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.
| URI Major | Required Praxis Test |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Early Childhood Education 5533 |
| Early Childhood Care and Education | Early Childhood Education 5533 |
| Elementary Education | Elementary Education 5001(subtests 5002,5003,5004,5005) Or Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 7001(Subtests 7002,7003,7004,7005); starting 9/1/25 |
| Secondary English | English Language Arts: Content and Analysis 5039 |
| Secondary Math | Mathematics 5165 |
| Secondary Social Studies | Social Studies: Content Knowledge 5081 Or Social Studies 5581; starting 9/1/25 |
| Secondary Science | General Science 5436 |
| Health, Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education | Health 5551 and Physical Education 5091 Or Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge 5857; starting 9/1/25 |
| Special Education | Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355 |
| TESOL | English to Speakers of Other Languages 5362 |
| Music Education | Music: Content Knowledge 5113 |
| School Library Media | School Librarian 5312 |
| World Languages | Spanish: World Language 5195 French: World Language 5174 German: World Language 5183 |
| Candidates seeking certification outside of Rhode Island should consult resources on Out-of-State Licensure on this page. |
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
- Educational Testing Service (ETS)
- Out of State Licensure Resource Table (This document is updated yearly by OCPP. Please verify any state information directly with that state’s department of education.)
- URI 240 Tutoring Reduced Cost Access
- URI Curriculum Materials Library licensure testing resources (study help)
- Mometrix study prep