Overview of Alaska Testing Requirements

For initial certification in Alaska, all candidates need to:

• earn a baccalaureate degree
• complete an approved educator preparation program
• meet basic competency exam requirements, such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests option
• receive and submit a State Approved Program Verification
• submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• submit appropriate certification fees
• complete and pass a content area exam

While holding an initial certificate, all candidates must:

• complete the required Alaska studies courses (PDF)
• complete the required multicultural/cross-cultural communication courses

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

• If you test in Alaska at a test center or at home, and your Praxis profile address is in Alaska, your score report will be sent automatically to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
• If you test outside Alaska or your Praxis profile address is not in Alaska, your scores are NOT automatically sent to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. To have your scores sent to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, you must select the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (state code 7027) as a score recipient when you register.
• For all methods of Praxis testing, to request additional score reports you must select the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (state code 7027) with each additional score report request.

• ETS discontinued paper-delivered testing; however, Praxis tests will continue to be available in a paper-delivered format as required for ADA accommodations. All scores for previously administered paper-delivered tests are reportable for 10 years from the date the test was taken.
• Alaska 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 Alaska with your test results. Failure to provide your SSN will delay processing of your certification application.

Teacher candidates or those wishing to become certified may be required to take the Praxis tests.

Prior to entering an educator preparation program at your college or university, you may be required to take the Core tests to demonstrate your qualifications.

In Alaska, you may take the Core tests to satisfy the basic competency exam requirement for Initial Teacher certification. Approved Praxis Subject Assessments meet the content area exam requirement for Professional Teacher certification.

In Alaska, you may also add endorsements to your teaching certificate in five areas. To add an endorsement, you must have 2 years of teaching experience in the desired content area as well as successfully complete the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about educator certification in the state of Alaska.