1. Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment Assessment

    Some educator preparation providers (EPPs) meet this requirement through coursework, while others require students to pass the assessment through ORELA (Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments). Check with your EPP to determine your institution's requirements.

    If you take this exam, you can review preparation materials and register for the exam on the ORELA website.

  2. Subject Matter Exams 

    In-depth subject matter exams qualify you to teach in your area of specialization and are required for most endorsements.

    Two testing companies administer Oregon educator tests: ORELA tests are administered by National Evaluation Services (NES) and Praxis tests by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

    Most college graduates who majored in the specialty area they plan to teach are prepared to pass a subject assessment exam (with some review).

    See Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for a listing of all possible endorsements and corresponding exams.

    Advice: Contact your teacher licensure program admissions counselor to confirm you are taking the correct exam(s).

  3. Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA)

    The third type of test that teachers must pass is a Teacher Performance Assessment. Preparation for this assessment is typically provided by the educator preparation provider (EPP). Inquire with individual programs to learn more.

    There are two routes to complete this requirement:

    Teacher Performance Assessment

    Requirement: Take and earn a passing score on the TPSC-approved teacher performance assessment. This requirement can be met by passing the edTPA (Pearson) or a TSPC-approved university teacher performance assessment. Check with your EPP to determine your institution's requirements.

    Documentation: EPP notates successful completion on Program Completion Report (PCR).

    Commission-Approved Local Assessment Option: Oregon Work Sample

    Requirement: Candidate completes the commission-approved local assessment option created by the EPP. This option is available only for endorsements for which there is no teacher performance assessment.

    Documentation: EPP administers and scores the candidate performance using the commission-approved process, noting satisfactory completion on PCR.