Tests for teachers measure their knowledge and skills in the various areas sufficient in teaching practice. The test scores are an important criteria used to judge teaching ability professional skills.

Many requirements are designed concerning what tests must be taken and what passing scores must be earned by teachers to achieve state certification. The tests are designated to evaluate teacher candidates' academic skills, pedagogical knowledge, subject knowledge, and classroom performance.
In the first step of the process teachers pass basic skills examinations before they are admitted to teacher education programs or enroll in upper-level courses at colleges and universities. Typically, reading, writing, and mathematics skills are measured during the basic skills tests.
In the second step, educators pass subject-area tests as part of the certification process in the state of their employment. Subject Assessments measure candidates' knowledge of the academic subjects they will teach and domain-specific pedagogy skills.