, select the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (code R7283) as a score recipient when you register or on an additional score report request. You may select up to three recipients at no charge during registration or purchase additional reporting after you test.

• 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. For tests available in both formats (paper and computer), 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.

  • 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
  • Library Media Specialist (5311) — February 2013
  • Music: Content Knowledge (5113) — February 2013
  • Physical Education: Content and Design (5095) — September 2012
  • Physics: Content Knowledge (5265) — September 2012
  • Reading Specialist (5301)* — September 2012
  • Speech-Language Pathology (5330) — December 2012

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

• Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) are not required to take the Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (0354/5354) or Speech-Language Pathology (0330/5330) assessments for Kentucky educator certification. Please contact the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board for additional information on SLPA educator certification requirements.

Who Must Take the Tests?

Most teacher candidates or those wishing to become certified in Kentucky must take The Praxis Series™ tests. If you are an Industrial Education candidate, see the examination prerequisites for occupation-based career and technical education teachers or contact KYEPSB.

Praxis I® Requirements

Prior to entering a teacher education program at your college or university, you are required to take the Praxis I tests to demonstrate your qualifications. See the Test Requirements page to view passing score requirements.

Praxis II® Requirements

Traditional Certification Route

Individuals who have completed a traditional teacher preparation program must successfully complete the Praxis II tests as part of the educator certification process.

Alternative Certification Routes

Visit the Kentucky Educational Professional Standards Board for alternative route assessment requirements.

Note: A passing score on a test, as required at the time you take the test, shall be valid for the purpose of applying for certification for five (5) years from the test administration date.

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