Required Tests for Beginning Teachers

The state of Minnesota now requires that new teachers take (and achieve a particular score) on national standardized tests prior to obtaining licensure. All students graduating after September 1, 2001 will be required to take these tests. Each student will need to take two exams: one in pedagogy and one in their content area. For secondary science teachers (students completing the new 5-12 license in Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Life Science, or Physics), the state requires that students be tested on their GENERAL SCIENCE CONTENT KNOWLEDGE, rather than on the specifics of their major science discipline.

The tests are developed and administered by ETS, and are part of the PRAXIS Series of exams (the PPST is one of this series).

Secondary Science Teaching majors who are completing licensure requirements for grades 5-12 must register for the General Science: Content Knowledge exam, test code 10435. Make certain that you register for the correct exam. ETS offers several tests of general science content knowledge, but Minnesota will accept scores from only one: code #10435. Follow the instructions on the MN test requirements link above and you should have no difficulties. The passing score for this test has been set at 143.

NOTE: Applicants for only a 5-8 General Science licensure or a 9-12 Physics, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, or Life Science license are not required to take a content examination. The Examination is required for applicants who are seeking a 5-8 General Science and a 9-12 science license under this rule.

Three pedagogy tests are offered: one at the elementary level, one at the middle school level, and one at the high school level. You may choose which of these tests you take; however, since you will be taking classes in the Professional Education Sequence that relate more specifically to middle and high school levels, you would be well advised to take the test of pedagogy most appropriate for the level you wish to teach.

Pedagogy Examination Passing Scores
Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6 = 152
Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 = 144
Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 = 153

Click here to see the specific Minnesota test requirements.