Nevada commission adopts replacement competency exams for educators

The Nevada Commission on Professional Standards voted to adopt replacement competency examinations for several educator licensure areas, the commission announced after a motion and vote during its meeting.

The department recommended adoption of updated or replacement exams from Educational Testing Service, covering family and consumer sciences, secondary social studies, middle school social studies, a split parapro assessment (reading/writing and math), and a new early childhood education foundational knowledge and content exam to replace Education of Young Children. Jeff Briskie, director of educator licensure, development and family engagement and secretary to the commission, described the department’s recommendation and the transition approach.

Briskie said candidates will have a one-year overlap period: “we get a 1 year overlap. So anyone who has already registered for the old test, we will accept it up to 1 year.” That overlap applies so candidates who registered for the outgoing exams can complete them while new tests become available.

Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt the exams; Commissioner Belknap seconded. The motion carried on an affirmative voice vote and the commission recorded the item as approved.

The department said the replacements follow a routine multistate review by ETS and reflect regenerated or updated tests from that cycle. Commissioners did not request substantive changes to the recommendation during the discussion.

The commission’s action updates the set of competency assessments used for initial licensure in the listed content areas; the department will provide implementation details to candidates and educator preparation programs.

Minutes and formal records of the vote appear in the commission’s official minutes.