Music Teacher Certification Tests in the United States

Who takes these tests

Future music teachers take these tests as one step toward a license. Teachers who move to a new state check that state's rules.

Praxis Music

Several states use the Praxis tests from ETS, the testing organization that writes them. The music tests are for beginning teachers of music from kindergarten to Grade 12:

• Music: Content Knowledge (5113) covers listening, history, theory, performance and teaching.
• Music: Content and Instruction (5114) covers music content and how to teach it.
• Music: Instrumental and General Knowledge (5115) is for instrumental teachers.
• Music: Vocal and General Knowledge (5116) is for vocal and general music teachers.

ETS advises candidates to check which test their state requires.

State tests

Some states run their own music tests through Pearson, a testing company:

• Texas: TExES Music EC–12 (177), which covers early childhood to Grade 12
• California: CSET Music subtests 226 and 227
• Florida: FTCE Music K–12 (028)
• Georgia: GACE Music
• Massachusetts: MTEL Music (16)
• New York: NYSTCE Music CST (165)
• Michigan: MTTC Music Education (099)
• Illinois: ILTS Music (212)

What the tests lead to

A passing score is one step toward a teaching license. The state education agency sets the other requirements.

How they compare

The tests share content in theory, history and music teaching. Each state test follows that state's own standards. Praxis is used in several states.

Practice on The Music Stem

• Praxis practice tests are available for 5113, 5115 and 5116.
• State practice tests are available for TExES 177, CSET 226, CSET 227, FTCE 028, GACE, MTEL 16, NYSTCE 165, MTTC 099 and ILTS 212.