Testing and Certification

Licensure Testing

Teacher candidates are required to take a licensure test from the state where they seek licensure prior to the start of the residency semester. (NOTE: Scheduling the test early in the summer is recommended. There is often limited availability for testing slots in the month of August!) Please designate URI as a score recipient with code 3919 when registering for Praxis. When they receive their official scores, candidates should submit the results to the COEDU database. URI College of Education teacher candidates are required to take the licensure exams; however, a passing score is not required for residency or graduation. Teacher candidates should see their advisors with questions.

To be in compliance with the licensure testing requirements of the URI College of Education, teacher candidates will:

  • Research licensure testing in the state where they plan to live and work after graduation. The best place to find licensure information is on the Department of Education’s website of the state where they plan to pursue licensure, but URI provides an overview of state certification requirements here.  General teacher licensure websites, such as Teach.com and ETS.org, also include testing requirements for many states.
  • Take the licensure test required for licensure in their certification area (please designate URI as a score report recipient with the code 3919)
  • Submit the test results to the COEDU database prior to the start of the residency semester. The final deadline is September 20th.
  • Meet with their faculty advisor for advice regarding licensure testing, teacher certification, and resources if they do not pass their required certification test.

The College of Education’s testing requirement provides us the opportunity to provide advising and support for those who do not pass on the first attempt. Delaying the test may result in the inability to access such supports, particularly after graduation.

A NOTE ON LICENSURE: Please note that individuals seeking state licensure will need to complete ALL certification requirements prior to certification, including meeting all licensure testing requirements. All states have multiple requirements for teacher licensure, often including (1) the completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, (2) specific licensure tests, and (3) other requirements. In completing a teacher preparation program at URI, teacher candidates will have met the requirement of completing a state-approved teacher preparation program (requirement 1). Teacher candidates will need to complete all state requirements for licensure, including licensure testing, prior to certification in any state.

Licensure Testing Resources