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Earn your Washington Teacher Certification!

Learn everything you need to know about Washington Teacher Certification.

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Washington Teacher Certification Exams

Prospective teachers in Washington can use the WEST-B, WEST-E, or NES exams to receive their certification. Below is a list of exams 240 can help you pass in Washington:

Washington Teacher Certification Requirements

To become a teacher in Washington, you must complete the follow steps:

Meet Education Requirements

  • To qualify for a residency teaching certificate, prospective teachers need to complete a bachelor’s degree in an approved teacher preparation program.
  • Approved preparation programs vary by discipline, but they usually include pedagogical training specific to the target grade level.

Student Teaching Requirements

  • The approved teacher preparation programs in Washington all require placement plans to provide students with practical training opportunities.
  • These student teaching models allow learners to teach in classrooms alongside and under the mentorship of an active teacher.

Pass Required Exams

  • Candidates first take a basic skills test before starting their preparation program.
  • They then need to complete a content knowledge test that varies depending on their endorsement.

Apply for Certification

  • To apply for teaching certification in Washington, candidates need to apply online through the e-certification system.
  • Applicants need to submit their personal information and link their account to their school and professional records.

Apply for Teaching Jobs

  • Once you have your teacher certification you can now start applying for jobs.
  • You can use job boards and search engines like Google to find open teacher positions in your area.

Free Washington Practice Tests

NES Essential Academic Skills Subtest I: Reading Practice Test

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Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the NES Essential Academic Skills Subtest I: Reading exam.

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NES Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary

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Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the NES Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary exam.

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NES Elementary Education Subtest I Practice Test

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Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the NES Elementary Education Subtest I exam.

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NES English to Speakers of Other Languages Practice Test

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Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the NES English to Speakers of Other Languages exam.

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NES Middle Grades English Language Arts Practice Test

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Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the NES Middle Grades English Language Arts exam.

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Alternative Pathways

Teaching in a private school in Washington does not require a standard teaching license, making it an interesting avenue to explore for those who want to become teachers but do not hold a bachelor’s degree in education or did not attend a teacher preparation program.

How to Register For the Exams?

You can follow the following steps to register for your teacher certification exams:

  • Identify Your Exams: Determine the specific teacher certification exams you need to take. If you are a part of a certification program you should talk to your program advisor to determine which exams you need to take.
  • Create an Account: Visit the official testing service website and create an account.
  • Select Exam and Date: Login, choose your exam, and select a convenient test date and location.
  • Complete Registration: Follow instructions, provide necessary information, and pay exam fees online.

How To Study for Your Teacher Certification Exam(s)

To become a certified teacher you must pass your required exam(s). Luckily, we offer a wide variety of study guides to help you pass your exams and get closer to getting that teacher certificate. Our study guides offer practice questions, video lessons, quizzes and full length practice tests to ensure you are ready come test day! Our curriculum team studies all of the standards and competencies for the exams and cross-references them with the current and previous questions released by the official testing company. We then work with content and teaching experts to distill down what test-takers need to know. No matter where you are in the study guide, you can always see how the concept you are learning is aligned to the test standards.

Best Education Schools in Washington

  • University of Washington
  • Gonzaga University
  • City University of Seattle
  • Seattle Pacific University
  • Seattle University
  • University of Washington–Tacoma
  • Washington State University

Washington Teacher Salary Information

The average Public School Teacher salary in Washington is $62,467 as of March 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $52,153 and $76,204.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Washington Teacher Certification!

More Washington Teacher Certification Resources

What NES Test Do I Take? https://www.240tutoring.com/nes-prep/what-nes-test-do-i-take/

In this article, we will explain what the NES is and determine what tests you need to take. We will also tell you who is required to take these tests.

Know More

NES Test Results and Passing Scores https://www.240tutoring.com/nes-prep/nes-test-results-and-passing-scores/

Knowing what score you need to earn to pass the test and how long you have to wait before you can retake an exam is valuable. You’re also probably wondering how hard it is to pass an NES exam. We will help you answer all these questions.

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NES Test Costs https://www.240tutoring.com/nes-prep/nes-test-costs/

In this article, we will show you the fees associated with the exams.

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NES Test Registration Information https://www.240tutoring.com/nes-prep/nes-test-registration-information/

We will answer all your questions about NES registration.

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Understanding the Structure of the NES https://www.240tutoring.com/nes-prep/understanding-the-structure-of-the-nes/

In this article, we will break down the number and type of questions for the most popular exams.

Know More

How to Prepare for and Pass the NES https://www.240tutoring.com/nes-prep/how-to-prepare-for-and-pass-the-nes/

In this article, we will show you where to find resources and study guides for the NES.

Know More

50,000 Teachers passed their exam last year with the help of 240!

Read More Reviews

Washington Teacher Certification FAQs

How long does it take to become a teacher in Washington state?

The time it takes to become a teacher can change based on whether you already hold a bachelor’s degree and what kind of certification you want to get. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by a teacher certification program.

What tests do I need to take to become a teacher in Washington state?

Washington has two testing requirements: basic skills and content knowledge area testing.

knowledge area testing. Is there a teacher shortage in Washington state?

Yes. Recent data shows Washington state at number 12 with the highest teacher shortage in 2023.

Can you teach without certification in Washington state?

No. All educators must receive a residency teacher certificate to teach in Washington State.

What does it take to be a substitute teacher in Washington state?

To obtain a certificate in Washington in substitute teaching, you need to complete an accredited undergraduate program and a state-approved teacher education program. Unlike the certificate for regular teaching, there are no exam requirements.

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