Most teacher certification exams in 2026 — including Praxis, TExES, FTCE, CSET, and NYSTCE — are available year-round at computer-based testing centers, Monday through Saturday. There are no fixed national test dates. You register, choose your preferred date and location, and schedule through the official testing portal for your state’s exam. Registration typically opens 30 to 90 days in advance. Scroll down to find your state’s exam and official registration link.
If you are working toward a teaching license in 2026, one of the first questions you need to answer is: which exam do I take, and when can I take it?
The answer depends entirely on which state you plan to teach in. Every state has its own teacher certification exam — or uses a nationally recognized exam with state-specific passing scores. The good news is that most of them are available year-round, which means you have flexibility in scheduling.
This guide covers every major state teacher certification exam, registration process, fees, and passing scores for 2026.
How Teacher Certification Exams Work in 2026
Unlike the SAT or AP exams, teacher certification exams do not have fixed national test dates. Most exams are offered as computer-based tests available year-round, Monday through Saturday at Pearson VUE or similar testing centers across the country.
Here is how the process works for most states:
- Create an account on your state’s official exam portal
- Register for your specific exam and pay the fee
- Schedule your preferred date and testing center location
- Take the exam and receive your score report within 2 to 6 weeks
- Submit passing scores to your state’s department of education
The key deadline to know is your student teaching deadline — most teacher preparation programs require you to pass your certification exam before student teaching begins. Plan to take the exam as early as possible while giving yourself enough time to prepare, and allow time to retake if needed.
State-by-State Teacher Certification Exam Guide 2026
🗺️ States Using Praxis (40+ States)
Many states require the Praxis series of exams administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Praxis exams include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Praxis Elementary Education Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments.
States using Praxis include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Hawaii, and many others.
| Exam | Who Takes It | Test Dates | Fee | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praxis Core | All candidates — basic skills test | Year-round, Mon–Sat | $146–$180+ | Varies by state |
| Praxis Subject Assessments | Subject-specific — Math, English, Science etc. | Year-round, Mon–Sat | $146–$180+ | Varies by test + state |
| Praxis Elementary Ed (5018) | Elementary school teachers | Year-round | $146 | Varies by state |
How to register for Praxis: Create an account at ets.org/praxis, select your exam, and schedule at a Pearson VUE testing center near you. Seats fill fast in spring — register at least 30 days early.
🤠 Texas — TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards)
The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) are a set of exams designed to assess subject matter knowledge for individuals planning to teach in Texas public schools. The specific TExES exam a candidate must take depends on the subject and grade level they plan to teach, as determined by the State Board for Educator Certification.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test Dates | Year-round, computer-based testing |
| Registration | tx.nesinc.com |
| Fees | $116–$131 per exam |
| Passing Score | 240 out of 300 |
| Retake Wait Period | 30 days between attempts |
Those planning to teach at the elementary school level typically need to pass the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 exam, while those wishing to teach a specific subject at the middle or secondary school level will need to pass a TExES Subject Area exam such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Social Science, or English.
Note for Texas candidates: Some teacher preparation programs require you to pass TExES before being admitted. Check your specific program’s requirements before scheduling your exam date.
🌴 Florida — FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations)
The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) ensure that teaching credential candidates demonstrate the necessary content and pedagogical knowledge required to effectively instruct students in Florida.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test Dates | Year-round, computer-based testing |
| Registration | fl.nesinc.com |
| Fees | $150–$200 per exam |
| Passing Score | 200 out of 300 |
| Retake Wait Period | 31 days between attempts |
The most widely taken FTCE exam is the FTCE General Knowledge test. Computer-based testing for the FTCE General Knowledge exam is now offered continuously throughout the year. The test includes Mathematics, Reading, English Language Skills, and Essay subtests.
Florida also requires candidates to pass the FTCE Professional Education test and a Subject Area exam relevant to the grade level and subject they plan to teach.
☀️ California — CBEST, CSET & edTPA
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) are used to assess subject matter mastery for individuals seeking credentials to teach in California schools.
| Exam | Who Takes It | Fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBEST | All candidates — basic skills | $41 per subtest | cbest.nesinc.com |
| CSET Multiple Subjects | Elementary teachers | $99–$132 per subtest | cset.nesinc.com |
| CSET Single Subject | Secondary subject teachers | $99–$132 per subtest | cset.nesinc.com |
| edTPA | All candidates — teaching portfolio | $300 | edtpa.com |
California’s CBEST and CSET exams are available year-round at computer-based testing centers. The edTPA is a portfolio-based assessment submitted during student teaching — it has specific submission windows tied to your teacher preparation program’s schedule. Contact your program coordinator for your specific edTPA submission deadline.
🗽 New York — NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations)
The New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) are required for all prospective educators in New York State by the New York State Education Law and Commissioners Regulations.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test Dates | Year-round, Monday through Saturday at Pearson testing centers |
| Registration | nystce.nesinc.com |
| Fees | $65–$165 per exam; CSTs cost $119 (CBT) or $79 (PBT) |
| Passing Score | 220 on 100–300 scale OR 520 on 400–600 scale depending on exam |
| Cancellation Policy | Cancel at least 24 hours before for full refund |
NYSTCE exams include Tests for School Leadership, Tests for Teacher Certification, and the Assessment of Teaching Skills for Teaching Assistant Certification. Not all exams are required by all candidates.
Score report dates range anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks after the test is taken, depending on testing windows. Register at least 30 days in advance — seats are first-come, first-served.
🌊 Massachusetts — MTEL (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test Dates | Year-round, computer-based testing |
| Registration | mtel.nesinc.com |
| Fees | $115–$135 per exam |
| Passing Score | 240 out of 300 |
| Score Release | 2 to 6 weeks after testing |
Massachusetts requires candidates to pass the Communication and Literacy Skills test (reading and writing subtests) plus a Subject Matter Knowledge test relevant to the grade level or subject area they plan to teach. Some candidates must also pass a Foundations of Reading test.
🍑 Georgia — GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test Dates | Year-round, computer-based |
| Registration | gace.ets.org |
| Fees | $123–$193 per test |
| Passing Score | 250 out of 300 |
🌾 Illinois — ILTS (Illinois Licensure Testing System)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test Dates | Year-round, computer-based |
| Registration | il.nesinc.com |
| Fees | $122–$165 per exam |
| Passing Score | 240 out of 300 |
Quick Reference — All Major State Exams at a Glance
| State | Exam Name | Test Dates | Passing Score | Official Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | TExES | Year-round | 240/300 | tx.nesinc.com |
| Florida | FTCE | Year-round | 200/300 | fl.nesinc.com |
| California | CBEST + CSET | Year-round | Varies | cset.nesinc.com |
| New York | NYSTCE | Year-round | 220 or 520 | nystce.nesinc.com |
| Massachusetts | MTEL | Year-round | 240/300 | mtel.nesinc.com |
| Georgia | GACE | Year-round | 250/300 | gace.ets.org |
| Illinois | ILTS | Year-round | 240/300 | il.nesinc.com |
| 40+ Other States | Praxis | Year-round | Varies by state | ets.org/praxis |
How to Find Your Specific State’s Exam
If your state is not listed above, here is how to find the right exam in under two minutes:
Step 1 — Go to your state’s Department of Education website and search “teacher certification requirements.”
Step 2 — Look for the “Certification Exams” or “Licensure Tests” section — it will name the specific exam required for your certification area.
Step 3 — Go directly to the official exam portal for that test to register, pay, and schedule your date.
Most states use either Praxis (ETS), Pearson’s NES/NESINC platform, or their own state-specific portal. The official exam portal for each state is always listed on that state’s Department of Education website — avoid third-party sites for registration.
When Should You Take Your Teacher Certification Exam?
The right timing depends on two things: your program’s requirements and how much preparation time you need.
Most teacher preparation programs require you to pass your certification exam before student teaching — which typically happens in the final semester. Work backward from your student teaching start date and give yourself at least one opportunity to retake the exam if needed.
You can retake TExES exams as many times as needed but must wait 30 days between attempts. FTCE requires a 31-day wait between attempts. Praxis and NYSTCE have similar waiting periods. Factor this into your timeline — if you fail in September and need to pass by November, make sure the retake window fits.
The safest approach: schedule your first attempt at least 90 days before your program’s deadline. That gives you time to retake once if needed, with a comfortable buffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are teacher certification exams offered in 2026?
Most teacher certification exams — including Praxis, TExES, FTCE, CSET, and NYSTCE — are available year-round at computer-based testing centers, Monday through Saturday. There are no fixed national test dates. You choose your date when you register.
Which teacher certification exam do I need?
It depends on which state you plan to teach in. Texas uses TExES, Florida uses FTCE, California uses CBEST and CSET, New York uses NYSTCE, and Massachusetts uses MTEL. More than 40 other states use the Praxis series from ETS. Check your state’s Department of Education website for the specific exam required for your certification area.
How much do teacher certification exams cost?
Fees vary by state and exam. Praxis tests typically cost $146 to $180 per exam. TExES fees are $116 to $131. FTCE costs $150 to $200. NYSTCE ranges from $65 to $165. MTEL and ILTS fees are typically $115 to $165 per exam. Most states require you to pass multiple exams for full certification.
How long does it take to get results after a teacher certification exam?
Most computer-based teacher certification exams release unofficial score reports immediately after testing. Official score reports that can be submitted to your state typically arrive within 2 to 6 weeks depending on the exam. NYSTCE score report dates range from 2 to 5 weeks after the test is taken.
How many times can I retake a teacher certification exam?
Most states allow unlimited retakes with a mandatory waiting period between attempts. TExES requires a 30-day wait between attempts. FTCE requires a 31-day wait. Praxis and NYSTCE have similar policies. Check your specific exam’s retake policy before scheduling.
Do I need to pass the Praxis Core before taking subject exams?
It depends on your state and teacher preparation program. Some programs require Praxis Core passage as an admission requirement. Others allow you to take subject exams concurrently. Check with your program advisor and your state’s certification requirements to determine the correct sequence.
Bottom Line
Teacher certification exams in 2026 are largely flexible — most are available year-round and you control your own schedule. The key is knowing which exam your state requires, registering early enough to secure your preferred date, and building enough time into your timeline for a potential retake before your program’s deadline.
Use the official portals linked above to register. Avoid third-party registration sites — all payments and scheduling should go through the official exam program directly.
Official Registration Links:
- Praxis (40+ states): ets.org/praxis
- TExES (Texas): tx.nesinc.com
- FTCE (Florida): fl.nesinc.com
- CSET/CBEST (California): cset.nesinc.com
- NYSTCE (New York): nystce.nesinc.com
- MTEL (Massachusetts): mtel.nesinc.com
- GACE (Georgia): gace.ets.org
- ILTS (Illinois): il.nesinc.com
Meet Deepkant, he has been writing content since 2020. Over the years he has worked across more than ten websites — mostly covering job updates, career guidance, and government schemes — which gave him a solid grip on how to break down complicated topics for everyday readers.
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