The state of Oregon, through the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), requires specific tests for licensure of new teachers. TSPC requirements state that these tests must be completed by the start of full-time student teaching (Spring term). In addition, the Professional Teacher Education Licensure Program requires that all tests are completed by the end of September. Therefore all pre-service teachers in the program have until the end of September to take all tests and, if additional attempts are required, until the end of Winter term to pass all tests.
All SMED pre-service teachers must take:
- Pearson NES Essential Academic Skills Test (ESA) – The ESA is designed to test basic reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Note: This replaces the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
- ORELA Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment Examination – The Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment Examination is a customized educator licensure test designed to measure a candidate’s knowledge and skills in relation to Oregon learning standards. (Code 008)
All SMED mathematics pre-service teachers must take one of the following:
- Pearson Middle Grades Mathematics Examination (Basic Mathematics Endorsement)
- Please note that the previous Praxis exam (Middle School Mathematics, #20069) is no longer offered but will still count towards licensure.
- Pearson NES Mathematics Examination (Advanced Mathematics Endorsement)
- Please note that the previous Praxis exams (Mathematics Content Knowledge, #10061 and Mathematics Proof, Models, and Problems #20063) are no longer offered but will still count towards licensure.
All SMED science pre-service teachers must take one of the following:
- Pearson NES Biology Examination (Biology Endorsement)
- Please note that the previous Praxis exam (Biology Content Knowledge, #20235) is no longer offered but will still count towards licensure.
- Pearson NES Chemistry Examination (Chemistry Endorsement)
- Please note that the previous Praxis exam (Chemistry Content Knowledge, #20245) is no longer offered but will still count towards licensure.
- Pearson NES Physics Examination (Physics Endorsement)
- Please note that the previous Praxis exam (Physics Content Knowledge, #10265) is no longer offered but will still count towards licensure.
- Pearson NES General Science Examination (Integrated Science endorsement)
- Please note that the previous Praxis exam (General Science , #0435) is no longer offered but will still count towards licensure if taken before September 1st, 2011.
