What is the AEPA (AEPA)?

The AEPA (AEPA) is a teacher certification assessment developed by Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments. It is required for educator licensure in AZ.

How do I register for the AEPA?

Register through the official Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments website. Create an account, select your test, choose a testing center or remote proctoring, and pay the registration fee.

How many times can I retake the AEPA?

Retake policies vary by state. Most states allow unlimited retakes after a waiting period (typically 21 to 28 days).

How long are AEPA scores valid?

Score validity depends on your state. Many states accept scores indefinitely, but some have a 5-10 year validity window.

AEPA

AEPA Practice Tests

Complete preparation for every Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) — developed and administered by the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson for the Arizona Department of Education. Adaptive question banks, full-length tests, and domain-level analytics for all 40+ content areas.

40+Content Exams

240 / 220Passing Scores

100–300Score Range

30 DaysRetake Wait

FreeTo Start

Browse All AEPA Exams Scores & Registration

All AEPA Exams

Browse all Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments by category. Register at aepa.nesinc.com. Passing score: 240 (AZ custom) or 220 (NES tests).

Subject Knowledge Tests30+ exams

Content area exams required for subject-specific certification in Arizona public schools. One or two subtests required depending on the field. Most are NES-format tests with a passing score of 220 or Arizona custom tests with a passing score of 240.

AEPA Business Education

AEPA Chinese (Mandarin)

Code: AZ020

Pass: 240

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AEPA Constitutions of the United States and Arizona

AEPA Early Childhood Education

AEPA Elementary Education Subtests I and II

Code: AZ041 / AZ042

Pass: 240

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AEPA English Language Arts

Code: AZ001

Pass: 240

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AEPA Essential Academic Skills Subtests I, II, and III

Code: AZ046 / AZ047 / AZ048

AEPA Mathematics (Middle Grades and Early Secondary)

Code: AZ043

Pass: 240

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AEPA Middle Grades English Language Arts

Code: AZ049

Pass: 240

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AEPA Middle Grades General Science

Code: AZ050

Pass: 240

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AEPA Middle Grades Mathematics

Code: AZ051

Pass: 240

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AEPA Middle Grades Social Science

AEPA Physical Education

AEPA Political Science / American Government

Code: AZ034

Pass: 240

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AEPA Reading Endorsement K–8

Code: AZ048

Pass: 240

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AEPA Reading Endorsement 6–12

Code: AZ049

Pass: 240

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AEPA School Library Media Specialist

Professional Knowledge Tests3 exams

Pedagogy and instructional knowledge assessments required alongside subject knowledge tests. These tests include performance assignments scored by qualified raters — allow 4 weeks for results.

AEPA Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary

Code: AZ091

Pass: 240

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AEPA Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary

Code: AZ092

Pass: 240

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AEPA Professional Knowledge — Early Childhood

Code: AZ093

Pass: 240

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Special Education Tests6 exams

Certification assessments for candidates seeking endorsement in Special Education fields, including early childhood, hearing impaired, severely/profoundly disabled, speech/language, and visual impairment.

AEPA Special Education

Code: AZ086

Pass: 240

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AEPA Special Education: Early Childhood

Code: AZ083

Pass: 240

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AEPA Special Education: Hearing Impaired

Code: AZ082

Pass: 240

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AEPA Special Education: Severely and Profoundly Disabled

Code: AZ085

Pass: 240

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AEPA Special Education: Speech and Language Impaired

Code: AZ087

Pass: 240

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AEPA Special Education: Visually Impaired

Code: AZ081

Pass: 240

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Administrator Tests3 exams

Required for candidates seeking school principal, superintendent, or supervisor certification in Arizona. Administrator tests include performance assignments — allow approximately 4 weeks for results.

AEPA Principal Subtests I and II

Code: AZ281 / AZ282

Pass: 240

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AEPA Superintendent Subtests I and II

Foundations of Reading1 exam — code updated Sept 2025

Required for all Arizona elementary and special education teacher certification candidates. Important: The test code changed from 190 to 890 effective September 1, 2025. No changes to test content or framework — code change only. Passing score: 240.

AEPA Foundations of Reading

Code: 890 (was 190 before Sept 1, 2025)

Pass: 240

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Adult Education Tests4 exams

Certification assessments for candidates seeking to teach adult learners in Arizona, including English Language Acquisition, ELA, Mathematics, and Professional Knowledge for Adult Education.

AEPA Adult Education: English Language Acquisition

Code: AZ095

Pass: 240

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AEPA Adult Education: English Language Arts

Code: AZ096

Pass: 240

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AEPA Adult Education: Mathematics

Code: AZ097

Pass: 240

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AEPA Professional Knowledge — Adult Education

Code: AZ094

Pass: 240

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About the Exam

What Is the AEPA?

The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA®) is the official state-approved educator certification assessment program required for anyone seeking to teach or work as an educational professional in Arizona's public schools. The program is developed, administered, and scored by the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson under contract with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).

The purpose of the AEPA program is to help ensure that all candidates seeking certification in Arizona have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job of an entry-level educator in Arizona public schools. All passing scores are reviewed and approved by the Arizona State Board of Education based on recommendations of committees of Arizona educators.

The AEPA encompasses Subject Knowledge tests, Professional Knowledge tests, Special Education tests, Administrator tests, Adult Education tests, and the Foundations of Reading test. Scores are reported as Passed or Not Passed and are reported directly to the Arizona Department of Education. Passing a test does not automatically grant certification — candidates must also meet all other ADE requirements. Register at aepa.nesinc.com.

📋 AEPA Quick Facts

Administered byEvaluation Systems, Pearson

Contracted byArizona Dept. of Education (ADE)

Score scale100 – 300

AZ custom test pass score240

NES test pass score220

Foundations of Reading240

Typical exam fee$75 – $145 (most $119)

Retake waiting period30 days minimum

Score reports2 – 6 weeks after test

Testing formatComputer-based + Online Proctored

Registrationaepa.nesinc.com

Registration Guide

How to Register for the AEPA

Follow these four steps to register at the official Evaluation Systems, Pearson portal.

Create an AEPA Account

Visit aepa.nesinc.com and create your account. Your name must exactly match your government-issued photo ID. Contact ADE first to confirm which tests you need.

Select Your Test & Pay

Choose the exam from the list and complete payment. Most tests cost $119. Fees range from $75–$145 depending on the test. After your 3rd attempt, the fee is waived for additional retakes.

Schedule Your Appointment

Log in and select "Schedule" on the registrations page. Appointments are available 7 days per week, 24 hours a day on a first-come, first-served basis. Select a Pearson VUE test center or online proctoring.

Test & Receive Scores

Arrive at the test center with valid photo ID. Scores are released 2–6 weeks after testing and emailed if you opted in during registration. Score reports remain in your account for 2 years.

AEPA Passing Scores

AEPA assessments use a scaled score range of 100–300. There are two distinct passing thresholds depending on whether the test is an Arizona custom test or an NES test.

AEPA Score Scale — 100 to 300

Did Not Pass100 – 219

Below NES Passing Threshold

NES Test Pass Score220 – 239

Passing — NES Subject Knowledge Tests

Arizona Custom Test Pass Score240 – 300

Passing — AZ Custom Tests & Foundations of Reading

Arizona custom tests (including AEPA-branded exams and the Foundations of Reading test) require a passing score of 240. NES tests used for Arizona certification require a passing score of 220. All passing scores are approved by the Arizona State Board of Education. Scores are reported as Passed / Not Passed and forwarded directly to the Arizona Department of Education. Score reports are available in your account for 2 years.

Registration, Test Day & Scores

Everything you need to know about registering for and taking an AEPA exam.

Registration

Official websiteaepa.nesinc.com

AdministratorEvaluation Systems, Pearson

Scheduling24/7 online, first-come basis

Typical exam fee$75–$145 (most: $119)

Fee waiverAfter 3rd attempt — free retakes

Test Day

FormatComputer-based testing (CBT)

Online proctoredAvailable for select tests

Time per sessionUp to 5 hours per session

ID requiredName must match exactly

Restroom breaksAllowed; counts toward time

Scoring

Score range100 – 300

AZ custom pass score240

NES test pass score220

Results reportedPassed / Not Passed

Score reports2–6 weeks (4 wks for essays)

Retakes

Waiting period30 days minimum

Fee for retakesFull fee for attempts 1 and 2

After 3rd attemptFee waived — unlimited retakes

Score report access2 years in your account

Reports to ADEAutomatically if indicated

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything Arizona teacher candidates need to know about the AEPA program.

What is the AEPA and who administers it?+

The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA®) is a series of educator certification tests required for teaching in Arizona's public schools. The tests are developed, administered, and scored by the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson under contract with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). The purpose of the AEPA program is to help ensure that all candidates seeking certification in Arizona have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job of an entry-level educator in Arizona public schools. Register at aepa.nesinc.com.

What are the passing scores for AEPA exams?+

The scoring scale in use is a 100 to 300 scale, with passing scores for each Arizona custom test set at a scaled score of 240 and each NES test set at a scaled score of 220. For the Foundations of Reading test, the scaled passing score is 240. All passing scores have been reviewed and approved by the Arizona State Board of Education.

What is the Foundations of Reading test code change?+

The Foundations of Reading (190) test code was replaced with a new code beginning September 1, 2025. The new test code is (890). This is a change in test code only. No changes have been made to the test framework or content. If you see references to the old code 190, they refer to the same test now registered as 890.

How do I register for an AEPA exam?+

To take a test, you must first complete the registration and payment process at the AEPA program website: www.aepa.nesinc.com. Once you have registered to take a test, you may schedule your test appointment online 7 days per week, 24 hours per day. Test appointments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Always confirm with the ADE which specific tests your certification pathway requires before registering.

How many times can I retake an AEPA exam?+

You may retake AEPA exams subject to a mandatory 30-day waiting period between attempts. You will need to pay the exam fee the first two times you retake the exam. After you have taken the exam three times, your exam fee is waived for all additional retakes. You may take it an unlimited number of times.

How long does it take to receive AEPA scores?+

Scores are reported to candidates within 2 to 6 weeks after the test administration. Tests that include performance (written essay) assignments take approximately 4 weeks because they must be scored by qualified human raters. Score reports are available for 2 years in your account. You can choose during registration to have your score report emailed to you.

Does passing an AEPA exam automatically grant Arizona teacher certification?+

No. Before registering for an exam, it is recommended that applicants review the requirements for approved subject areas, the certificate, or endorsement they are seeking. Passing an AEPA test is one requirement — candidates must also complete an approved educator preparation program (EPP), meet all other ADE requirements, and apply for certification through the Arizona Department of Education. Contact the ADE Certification Unit with questions about which tests you need and certification requirements.

Ready to Pass Your AEPA?

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Sources: Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments — official program website (aepa.nesinc.com); AEPA Preparation Materials page (aepa.nesinc.com/prepare); AEPA Passing Requirements (nesinc.com/passing); Arizona Department of Education — Educator Certification Testing Information (azed.gov); Pearson VUE — AEPA program page (pearsonvue.com/aepa); Northern Arizona University College of Education — Arizona Educator Certification Tests. AEPA® and Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments® are trademarks of the Arizona Department of Education and Pearson Education, Inc. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ADE or Pearson.