All WSU teaching programs require the essential academic skills tests, pedagogy and content area tests. These tests should be passed prior to student teaching.

The Testing Requirements for MN Teaching Licensure (PDF) chart details which tests and scores are needed per teacher preparation program.

To sign up for the NES essential academic skills exams:

• Go to the MN NES website.
• Click on Register on the top of the site.
• Create an account.
• Once the online registration process is complete and the account is set up, a link will be available to the candidate to select a specific test date and location.
• Follow the prompts. Always list WSU as a recipient to receive scores even if you are taking the exams after you graduate.
• Answer “No” to the question: Are you pursuing a Minnesota teaching license through the Licensure via Portfolio option?

To sign up for the ACT plus Writing:

• Go to the ACT website.
• Click Register on the left side of the site.
• Follow the prompts.

To sign up for the SAT:

• Go to the SAT website.
• Click Register for the SAT on the right side of the site.
• Create an account.
• Follow the prompts.

To sign up for the GRE:

• Go to the GRE website.
• Click Register Now on the right side of the site.
• Create an account.
• Follow the prompts.

To sign up for the MTLE exams:

• Go to the MTLE website.
• Click on tests on the top of the site.
• Create an account.
• Once the online registration process is complete and the account is set up, a link will be available to the candidate to select a specific test date and location.
• Follow the prompts. Always list WSU as a recipient to receive scores even if you are taking the exams after you graduate.
• Answer “No” to the question: Are you pursuing a Minnesota teaching license through the Licensure via Portfolio option? 

The NES exams cost $50 for one, $75 for any two, or $100 for any three.

The ACT Plus Writing test costs $56.50.

The SAT costs $45. Additional fees may apply.

The GRE costs $205.

MTLE Pedagogy and Content Area exams cost $35 per subtest. The test registration fee is $50. This is paid once per test program year regardless of the number of tests taken. The test program year runs from 9/1-8/31. Additional fees may apply.

Financial Assistance Vouchers

Financial assistance vouchers may be available for college students who meet the eligibility criteria established by their educator preparation institution. To be considered and apply for a voucher, complete an online form.

Retake Fee Vouchers

Examinees who have failed a subtest five or more times may be eligible for a fee voucher for subsequent attempts. To request a retake fee voucher, contact Evaluation Systems before registering to test.

Exams may be taken at any location available listed on the testing websites.

Please note, WSU has an approved Pearson VUE testing center in Cathedral on the second floor. That location will be noted on the testing website.

Official score reports will generally take up to four weeks to be reported after taking the exams. The schedules are available on the websites.

The Testing Requirements for MN Teaching Licensure (PDF) chart details these requirements.

If you do not pass a test the first time, you are allowed to retake the test. There is generally a 30- to 45-day waiting period between taking the tests. You will have to register and pay for it again.

You need to keep a copy of your own score report for your files. You will have a 45-day period of time to take advantage of this step. If you do not save your score report, you may need to pay $10 per subtest to obtain your scores. You need to list WSU as a recipient to receive your scores. The WSU Certification Officer will have access to your scores when you list WSU as a recipient; however, WSU does not have access to the individual student score reports.

You do not need to submit your scores to the MN Department of Education.

Many students have shared that it is helpful to not take all of the exams on the same day. It is recommended to separate your exam days so that you can concentrate on one exam at a time.