Testing Requirements

Update from the Arizona Department of Education:  On March 1, 2013, the NES Test will replace the AEPA, Praxis, and all out-of-state comparable exams.  Candidates accepted into the Arizona Teaching Fellows program should take only the NES Test for all required subject knowledge exams after March 1, 2013. 

Anyone who teaches in the state of Arizona is required to take and pass qualifying certification exams. We strongly suggest you complete test requirements as early as possible. The earlier you take your required subject area tests the more chances you have to re-take a test if necessary. Fellows that enroll in the Arizona Teaching Fellows program between December 2012-March 2013 must complete testing within 8 weeks from an enrollment offer. Fellows that enroll between April 2013-May 2013 must complete testing within 4 weeks from an enrollment offer. 

All final acceptances are contingent upon passage of all required tests; we therefore strongly encourage you to register and take required tests as early as possible. Candidates are responsible for all fees associated with these tests.  Tests typically cost $75-100 each. 

Testing Registration

Once you know your assigned teaching subject area, which will be specified in your invitation to interview with us, it is your responsibility to register for all required tests as quickly as possible. Depending on your teaching subject, you may have to take more than one test.  

For the 2013 Fellow cohort, Arizona Teaching Fellows is recruiting for high-quality candidates to teach 7-12th grade math, science (biology, chemistry, or physics), English language arts, 1-6th grade elementary education, and K-12th grade special education.    

For each subject area Arizona Teaching Fellows recruits for, see the corresponding required NES Test below.  

Candidates are assigned a teaching subject area in their invitation to interview.  Below, view the required test(s) for each corresponding subject area:

Please note:  If a candidate has a master's degree from an accredited university in the subject areas of math, biology, chemistry, physics, or English, the test may be waived by the Arizona Department of Education. However, the degree must be a dominant concentration in that core subject area, for example:  M.S. Biology NOT M.S. in Bioethics.  Arizona Teaching Fellows will work with candidates seeking a test waiver once the candidate enrolls in the Fellows program. 

Before registering for your certification exams, we highly recommend you review the Certification home page of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) website to educate yourself regarding all exam requirements and ensure that you register for the appropriate tests.

Once you decide whether to take the AEPA or a comparable exam please keep these key points in mind:

NES Test 

Test Preparation Resources

Teachers report that these exams are extremely difficult and require careful preparation. It is not unusual for candidates to take these exams two or three times before achieving passing scores. We therefore encourage candidates to devote serious time and energy to studying for the exams. We also strongly advise you to register and take these exams as early as possible to maximize opportunities to retake the exams should that be necessary.

You may wish to take advantage of some of the following resources to ensure that you are well-prepared on examination day:

• The NES Test provides low cost study guides.
• Form study groups with other candidates or teachers that you already know. Visit the Arizona Teaching Fellows Facebook page to post messages and connect with other candidates.
• Ask a local middle school or high school if you can borrow math or science textbooks.
• Once you are invited to interview, you will receive an electronic copy of our Testing Resource Guide providing further details on testing options and helpful resources. 

Click here to take a look at the Arizona Teaching Fellows Testing Resource Guide for more information on testing requirements.