Licensure | Indiana Content Exams
Secondary ELA Content Exam (5038)
Corps members assigned to teach Secondary English Language Arts take the English Language Arts (5038) content exam. The 5038 exam covers the the subject matter of ELA. This exam is 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
This exam computer-based (you can take it from a testing center anywhere in the US and some international locations). We recommend going to a test center instead of the at-home option because of complaints corps members have shared with the at-home testing requirements.
The 5038 exam costs $130.
If you fail, you can retake these exams. However, you must wait 30 days before re-testing.
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 10 hours passed this exam.
Work together, you are a team! Reach out to each other (and the Onboarding Team) via Slack if 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 Test Prep (#1 Recommended)
Teach For America has partnered with Passage Preparation to provide free accounts to all 2027 corps members. This includes a diagnostic exam, practice questions and exams, and other study resources.
Passage Preparation sent you an email to your TFA email address shortly after you accepted your offer to gain access to their platform as a TFA corps member.
Additional Resources (Free)
Test Taking Strategies
Review our preparation and anxiety-reducing strategies for better test taking.