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ABCTE Program Checklist

Below is a detailed checklist for the ABCTE program. It is intended as a guide based on the experiences and best practices of ABCTE alumni that can keep you on track with your exam preparation goals.

This program checklist is spread across about 11 months and assumes 3-4 hour blocks of preparation, at least two times per week. It also suggests that you begin preparing for the Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) exam first. Use this as a template that you can adjust to meet your own needs, timeframe, and study schedule. We have checklists that are tailored to:

There is also printable PDF version of the checklist below.

We recommend that you print whichever checklist best applies to you, set your own goal dates for completion, and consult it regularly to keep you on track to a classroom of your own! Most of the resources mentioned can be found on through your account page. If you need any help with your Program Checklist, you can make an appointment with an advisor at any time using the Helpdesk.

Weeks 1-3 | Weeks 4-23 | Weeks 24-43 | Weeks 44-47

Weeks 1 – 3: Introductory Tasks

Timeline Suggested Steps
Suggested: Week 1

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Watch the Orientation
Watch the How to Study and Multiple Choice webinars
Review Study Plans for all exams (available from your account page)
Begin marking content weaknesses in the PTK and subject matter standards that will require study
Receive welcome call from a program advisor
Suggested: Week 2

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Continue marking content weaknesses in the standards
Submit the required background check form to ABCTE (Background checks will not be processed until all other requirements are met)
Begin obtaining recommended resources from the PTK Study Plan as needed to address weaknesses (find online, in the library, or purchase them)
Review your state’s post-certification/licensure requirements
Set up a schedule for studying in a planner or calendar
Suggested: Week 3

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Familiarize yourself with the required ABCTE preparation resources from the Study Plans
Request transcripts to be forwarded to ABCTE as proof of your bachelor's degree
Review the Candidate Handbook
Join the online discussion forums
Explore volunteer or substitute teaching opportunities to gain experience in classrooms or with students


Weeks 4 – 23: Preparing for Exam 1 (PTK)

Timeline Suggested Steps
Suggested: Week 4

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Schedule Professional Teaching Knowledge exam with Pearson VUE based on your goal dates
Use the Standards Stepwise Method:
  • Choose 5-7 standards to begin studying, starting from your weakest areas
  • Define and understand the terms mentioned in the standards
  • Use the Prepare to Teach workshops from the Study Plan
  • Use recommended resources
  • Keep detailed notes and track your progress
  • Use the forums for studying strategies or assistance
Suggested: Week 5

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Check your understanding of the standards you selected
Address any remaining content weaknesses for those standards
Choose the next 5-7 standards to study
Suggested: Weeks 6-10

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Continue mastering standards and assessing your progress
Listen to the New Teacher Hotline podcast to supplement your knowledge
Suggested: Weeks 11-12

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Start preparing for the writing component by watching the PTK Writing Component webinar
Visit the All About Writing Components forum for additional advice and strategies
Suggested: Week 13

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Take full-length practice exam, including the essay section, in explore mode as a midterm (available from your account page)
Analyze practice exam results to determine additional needs to be ready for your scheduled exam
Review the Multiple Choice webinar and practice using the strategies to improve your testing performance
Suggested: Weeks 14-22

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Continue mastering standards, assessing progress, practicing for the writing component and preparing to test as needed
Make sure that all standards are mastered so that no content is neglected
Suggested: Week 23

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Take full-length practice exam, including the essay section, in timed mode as a final check-in
Scan all standards and notes one last time
Confirm your test date and review the test center regulations from the Candidate Handbook
Check out the tips for exam day
Take Professional Teaching Knowledge exam (Essay scoring may take up to 6 weeks)


Weeks 24 – 43: Preparing for Exam 2 (Subject Area)

Timeline Suggested Steps
Suggested: Week 24

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Schedule subject area exam with Pearson VUE based on your goal dates
Begin obtaining recommended resources from your subject matter Study Plan as needed to address weaknesses (find online, in the library, or purchase them)
Check the Study Plan to see which, if any, aids are provided on exam day
Use the Standards Stepwise Method:
  • Choose standards to begin studying, starting from your weakest areas (Some exams have many standards. You may need to adjust your studying pace depending on your subject area and goals)
  • Define and understand the terms mentioned in the standards
  • Use the required resources from the Study Plan
  • Use recommended resources
  • Keep detailed notes and track your progress
  • Use the forums for studying strategies or assistance
Suggested: Week 25

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Check your understanding of the standards you selected
Address any remaining content weaknesses for those standards
Choose the next standards to learn, study, and review
Suggested: Weeks 26-32

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Continue mastering standards and assessing your progress

(For English Language Arts exam only) Prepare for the writing component by reviewing the ELA rubric, crafting your own responses to the sample prompts, and comparing your responses against the samples with passing scores
Suggested: Week 33

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Take full-length practice exam in explore mode (available from your account page)
Analyze practice exam results to determine additional needs to be ready for your scheduled exam
Review the Multiple Choice webinar and practice using the strategies to improve your testing performance
Suggested: Weeks 34-42

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Continue mastering standards, assessing progress and preparing to test as needed
Make sure that all standards are mastered so that no content is neglected
Suggested: Week 43

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Take full-length practice exam in timed mode as a final check-in
Scan all standards and notes one last time
Re-review any aids provided on exam day
Confirm your test date and review the test center regulations from the Candidate Handbook
Check out the tips for exam day
Take subject area exam


Weeks 44 – 47: Getting Certified

Timeline Suggested Steps
Suggested: Week 44

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Contact advising team to confirm that you have passed all exams
Confirm that your transcript and background check form have been received
Your background check will be processed in 5-7 days from when all other requirements are met
Suggested: Weeks 45-47

My Goal:
___ /___ /___ 		Receive ABCTE certificate (Approximately 1-2 weeks after all materials have been processed)
Begin your state’s post-certification/licensure requirements
Explore steps to securing a position and job interview tips