Kansas Praxis Requirements: Tests & Passing Scores
Kansas Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification
If you plan to become a teacher in Kansas, understanding the Kansas Praxis requirements is an important first step. Kansas uses Praxis content assessments for many educator license areas. These include elementary education, middle school, secondary education, special education, world languages, school counseling, and several PreK–12 subjects.
However, Kansas has made an important change to its testing system. The state no longer requires the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching, commonly called the PLT, for the standard initial teaching license.
Therefore, candidates should be careful when using older Kansas teacher-certification guides. Some older resources still list a PLT exam as a statewide requirement.
Today, the main testing requirement is the Praxis content assessment connected to the candidate’s endorsement area.
This guide explains the current Kansas Praxis requirements, test codes, passing scores, elementary and secondary exams, special education assessments, endorsement rules, alternative certification options, and recent testing changes.
Before registering, candidates should check the Kansas State Department of Education Content Assessment Exams page and the official ETS Kansas Praxis requirements.
For study support, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection or browse the teacher certification preparation courses.
What Are the Kansas Praxis Requirements?
The Kansas Praxis requirements depend on the license and endorsement you want.
For a standard initial teaching license, Kansas generally requires candidates to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Complete an approved teacher preparation program
- Complete the required teacher work sample
- Pass the content assessment for the endorsement area
- Complete the Kansas licensure application process
Candidates can review these requirements on the official KSDE Initial Teaching License page.
Therefore, the Praxis test required for one candidate may be completely different from the test required for another.
For example, an elementary teacher may take the Praxis 7001 series. Meanwhile, a secondary mathematics candidate may take Praxis 5165.
You can also browse the full AIProctoredExams course catalog while planning your study schedule.
Does Kansas Still Require the Praxis PLT?
No. This is one of the most important updates to the Kansas Praxis requirements.
In September 2023, the Kansas State Board of Education approved changes that removed the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam as a requirement for aspiring educators seeking a standard initial Kansas teaching license.
As a result, candidates may still find outdated websites that tell them to take Praxis:
- 5621 PLT Early Childhood
- 5622 PLT Grades K–6
- 5623 PLT Grades 5–9
- 5624 PLT Grades 7–12
However, those exams are no longer part of the current standard statewide initial-license requirement.
Candidates can review the change in the KSDE September 2023 State Board updates.
This change can save candidates both time and testing costs.
Still, an individual college, another state, or a different certification pathway may use a PLT exam for another purpose. Therefore, always confirm your program requirements.
AIProctoredExams continues to offer Praxis 5621 Early Childhood, Praxis 5622 Grades K–6, Praxis 5623 Grades 5–9, and Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12 preparation for candidates who need these tests for another licensing pathway.
Kansas Praxis Requirements for Elementary Education
Elementary education is an important part of the Kansas Praxis requirements.
Kansas currently uses:
Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 7001
The assessment includes four separate subtests:
| Praxis Elementary Test | Code | Kansas Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Reading | 7002 | 143 |
| Mathematics | 7003 | 157 |
| Social Studies | 7004 | 155 |
| Science | 7005 | 159 |
Candidates may take the subtests as part of the combined 7001 assessment or according to the testing options available through ETS.
For structured preparation, candidates can use the Praxis 7001 Elementary Education preparation course.
Praxis 7002 Teaching Reading
Kansas requires a qualifying score of 143 on Praxis 7002.
Important study areas include:
- Phonological awareness
- Phonics
- Word recognition
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Reading comprehension
- Assessment
- Literacy instruction
Therefore, candidates should understand both reading concepts and classroom application.
Praxis 7003 Mathematics
The Kansas passing score for Praxis 7003 is 157.
Candidates should prepare for:
- Numbers and operations
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Ratios
- Algebraic thinking
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Statistics
- Probability
In addition, regular problem-solving practice can improve speed and accuracy.
Praxis 7004 Social Studies
Kansas currently requires a score of 155 on Praxis 7004.
Important areas may include:
- U.S. history
- World history
- Government
- Geography
- Economics
- Citizenship
Because the exam covers several subjects, candidates should avoid spending all their study time on history alone.
Praxis 7005 Science
The Kansas passing score for Praxis 7005 is 159.
Candidates should review:
- Life science
- Physical science
- Earth science
- Space science
- Scientific inquiry
- Data interpretation
As a result, a balanced science study plan is important.
Kansas Elementary Education Unified Requirements
Candidates seeking Elementary Education Unified have additional Kansas Praxis requirements.
In addition to the Praxis 7001 elementary series, Kansas currently requires:
Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge
Kansas passing score: 145
Therefore, candidates need both general elementary content knowledge and special education knowledge.
Candidates preparing for this area can use the Praxis 5355 Special Education: Foundational Knowledge preparation course.
Kansas Early Childhood Praxis Requirements
Kansas also uses Praxis testing for Early Childhood Unified licenses.
For Early Childhood Unified Birth–Grade 3, current tests include:
| Test | Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education: Foundational Knowledge and Content | 5534 | 163 |
| Special Education: Early Childhood/Early Intervention | 5692 | 159 |
For Early Childhood Unified Birth–Kindergarten, Praxis 5534 is also listed with a Kansas qualifying score of 163.
Therefore, early childhood candidates should make sure they know the exact age range connected to their license.
Kansas Middle School Praxis Requirements
The Kansas Praxis requirements for middle school teachers depend on the subject.
Current Kansas middle school assessments include:
| Middle School Area | Praxis Code | Kansas Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts 5–8 | 5047 | 158 |
| History Comprehensive 5–8 | 5589 | 149 |
| Mathematics 5–8 | 5164 | 157 |
| Science 5–8 | 5442 | 152 |
These are subject-specific content assessments.
Middle School English Language Arts 5047
Kansas currently requires 158.
Candidates should prepare for:
- Reading
- Literature
- Writing
- Language
- Research
- Communication
Middle School Mathematics 5164
The Kansas qualifying score for Praxis 5164 is 157.
Important content includes:
- Numbers and operations
- Algebra
- Functions
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Statistics
- Probability
In addition, many questions require candidates to apply mathematics in teaching situations.
Middle School Science 5442
Kansas currently requires a score of 152.
Candidates should review:
- Physical science
- Life science
- Earth and space science
- Science and engineering practices
- Data analysis
- Scientific reasoning
Middle School Social Studies 5589
Kansas uses Praxis 5589 Middle School Social Studies for History Comprehensive Grades 5–8.
The qualifying score is 149.
Important areas include:
- U.S. history
- World history
- Geography
- Government
- Economics
- Social studies analysis
Therefore, candidates should prepare across several disciplines.
Kansas Secondary Education Praxis Requirements
Secondary education covers many content areas within the Kansas Praxis requirements.
Common exams include:
| Kansas Secondary Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 5701 | 147 |
| Biology | 5236 | 154 |
| Business Education | 5101 | 150 |
| Chemistry | 5246 | 146 |
| Technology & Engineering Education | 5053 | 157 |
| Earth and Space Science | 5572 | 154 |
| English Language Arts | 5038 | 162 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | 5123 | 151 |
| History and Government | 5581 | 153 |
| Journalism | 5224 | 153 |
| Mathematics | 5165 | 159 |
| Physics | 5266 | 145 |
| Psychology | 5391 | 154 |
| Speech Communication | 5221 | 148 |
Because each subject has a different score, candidates should confirm their exact target before taking a practice test.
The complete current list is available on the official ETS Kansas test requirements page.
Kansas Praxis Mathematics 5165
Candidates seeking Mathematics Grades 6–12 use:
Praxis Mathematics 5165
Kansas passing score: 159
The exam may cover:
- Algebra
- Functions
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Probability
- Mathematical modeling
- Advanced mathematical reasoning
Therefore, candidates should solve many practice problems rather than relying on passive reading.
Kansas Praxis English Language Arts 5038
Secondary English Language Arts candidates currently take:
Praxis 5038 – English Language Arts: Content Knowledge
Kansas passing score: 162
The test focuses on areas such as:
- Literature
- Informational texts
- Writing
- Language conventions
- Vocabulary
- Speaking
- Listening
- Research
Because the exam covers a wide range of skills, candidates should divide preparation into smaller study areas.
Kansas Social Studies Praxis 5581
Candidates seeking History and Government Grades 6–12 currently use:
Praxis Social Studies 5581
Kansas qualifying score: 153
Candidates should prepare for:
- U.S. history
- World history
- Government
- Political science
- Geography
- Economics
- Social sciences
In addition, source analysis and interpretation skills are important for many social studies questions.
Kansas Special Education Praxis Requirements
Special education has several distinct Kansas Praxis requirements.
Current examples include:
| Special Education Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Gifted | 5358 | 157 |
| High Incidence Special Education | 5355 | 145 |
| Low Incidence Special Education | 5547 | 156 |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 5272 | 160 |
| Visual Impairments | 5282 | 163 |
Therefore, Praxis 5355 is not the correct test for every Kansas special education license.
High Incidence Special Education
Kansas currently uses:
Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge
Passing score: 145
Important topics include:
- Human development
- Learning differences
- Instructional planning
- Inclusive classrooms
- Assessment
- Behavior support
- Collaboration
- Professional practice
Candidates can use the AIProctoredExams Praxis 5355 preparation course for focused study.
Low Incidence Special Education
Candidates seeking Low Incidence Special Education currently use:
Praxis 5547 – Special Education: Severe to Profound
Kansas passing score: 156
This exam focuses on students with more intensive support needs.
Therefore, preparation should include assessment, communication, instruction, assistive supports, behavior, and collaboration.
Kansas All-Grades Praxis Requirements
Several Kansas licenses cover PreK–12 or all grades.
Examples include:
| Teaching Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Art | 5134 | 160 |
| Health | 5551 | 153 |
| Music | 5113 | 152 |
| Physical Education | 5091 | 148 |
| Chinese Mandarin | 5665 | 164 |
| French | 5174 | 159 |
| German | 5183 | 160 |
| Japanese | 5661 | 156 |
| Latin | 5601 | 155 |
| Russian | 5671 | 130 |
| Spanish | 5195 | 165 |
Therefore, candidates pursuing an all-grades subject should verify the test attached to that exact endorsement.
Kansas ESOL Praxis Requirements
Candidates seeking English for Speakers of Other Languages currently use:
Praxis 5362 – English to Speakers of Other Languages
Kansas passing score: 149
Important content may include:
- Language acquisition
- Linguistics
- Teaching methods
- Assessment
- Cultural understanding
- Supporting multilingual learners
Kansas also has specific rules for adding an ESOL endorsement, so candidates should review the current KSDE endorsement information.
Kansas Instructional Support Praxis Requirements
Praxis testing also applies to several school-support professions.
Current examples include:
| Kansas Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| School Librarian | 5312 | 154 |
| Reading Specialist | 5302 | 165 |
| School Counselor | 5422 | 156 |
| School Psychologist | 5403 | 147 |
Therefore, Praxis testing in Kansas extends beyond classroom teaching.
Kansas School Counselor Praxis 5422
School counselor candidates currently need:
Praxis School Counselor 5422
Kansas passing score: 156
Important study areas include:
- Human development
- Counseling theory
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Academic development
- Career planning
- Ethics
- Program management
Candidates should combine theory review with scenario-based practice.
Kansas School Leadership Assessments
Kansas also uses assessments for educational leadership.
Current requirements include:
| Leadership Area | Assessment | Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Leadership | School Leaders Licensure Assessment | 6990 | 151 |
| District Leadership | School Superintendent Assessment | 6991 | 162 |
Therefore, the Kansas testing system covers teachers, specialists, and administrators.
Adding an Endorsement Through Praxis in Kansas
One useful feature of the Kansas licensing system is the ability to add many endorsements through testing.
An educator with an active Kansas teaching license may add many content endorsements by:
- Passing the correct Praxis content exam.
- Having the score sent electronically to KSDE.
- Completing the required endorsement application.
KSDE currently lists its Praxis score recipient code as 7270.
Candidates can review the official Kansas Adding an Endorsement to Your License page.
However, not every endorsement can be added by test alone.
Examples that generally require program completion or additional requirements include:
- Early Childhood Unified
- Elementary Education
- Elementary Education Unified
- School Leadership
- School Specialist areas
- Certain special education endorsements
Therefore, candidates should confirm their chosen endorsement before registering.
Kansas Alternative Teacher Licensure
Kansas also provides nontraditional pathways for candidates who have not completed a traditional education degree.
The Restricted Teaching License pathway is designed for certain candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in the subject they want to teach.
Current requirements include factors such as:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Required content-area background
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Passing the correct Praxis content exam
- Enrollment in an approved preparation program
- Supervised practical training
Candidates should review the official Kansas Nontraditional Teaching License Pathways before applying.
This route is mainly available for secondary content subjects and selected all-level areas.
Therefore, passing the correct content Praxis can be an important early step for alternative-route candidates.
Out-of-State Teachers Seeking Kansas Licensure
Teachers who already hold a license from another state can apply for Kansas licensure.
However, an out-of-state license does not automatically allow an educator to teach in Kansas.
KSDE reviews several factors, including:
- Degree
- Teacher preparation
- Existing license
- Teaching experience
- Testing
- Recency requirements
- Background checks
In some cases, a candidate may qualify for a temporary or transitional license while completing unmet Kansas requirements.
Out-of-state teachers can review current information through the Kansas Teacher Licensure portal.
Does Kansas Require Praxis Core?
Praxis Core includes:
- Reading 5713
- Writing 5723
- Mathematics 5733
However, Praxis Core is not shown on the current Kansas ETS required-test list as a universal statewide initial licensure assessment.
Therefore, candidates should not automatically register for Praxis Core based on older information.
A university or teacher preparation program may have its own admission requirements. As a result, candidates should check with their institution before paying for a basic-skills examination.
How to Prepare for the Kansas Praxis Exams
Understanding the Kansas Praxis requirements is only the first step. A structured study plan can make exam preparation much more effective.
1. Confirm Your Exact Test Code
First, identify the endorsement you want.
Then confirm the test number through KSDE and ETS.
For example:
- Elementary Education — Praxis 7001 series
- Middle School Mathematics — Praxis 5164
- Secondary Mathematics — Praxis 5165
- High Incidence Special Education — Praxis 5355
- School Counselor — Praxis 5422
This step helps prevent costly registration mistakes.
2. Know Your Passing Score
Next, write down the Kansas qualifying score for your exam.
For example, the score for Praxis 5164 is different from the score for Praxis 5165.
Therefore, knowing the correct target helps you evaluate your practice-test results.
3. Review the Exam Blueprint
Break your exam into major content areas.
Then identify:
- Strong topics
- Moderate topics
- Weak topics
Spend more time on weak areas, but continue reviewing stronger subjects.
Candidates can browse the AIProctoredExams Study Guides for additional preparation resources.
4. Complete Practice Questions
Practice questions help turn knowledge into test-taking skill.
In addition, they can help you:
- Understand common question styles
- Identify weak topics
- Improve recall
- Practice eliminating wrong answers
- Build confidence
- Improve pacing
Explore the Praxis preparation collection for additional options.
5. Review Incorrect Answers
Do not simply count your wrong answers.
Instead, ask:
- Why was my answer incorrect?
- Why is the correct answer better?
- Which topic should I review?
- Did I misunderstand the question?
- Was I rushing?
As a result, mistakes become useful study opportunities.
6. Practice Under Timed Conditions
Finally, complete timed practice before test day.
This helps you improve pacing and become more comfortable working under exam conditions.
Candidates who are new to the platform can review How AIProctoredExams Works.
Four-Week Kansas Praxis Study Plan
Week 1: Understand the Exam
First, confirm your test code and passing score.
Next, review the exam structure.
Finally, complete an initial practice set to identify weak areas.
Week 2: Build Content Knowledge
Focus on your weakest subjects.
At the same time, complete short practice sets after each topic.
This approach helps reinforce what you learn.
Week 3: Increase Practice
Begin mixing questions from several content areas.
In addition, review every incorrect answer carefully.
Do not repeat the same mistake without reviewing the underlying concept.
Week 4: Simulate the Exam
Finally, complete longer timed practice sessions.
During the last few days, review key concepts and difficult questions.
Avoid trying to learn an entire subject the night before the test.
For additional assistance, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Praxis Requirements
Does Kansas require Praxis for teacher certification?
Yes. Kansas uses Praxis content assessments for many teaching and educator endorsement areas.
Does Kansas still require the Praxis PLT?
No. Kansas removed the statewide PLT requirement for the standard initial teaching license in 2023.
What Praxis tests do Kansas elementary teachers take?
Kansas elementary candidates currently use the Praxis 7001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects series, including 7002, 7003, 7004, and 7005.
What are the Kansas Praxis 7001 passing scores?
Current Kansas qualifying scores are:
- Praxis 7002 Teaching Reading — 143
- Praxis 7003 Mathematics — 157
- Praxis 7004 Social Studies — 155
- Praxis 7005 Science — 159
What is the Kansas Praxis 5355 passing score?
Kansas currently requires a score of 145 for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355.
What is the Kansas Praxis 5164 passing score?
The Kansas passing score for Praxis Middle School Mathematics 5164 is 157.
What is the Kansas Praxis 5442 passing score?
Kansas currently requires 152 for Praxis Middle School Science 5442.
What is the Kansas Praxis 5589 passing score?
Kansas requires 149 for Praxis Middle School Social Studies 5589.
What is the Kansas Praxis 5165 passing score?
The qualifying score for Praxis Mathematics 5165 is 159.
What is the Kansas Praxis 5038 passing score?
Kansas currently requires 162 for Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038.
Can I add a Kansas endorsement by passing a Praxis exam?
In many content areas, yes. Educators with an active Kansas teaching license may add eligible endorsements by passing the required Praxis content exam and completing the KSDE application process.
What is the Kansas Praxis score recipient code?
KSDE currently identifies 7270 as its score recipient code for content assessment scores used to add eligible endorsements.
Does Kansas have an alternative teacher certification route?
Yes. Kansas offers nontraditional pathways, including the Restricted Teaching License route for eligible candidates in certain secondary and all-level subject areas.
Where should I verify Kansas Praxis requirements?
Always check the Kansas State Department of Education Content Assessment Exams page and the official ETS Kansas Praxis requirements before registering.
Start Preparing for Your Kansas Praxis Exam
The Kansas Praxis requirements vary by subject, grade level, and license area.
Elementary candidates may need the Praxis 7001 series. Meanwhile, middle school and secondary teachers take content exams connected to their teaching subjects.
Special education, school counseling, world language, instructional support, and leadership candidates also have their own assessment requirements.
Most importantly, candidates should remember that Kansas no longer requires the Praxis PLT for the standard initial teaching license. Therefore, always use current information rather than older preparation guides.
Once you know your exact test code and passing score, build a study plan that combines content review, practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and timed practice.
Explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation courses, browse all available online exam preparation courses, read more exam-preparation content on the AIProctoredExams Blog, or visit the AIProctoredExams homepage.
You can also learn more about the platform on the About AIProctoredExams page.
AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with ETS or the Kansas State Department of Education.
Finally, always verify the latest Kansas Praxis requirements through KSDE and ETS before paying for or scheduling an examination.
