Licensure Information
General Information
In addition to course requirements there are several other steps which need to be taken in order to complete licensure requirements at Otterbein University. ALL steps MUST be completed before your application is sent to the Ohio Department of Education for processing.
Fingerprinting and Background Check
Fingerprinting and Background Checks are required for all field experiences. On-campus services will be available each term, or students may contact any WebCheck location or police department.
Almost all fingerprinting and background checks in Ohio must be done through a WebCheck location. Information about area WebCheck locations can be obtained from the website for the Ohio Attorney General. Most locations require you call in advance for an appointment. FBI and BCI&I background checks are both required for licensure. Ask at the WebCheck location to see if they can do both kinds of checks for you.
Application for Teaching License
Otterbein has created a mini application for your teaching license. This application form is available in the Education Department Office (Roush 430). You will also receive the official Ohio Department of Education application and be responsible for completing the designated sections. Your application fee is due when you return your application materials to the Education Department Office unless there is a significant amount of time in between when you submit your application and when it will be mailed to the Ohio Department of Education.
Application for Graduation
One of the Ohio Department of Education requirements for receiving a teaching license is to have completed a bachelor's degree program. If you will graduate at or near the time you complete licensure requirements you MUST also complete the Otterbein University degree completion application. This form can be obtained in the Office of the Registrar. As a part of this process your course work will be reviewed to make sure you have met University requirements for graduation.
Licensure Testing
Praxis II
Praxis II measures your knowledge of the subjects you will teach. It also measures your general and subject-specific pedagogical skills and knowledge. The Praxis II tests used by the state of Ohio include the following:
- Subject Assessments/Specialty Area Tests
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Tests: These assessments use a case study approach to measure your general pedagogical knowledge at the various grade levels. The tests feature constructed-response and multiple-choice items.
Basic registration information and some study guides are available in the Department of Education Office (Roush 430) and on reserve in the Courtright Memorial Library. An information handout indicating which tests are required for the various licensure areas is available below.
ACTFL-LTI
Foreign Language candidates are required to complete the ACTFL OPI and WPT instead of a Praxis II content test. ACTFL-LTI guidelines and preparation materials can be found at www.languagetesting.com.
Praxis Information Sheet
Any person seeking licensure in the State of Ohio must pass the required Praxis exams. Below is a link to the tests required for the licensure programs offered by Otterbein University. Look for your licensure type first then find the corresponding test name and code. Registration information is available in the Department of Education Office (Roush 430) and at the ETS web site. Tests at a Glance booklets are only available on the ETS web site (www.ets.org/praxis).
As the time comes to register, please consider the following recommendations:
- Complete methods (EDUC 3200, 3420, 3700 or equivalent in the academic department) before taking the Principles of Learning and Teaching test.
- Those applying for licensure during the summer should complete the testing series during the spring of that same year to allow ample score report processing time.
When completing the test registration form, remember to record Otterbein University (1597) as both the institution you are attending and an agency to receive your test scores. Your score report will only be available online for a limited period of time so remember to print and/or save a copy. Your teaching license will not be processed until Otterbein receives your score report(s).
Test information is available below.
If you have further questions about the Praxis tests, contact www.ets.org/praxis or call 800-772-9476.