COST Content Knowledge Exam Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A teacher certified in State A applies for COST certification in State B, which requires a Praxis Subject Assessment. The teacher passed a different state-specific content exam years ago. What is the most likely outcome?
- The prior exam automatically satisfies the requirement
- State B will waive the Praxis requirement entirely
- The teacher may need to take the Praxis exam unless State B accepts reciprocity agreements (Correct answer)
- COST certification exempts all content exam requirements
Correct answer: The teacher may need to take the Praxis exam unless State B accepts reciprocity agreements
Most states require specific approved exams, and a different state's exam may not satisfy the requirement unless a reciprocity agreement exists.
Question 2: Which entity typically sets the minimum passing score for content knowledge exams required for out-of-state teacher certification?
- The federal Department of Education
- The exam developer such as ETS
- The individual state's board of education or licensing agency (Correct answer)
- The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Correct answer: The individual state's board of education or licensing agency
Each state independently sets its own minimum passing score cutoffs for teacher certification exams.
Question 3: A teacher holds a valid license in mathematics for grades 6–12 in one state. When applying for COST in a new state, the new state requires a content exam for the same subject. Which document would MOST help the teacher seek a waiver?
- A letter from a former principal
- Official score reports from the original certification exam taken in the prior state (Correct answer)
- A copy of their college transcript
- A personal statement describing teaching experience
Correct answer: Official score reports from the original certification exam taken in the prior state
Official score reports from a previously passed content exam provide the most direct evidence for requesting a waiver or reciprocity consideration.
Question 4: When a state lists 'approved content knowledge exams' for COST applicants, which of the following is MOST likely to appear on that list?
- ACT or SAT scores
- Praxis Subject Assessments or state-specific equivalent exams (Correct answer)
- GRE subject tests
- AP exam scores
Correct answer: Praxis Subject Assessments or state-specific equivalent exams
Praxis Subject Assessments and equivalent state-approved exams are the standard content knowledge tests used for teacher certification.
Question 5: A science teacher wants COST certification but the receiving state requires a content exam for the specific science discipline (e.g., chemistry vs. biology). The teacher is certified in general science. What challenge might arise?
- No challenge — general science covers all disciplines
- The teacher may need to pass a discipline-specific exam even if they hold a general science certificate (Correct answer)
- COST certification never requires discipline-specific exams
- The teacher must reapply for a bachelor's degree in chemistry
Correct answer: The teacher may need to pass a discipline-specific exam even if they hold a general science certificate
States may require discipline-specific content exams even if a teacher holds a broader science certification from another state.
Question 6: How long are Praxis exam scores typically valid for teacher certification purposes?
- They never expire once passed
- 1 year from the test date
- 5 years, though states may set their own limits (Correct answer)
- 10 years universally across all states
Correct answer: 5 years, though states may set their own limits
ETS Praxis scores are generally valid for 10 years, but individual states may impose shorter validity windows for certification purposes.
Question 7: A COST applicant discovers the receiving state requires a content exam that did not exist when they were originally certified. What is the MOST appropriate course of action?
- Claim the exam requirement is unconstitutional
- Contact the state licensing agency to inquire about waivers, alternatives, or grandfather provisions (Correct answer)
- Abandon the application entirely
- Request the exam be removed from the requirements
Correct answer: Contact the state licensing agency to inquire about waivers, alternatives, or grandfather provisions
States often have provisions or waivers for applicants whose original certification predates certain exam requirements.
COST Content Knowledge Exam Requirements 2
A teacher certified in State A applies for COST certification in State B, which requires a Praxis Subject Assessment.
The teacher passed a different state-specific content exam years ago.
What is the most likely outcome?