ARIZONA Test FAQs

What is the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA)?

The AEPA is a test designed to measure prospective teachers’ knowledge in two areas: 1) professional knowledge and 2) subject-area knowledge. It assesses whether you know what is necessary to teach in a particular subject.

Who has to take the AEPA?

Arizona ensures its teachers are adequately prepared for the classroom by requiring them to become certified. To become certified, you must earn a passing score on the AEPA. So if you want to teach in Arizona, you must take this test.

What knowledge does the AEPA measure?

The AEPA measures professional knowledge and subject-area knowledge. There are three levels of the Professional Knowledge test: Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary. You would take the test that corresponds to the level of school you want to teach.

There are more than three dozen subject-area knowledge tests. You would take the tests for the subject(s) you wish to teach or the area in which you wish to teach. For a complete list of the subject tests available, go to www.aepa.nesinc.com/AZ14_testselection.asp.

How can I prepare for the AEPA?

The best way to prepare for the AEPA tests is to purchase study materials such as guides or flash cards devoted to the specific test you need to pass. The best study guides will cover both the content of the test and specific test-taking strategies to increase your chances of success.

Where can I take the AEPA?

The AEPA is offered in eight areas around Arizona: Flagstaff, Holbrook, Kingman, Phoenix—Southeast, Phoenix—West/Central, Sierra Vista, Tucson, and Yuma.

When can I take the AEPA?

The AEPA tests are administered six months out of the year: January, March, May, July, September, and November. For a list of testing dates, go to www.aepa.nesinc.com/AZ14_testdates.asp.

Can I take the AEPA on the computer?

Yes, the AEPA is available to be taken as a computer-based test.

What is the cost of taking the AEPA?

Every person who takes the AEPA must pay a $35 test processing fee. After that, the Professional Knowledge test costs $80. Subject-area tests cost $70 each.

You can register late for a test, though it will cost you an additional $50 to do so.

How do I register for a test?

There are three ways to register for the AEPA: Internet, U.S. mail, or telephone. To register online or obtain information about registering via mail or telephone, visit the AEPA website at www.aepa.nesinc.com/AZ_toc.asp?showtoc=REGISTER.

When will I get my AEPA scores?

Scores are released one month after the testing date. When you register, you can elect to have your scores sent to you by e-mail. Otherwise they will be sent to you through the mail.

Who will see my AEPA scores?

Your test scores will be reported to you, the Arizona Department of Education, and any school you selected when you registered.

What if I don’t pass the AEPA tests?

If you didn’t devote considerable time to studying beforehand, this may be the time to invest in dedicated study guides. The AEPA also offers a diagnostic feedback service, which analyzes your performance on the tests and gives you information about your strengths and weaknesses. The cost of this service is $65 to $140 per test. If you took multiple tests, it could be cost prohibitive to obtain this information.

What if I passed one of the tests, but not the others?

The test scores for the Professional Knowledge test and the Subject-area tests are reported independently. So if you passed the Professional Knowledge test but not a Subject-area test, for example, you would simply need to retake the Subject-area test.