Licensure | Indiana Content Exams

Middle School Math Content Exam (5165) & Principles of Learning & Teaching Exam (5624)

Corps members assigned to teach Middle School Math take the "Middle School Math" (5165) content exam by December 2022 and the Principles of Learning & Teaching exam (5624) between Year 1 & Year 2 in the corps (Summer 2023). The 5165 exam covers the content associated with Middle School Math. The Principles of Learning & Teaching exam (5624) covers your understanding of teaching methodology. Both exams are a computer-based test that you can take at a testing location near you (you don't need to be in Chicago or Indiana). Most corps members assigned to this content area express some nervousness about this exam because it may include content and information in which you have very limited knowledge. However, with dedicated study time (and proactive outreach for support) we see approximately 98% of corps members pass this exam.

Logistics

Both exams are computer-based (you can take it from a testing center anywhere in the US and some international locations).
The 5165 exam costs $120 and the Principles of Learning & Teaching 5624 exam costs $146. You should pass your 5165 Content Exam by December 2025. You will not need to register for your 5624 until Summer 2026. This is because the test is dependent on your teaching experience that you’ll gain during your first year in the corps.
If you fail, you can retake these exams. However, you must wait 30 days before re-testing.

Register for the Exams

Study Tips

Carve out time to study and honor that time on your calendar. What does this mean? Make sure you are dedicating real time to studying - if you put a 2 hour block on your calendar then prioritize that commitment (don't schedule over it). On average 98% of folks that studied for at least 5 hours passed this exam.

Work together, you are a team! Reach out to each other (and the Regional Team) via Slackif you need support or have questions!
Have compassion for yourself and for others. Sometimes even our best-laid plans have to change because life happens and testing cannot always be a priority. We understand that and are here for you. If you need to change your test date or ask for an extension just reach out to Steven Grosso via a direct message in Slack.
Test Taking Strategies (and tips for test anxiety) Check out these strategies on preparing for your exam, taking the exam, and your own wellness. This is especially helpful if you have test anxiety.

Content Specific Resources

Praxis Issued Test Prep (#1 Recommended)

Content Exam Study Companion

Additional Resources (Free)

Study.com memberships provided by TFA
- You can find full instructions to access your free Study.com account in this PDF.
- Please use your TFA email address (firstname.lastname.25@tfacorps.org) when signing up.
- Please use the access code for our region only, which you can find in the PDF.