Idaho Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification

If you plan to become a teacher in Idaho, understanding the Idaho Praxis requirements is an important part of the certification process. Idaho uses Praxis assessments for many teaching fields. These include elementary education, middle school, secondary education, special education, literacy, world languages, and several K–12 endorsements.

However, the exact test depends on the certificate or endorsement you want. Therefore, candidates should identify their teaching area before registering.

Idaho also has several current testing changes. For example, the newer Praxis 5589 Middle School Social Studies assessment is replacing Praxis 5089. In addition, Idaho has specific rules for sending Praxis scores to the state.

This guide explains the current Idaho Praxis requirements, important test codes, passing scores, elementary and secondary assessments, reading requirements, special education tests, alternative certification options, and current test transitions.

Before registering, candidates should review the Idaho Department of Education Educator Certification information and the official ETS Idaho Praxis requirements.

For additional preparation, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation courses or browse the teacher certification preparation resources.

What Are the Idaho Praxis Requirements?

The Idaho Praxis requirements depend on the certification or endorsement area.

The Idaho Department of Education explains that Praxis assessments are State Board of Education-approved content and performance assessments used for educator certification in Idaho.

Therefore, Praxis can play an important role when candidates apply for initial certification or add selected endorsements.

Common Praxis testing areas include:

Elementary education
Early literacy
Middle school subjects
Secondary subjects
Special education
English as a Second Language
World languages
Reading and literacy
Gifted education
Health
Physical education
Art
Music
School library
Career and technical subjects

However, not every educator follows the same route. For example, candidates who complete an approved alternative program may have different ways to demonstrate content knowledge.

Candidates can review the Idaho educator certification application information before starting the process.

You can also browse the complete AIProctoredExams course catalog while planning your study schedule.

Idaho Praxis Score Reporting Requirement

One unusual part of the Idaho Praxis requirements involves score reporting.

At present, the Idaho Department of Education cannot receive Praxis score reports electronically from ETS. Therefore, applicants must download and print their Praxis score reports and submit them with their certification or endorsement application.

Idaho’s application guidance for graduates of Idaho preparation programs also asks candidates to provide an official Praxis assessment score sheet. A photocopy is acceptable.

Therefore, do not assume your score will automatically reach the Idaho certification office.

After receiving your score:

Download your official score report.
Save a digital copy for your records.
Print the report.
Include it with the required certification documents.
Confirm that the test and passing score match your endorsement.

This simple step can help prevent processing delays.

Idaho Praxis Requirements for Elementary Education K–8

Elementary education is a major part of the Idaho Praxis requirements.

Candidates seeking the All Subjects K–8 endorsement currently use:

Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 7001

The assessment consists of four subtests.

Praxis Test	Code	Idaho Passing Score
Teaching Reading	7002	143
Mathematics	7003	157
Social Studies	7004	155
Science	7005	159

These are the current qualifying scores listed for Idaho by ETS.

Candidates can prepare using the Praxis 7001 Elementary Education preparation course.

Idaho Praxis 7002 Teaching Reading

Praxis 7002 focuses on teaching reading.

Idaho passing score: 143

Important study topics include:

Phonological awareness
Phonemic awareness
Phonics
Decoding
Word recognition
Fluency
Vocabulary
Reading comprehension
Literacy assessment
Reading instruction

Therefore, candidates should understand both reading concepts and classroom applications.

Idaho Praxis 7003 Mathematics

Praxis 7003 measures elementary mathematics knowledge.

Idaho passing score: 157

Candidates should review:

Numbers and operations
Fractions
Decimals
Ratios
Algebraic thinking
Geometry
Measurement
Statistics
Probability
Mathematical reasoning

In addition, candidates should practice solving problems under time limits.

Idaho Praxis 7004 Social Studies

The Idaho qualifying score for Praxis 7004 is 155.

Important topics include:

U.S. history
World history
Government
Geography
Economics
Citizenship
Social studies skills

Because the exam covers several areas, candidates should use a balanced study schedule.

Idaho Praxis 7005 Science

Praxis 7005 has an Idaho qualifying score of 159.

Candidates should prepare for:

Life science
Physical science
Earth science
Space science
Scientific inquiry
Data interpretation
Scientific reasoning

Therefore, practice should include both science knowledge and application questions.

Idaho Early Literacy Endorsement and Praxis 5205

Reading is another important area within the Idaho Praxis requirements.

Candidates seeking the Early Literacy Endorsement currently use:

Praxis 5205 – Teaching Reading: Elementary

Idaho passing score: 159

ETS also lists Idaho as participating in Praxis Bridge for Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205 from August 1, 2025, subject to the program’s eligibility rules.

Candidates preparing for this assessment can use the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary preparation course.

Important topics include:

Phonics
Phonological awareness
Vocabulary
Fluency
Comprehension
Writing
Reading assessment
Instructional planning
Evidence-based literacy instruction

Therefore, candidates should prepare to apply reading concepts rather than simply memorize terms.

Idaho Middle School Praxis Requirements

The Idaho Praxis requirements for Grades 5–9 depend on the teaching subject.

Common middle-level assessments include:

Teaching Area	Praxis Test	Code	Idaho Passing Score
English	Middle School English Language Arts	5047	164
Mathematics	Middle School Mathematics	5164	157
Science	Middle School Science	5442	152
Social Studies	Middle School Social Studies	5589	149

ETS currently lists these assessments for Idaho’s middle-level certification areas.

Middle School English Language Arts 5047

Idaho requires a qualifying score of 164.

Candidates should review:

Literature
Informational texts
Writing
Language
Research
Communication

Because the exam covers several skills, preparation should include both reading and writing practice.

Middle School Mathematics 5164

The Idaho qualifying score for Praxis 5164 is 157.

Important areas include:

Numbers and operations
Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Measurement
Statistics
Probability

In addition, regular practice can help improve speed.

Middle School Science 5442

Idaho requires 152 on Praxis 5442.

The exam covers:

Life science
Physical science
Earth and space science
Scientific inquiry
Data analysis
Science practices

Therefore, candidates should study across several science areas.

Middle School Social Studies 5589

The newer Idaho assessment is:

Praxis 5589 – Middle School Social Studies

Passing score: 149

This test is used across several Grade 5–9 endorsement areas, including history, government, geography, economics, and middle-level social studies.

Important 2026 Idaho Praxis 5089 Change

Candidates should pay close attention to the current Middle School Social Studies transition.

The older:

Praxis 5089 – Middle School Social Studies

is accepted only through September 1, 2026.

The Idaho qualifying score for both 5089 and the newer 5589 is 149.

However, ETS states that if Praxis 5089 is taken by August 31, 2026, a passing score can be accepted by the Idaho Department of Education through August 31, 2031.

Therefore, candidates testing around the transition date should check the current ETS Idaho Praxis test list before registering.

This is one of the most important current updates in the Idaho Praxis requirements.

Idaho Secondary Education Praxis Requirements

Idaho uses Praxis content assessments across many Grades 6–12 endorsement areas.

Common examples include:

Idaho Endorsement	Praxis Code	Passing Score
Agriculture	5701	147
Biology	5236	154
Business Education	5101	148
Chemistry	5246	146
Computer Science	5652	149
Earth & Space Sciences	5572	154
Economics	5911	150
English Language Arts	5038	167
Geography	5921	153
Government/Political Science	5931	149
History	5941	141
Journalism	5224	153
Mathematics	5165	159
General Science	5436	141
Sociology	5952	154
Technology & Engineering	5053	157

These are among the current Idaho Praxis assessments and qualifying scores listed by ETS.

Because the test changes by subject, candidates should confirm their endorsement before registering.

Idaho Praxis Mathematics 5165

Candidates seeking Mathematics Grades 6–12 currently use:

Praxis Mathematics 5165

Idaho passing score: 159

The exam covers areas such as:

Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Statistics
Probability
Mathematical modeling
Mathematical reasoning

Therefore, candidates should solve practice problems regularly.

Reading mathematical explanations is useful. However, active problem solving is usually more effective for identifying weak areas.

Idaho Praxis English Language Arts 5038

Candidates seeking English Grades 6–12 currently take:

Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038

Idaho passing score: 167

Important study areas include:

Literature
Informational texts
Writing
Language
Vocabulary
Research
Speaking
Listening

ETS also identifies Praxis 5038 as one of Idaho’s Praxis Bridge titles effective August 1, 2025, subject to eligibility requirements.

Because the passing score is relatively high, candidates should begin preparation early.

Idaho Science Praxis Requirements

Idaho uses different science assessments depending on the endorsement.

For example:

Biology 5236 — 154

Chemistry 5246 — 146

Earth and Space Sciences 5572 — 154

General Science 5436 — 141

Middle School Science 5442 — 152

Therefore, candidates should not automatically register for General Science simply because they plan to teach science.

Instead, confirm the exact endorsement first.

Idaho Social Studies Praxis Requirements

Idaho also separates many social studies areas.

For Grades 6–12, examples include:

Government/Political Science 5931 — 149
Economics 5911 — 150
Geography 5921 — 153
World and U.S. History 5941 — 141
Sociology 5952 — 154

For Grades 5–9, several social studies areas use Praxis 5589 with a qualifying score of 149.

Therefore, the correct test depends on both subject and grade range.

Idaho Natural Science Endorsement

The Natural Science Grades 6–12 endorsement has additional requirements.

Idaho currently lists:

Praxis General Science 5436 — qualifying score 141

However, ETS also states that candidates must hold an endorsement and pass the appropriate Praxis exam in at least one related science field, such as Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Geology, Physics, or Agriculture Science Technology.

Therefore, candidates seeking Natural Science should review the full requirement carefully.

Idaho Special Education Praxis Requirements

Special education is another major part of the Idaho Praxis requirements.

For Exceptional Child Education K–8, 6–12, or K–12, Idaho currently uses:

Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge

Passing score: 145

Depending on the specific special education certification area, additional tests may also be required.

Candidates preparing for Praxis 5355 can use the Praxis 5355 Special Education: Foundational Knowledge preparation course.

Praxis 5355 measures knowledge related to:

Human development
Learning differences
Instruction
Assessment
Learning environments
Behavior support
Collaboration
Professional responsibilities

ETS describes the exam as measuring knowledge needed for beginning special education practice from kindergarten through Grade 12.

Idaho Blind and Low Vision Praxis Requirements

Candidates seeking the Blind and Low Vision PreK–12 endorsement currently need:

Praxis 5282 – Teaching Students with Visual Impairments

Passing score: 163

and:

Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge

Passing score: 145.

Therefore, candidates in this area need to prepare for both general special education concepts and specialized visual-impairment content.

Idaho Deaf and Hard of Hearing Praxis Requirements

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing K–12 certification, Idaho currently lists:

Praxis 5272 – Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Passing score: 160

plus:

Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge

Passing score: 145.

Therefore, passing Praxis 5355 alone may not satisfy the full testing requirement for this endorsement.

Idaho Early Childhood Special Education Praxis Requirements

Candidates pursuing Early Childhood Special Education PreK–3 currently use:

Praxis 5692 – Special Education: Early Childhood/Early Intervention

Passing score: 159

and either:

Praxis 5025 – Early Childhood Education

Passing score: 156

or the applicable Elementary Education Multiple Subjects option shown by Idaho.

Because several tests can be involved, candidates should verify their exact pathway before registering.

Idaho English as a Second Language Praxis Requirements

For English as a Second Language K–12, Idaho uses:

Praxis 5362 – English to Speakers of Other Languages

Passing score: 155

The same assessment is also listed for Bilingual Education K–12.

Important areas may include:

Language acquisition
Linguistics
Teaching methods
Assessment
Culture
Supporting multilingual learners

Therefore, candidates should combine language theory with classroom-based practice.

Idaho Literacy Praxis Requirements

Candidates seeking a Literacy K–12 endorsement currently use:

Praxis 5206 – Teaching Reading: K–12

Idaho passing score: 156

This differs from Praxis 5205, which Idaho uses for the Early Literacy Endorsement.

Therefore, always check the test title and code.

A candidate studying for the wrong reading exam could waste both preparation time and registration fees.

For broader exam-preparation resources, visit the AIProctoredExams Study Guides.

Idaho World Language Praxis Requirements

Idaho also uses Praxis assessments for several world language endorsements.

Examples include:

Chinese Mandarin 5665 — 164
French 5174 — 156
World Languages Pedagogy 5841 — 151 for certain other languages

Additional languages have their own testing requirements.

Therefore, candidates should verify whether they need a language-specific proficiency test, a pedagogy test, or both.

Does Idaho Require Praxis PLT?

Candidates should not automatically register for a Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam simply because another state requires one.

Idaho’s current ETS state requirement list focuses mainly on the content and specialty assessments attached to specific endorsement areas.

Therefore, candidates should confirm the exact test shown for their Idaho certificate or endorsement before paying for a PLT assessment.

If a separate program or another state requires pedagogy testing, AIProctoredExams offers preparation for the Praxis 5623 PLT Grades 5–9 course and the Praxis 5624 PLT Grades 7–12 course.

Idaho Alternative Teacher Certification

Idaho offers alternative authorization pathways for candidates who do not follow the traditional teacher-preparation route.

The Idaho Department of Education explains that one alternative route allows candidates to demonstrate content knowledge through several possible methods.

Depending on the option, candidates may qualify through:

An approved Praxis assessment
An applicable ABCTE assessment
A bachelor’s degree in the content area
A state-approved content competency evaluation

Some routes also require a state-approved mentoring program.

Candidates should review the Idaho Alternative Authorizations information before assuming Praxis is the only option.

Do ABCTE Candidates Need Praxis in Idaho?

Not necessarily.

The Idaho Department of Education states that candidates who passed the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence assessment do not need to take Praxis for that certification route.

However, adding additional certificates or endorsements through a traditional teacher-preparation program may still require a Praxis assessment.

Therefore, ABCTE candidates should check any future endorsement requirements separately.

How to Prepare for an Idaho Praxis Exam

Understanding the Idaho Praxis requirements is only the beginning. Once you know which exam you need, a structured study plan can help you prepare more efficiently.

1. Confirm Your Certification Area

First, identify the certificate or endorsement you want.

Do not select a test based only on a general subject name.

For example:

Mathematics Grades 5–9 uses Praxis 5164.
Mathematics Grades 6–12 uses Praxis 5165.

Although the subjects are similar, the exams are different.

2. Confirm Your Exact Test Code

Next, check the official Idaho and ETS requirements.

Write down:

Test name
Test code
Required score
Grade range
Any additional test requirement

This step can prevent registration mistakes.

3. Know Your Passing Score

Once you know the required score, compare it with your practice results.

For example:

Praxis 7002 — 143
Praxis 5164 — 157
Praxis 5165 — 159
Praxis 5355 — 145
Praxis 5205 — 159

Knowing your target makes your study progress easier to measure.

4. Review the Exam Blueprint

Break the exam into smaller topics.

Then classify each topic as:

Strong
Moderate
Weak

Spend more time on weak areas while continuing to review stronger topics.

Candidates can browse the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection for additional resources.

5. Complete Practice Questions

Practice questions help turn knowledge into test skill.

In addition, practice can help you:

Understand common question styles
Find weak topics
Improve recall
Practice elimination
Build confidence
Improve pacing

Therefore, practice questions should be part of every study week.

6. Review Incorrect Answers

Do not simply check your total score.

Instead, review every incorrect answer.

Ask:

Why was my answer wrong?
Why is the correct answer stronger?
Which topic do I need to study again?
Did I misunderstand the question?
Was I rushing?

As a result, each mistake becomes a useful study opportunity.

7. Complete Timed Practice

Finally, begin completing questions under timed conditions.

Timed practice helps you improve pacing and become comfortable with test pressure.

Candidates who want to understand the preparation process can review How AIProctoredExams Works.

Four-Week Idaho Praxis Study Plan

Week 1: Understand the Exam

First, verify your exact exam.

Next, confirm your passing score.

Then complete a short practice test to find weak areas.

Week 2: Build Knowledge

Focus on difficult topics.

At the same time, complete practice questions after every study section.

This helps reinforce what you learn.

Week 3: Increase Practice

Begin mixing questions from several topics.

In addition, review every incorrect answer.

Return to any area where your scores remain low.

Week 4: Practice Under Test Conditions

Finally, complete longer timed practice sessions.

During the last few days, review key concepts and common errors.

Avoid trying to learn a large amount of completely new material immediately before the exam.

For additional support, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Praxis Requirements

Does Idaho require Praxis for teacher certification?

Idaho uses State Board-approved Praxis content and performance assessments for many educator certification and endorsement areas.

What Praxis test do Idaho elementary teachers take?

Candidates seeking All Subjects K–8 currently use Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 7001, which contains subtests 7002, 7003, 7004, and 7005.

What are the Idaho Praxis 7001 passing scores?

The current Idaho qualifying scores are:

Praxis 7002 Teaching Reading — 143
Praxis 7003 Mathematics — 157
Praxis 7004 Social Studies — 155
Praxis 7005 Science — 159

What is the Idaho Praxis 5205 passing score?

The Idaho qualifying score for Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205 is 159.

What is the Idaho Praxis 5164 passing score?

Idaho currently requires 157 for Praxis Middle School Mathematics 5164.

What is the Idaho Praxis 5442 passing score?

The Idaho qualifying score for Middle School Science 5442 is 152.

What is the Idaho Praxis 5589 passing score?

Idaho currently requires 149 for Praxis Middle School Social Studies 5589.

Is Praxis 5089 still accepted in Idaho?

Yes, during the transition period. Praxis 5089 is accepted through September 1, 2026. A passing 5089 score from a test taken by August 31, 2026, may be accepted by Idaho through August 31, 2031.

What is the Idaho Praxis 5165 passing score?

The Idaho passing score for Praxis Mathematics 5165 is 159.

What is the Idaho Praxis 5038 passing score?

Idaho currently requires 167 for Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038.

What is the Idaho Praxis 5355 passing score?

The qualifying score for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355 is 145.

Does Idaho use Praxis for early literacy?

Yes. Idaho currently lists Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205 for the Early Literacy Endorsement, with a qualifying score of 159.

Does Idaho accept ABCTE instead of Praxis?

For the applicable ABCTE certification route, Idaho states that candidates who have passed the ABCTE assessment do not also need Praxis. However, later endorsements may have separate testing requirements.

Can alternative-route teachers use Praxis in Idaho?

Yes. Praxis is one method available to demonstrate content competency under selected Idaho alternative authorization pathways.

Does Idaho automatically receive Praxis scores electronically?

No. The Idaho Department of Education currently states that it cannot receive Praxis score reports electronically. Applicants must download, print, and submit their score reports with their application materials.

Where should I verify Idaho Praxis requirements?

Always review the Idaho Department of Education Educator Certification page and the official ETS Idaho Praxis test requirements before registering.

Start Preparing for Your Idaho Praxis Exam

The Idaho Praxis requirements vary by certification area, subject, and grade range.

Elementary candidates may need the Praxis 7001 series. Meanwhile, middle school candidates may take Praxis 5047, 5164, 5442, or 5589 depending on their subject.

Secondary candidates use subject-specific assessments such as Praxis 5165 Mathematics or Praxis 5038 English Language Arts.

Special education, literacy, world language, and other candidates also have their own testing requirements.

Therefore, begin by identifying your exact certification area. Next, confirm the correct test and passing score. Finally, create a study plan that combines content review, practice questions, answer explanations, and timed exercises.

Explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation courses, browse all available online exam preparation courses, or read more test-preparation content on the AIProctoredExams Blog.

You can also visit the AIProctoredExams homepage or learn more through the About AIProctoredExams page.

AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with ETS or the Idaho Department of Education.

Finally, always confirm the latest Idaho Praxis requirements with Idaho’s official certification office and ETS before paying for or scheduling an examination.

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