DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa will soon begin implementing its new testing requirements for people seeking to be licensed to teach in the state.

A legislative panel cleared the way Tuesday for the state education department to begin implementing new rules Jan. 2 for teacher preparedness tests. The rules require candidates to score above the 25th percentile, which means test takers must be in the top 75 percent nationwide.

It’s all part of a law that went into effect in July. It’s been delayed to accommodate candidates completing student teaching in the fall.