Louisiana Praxis Tests & Passing Scores Guide 2026
Louisiana Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores and Teacher Certification
Understanding the Louisiana Praxis requirements is an important step for anyone pursuing teacher certification in Louisiana. Depending on the certification area, candidates may need to complete a subject assessment, a grade-appropriate Principles of Learning and Teaching test, a reading assessment or a combination of several Praxis examinations.
Louisiana uses different requirements for early childhood, elementary, middle school, secondary, special education, school leadership and instructional-support credentials. Therefore, candidates should identify their exact certification area before registering for an examination.
This guide explains the Louisiana Praxis requirements for 2026, including commonly required test codes, qualifying scores, certification routes, score reporting and preparation options. Candidates can also explore the published Praxis exam preparation courses from AIProctoredExams.
Last reviewed: August 2026
Requirements and qualifying scores can change. Confirm your pathway through the Louisiana Department of Education, your educator-preparation program and the official ETS Louisiana requirements page before registering.
What Are the Louisiana Praxis Requirements?
According to the official ETS Louisiana overview, candidates seeking teacher certification generally must:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a state-approved educator-preparation program or an approved alternative certification route.
- Pass the Praxis tests required for their certification area.
- Complete the appropriate certification application and pay the required fees.
- Meet any additional coursework, residency, background-check or employment requirements connected to the certificate.
The exact Louisiana Praxis requirements depend on the subject, grade level and certification pathway. For example, an Elementary Education Grades 1–5 candidate will not complete the same combination as someone seeking certification in Biology, School Counseling or Educational Leadership.
Candidates should use the Louisiana Department of Education pathways page alongside the ETS Louisiana required-tests directory.
Does Louisiana Require Praxis Core?
The current ETS Louisiana certification page does not list Praxis Core Reading 5713, Writing 5723 and Mathematics 5733 as universal state certification requirements.
However, an individual college, university or educator-preparation provider may use Praxis Core or another academic-skills measure for program admission. Candidates should confirm admission requirements directly with their preparation provider before purchasing or scheduling Praxis Core.
Passing Praxis Core does not automatically complete Louisiana’s subject or teaching-knowledge requirements. Most candidates must still complete the examinations assigned to their certification area.
Louisiana PLT Tests and Passing Scores
Many teaching certificates require an appropriate Principles of Learning and Teaching examination. The relevant PLT test normally corresponds to the grade range covered by the certificate.
| Certification level | Praxis examination | Code | Louisiana qualifying score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early childhood | Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood | 5621 | 157 |
| Elementary education | Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K–6 | 5622 | 160 |
| Middle school | Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5–9 | 5623 | 160 |
| Secondary education | Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7–12 | 5624 | 157 |
Candidates can prepare through the following published AIProctoredExams courses:
- Praxis 5621 PLT Early Childhood preparation
- Praxis 5622 PLT Grades K–6 preparation
- Praxis 5623 PLT Grades 5–9 preparation
- Praxis 5624 PLT Grades 7–12 preparation
Candidates should not take several PLT examinations unless their preparation provider or certification evaluator specifically requires them. Instead, confirm the appropriate examination using the grade range of the intended certificate.
Louisiana Praxis Requirements for Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Louisiana provides two principal elementary testing pathways. Both routes measure reading, mathematics, social studies and science. However, the location of the Teaching of Reading component differs.
Option One: Praxis 5001 Series Plus Praxis 5205
Candidates using the Praxis 5001 pathway must pass all four Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects subtests. Because Reading and Language Arts 5002 does not satisfy Louisiana’s separate Teaching of Reading requirement, candidates must also pass Praxis 5205.
| Assessment | Code | Qualifying score |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Language Arts | 5002 | 157 |
| Mathematics | 5003 | 157 |
| Social Studies | 5004 | 155 |
| Science | 5005 | 159 |
| Teaching Reading: Elementary | 5205 | 159 |
Preparation is available through the published Praxis 5001 Elementary Education course and the dedicated Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading course.
Option Two: Praxis 7001 Series
The Praxis 7001 series incorporates Teaching Reading within subtest 7002. Consequently, candidates using the complete 7001 pathway generally do not need an additional Praxis 5205 assessment.
| Assessment | Code | Qualifying score |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Reading | 7002 | 138 |
| Mathematics | 7003 | 157 |
| Social Studies | 7004 | 155 |
| Science | 7005 | 159 |
Candidates can use the published Praxis 7001 Elementary Education preparation course to prepare across all four subtests.
ETS states that candidates may use an accepted combination of subtests from the 5001 and 7001 series, provided all required subject areas and the Teaching of Reading component are satisfied. If the candidate uses Reading and Language Arts 5002, Praxis 5205 is also required.
Early Childhood PK–3
Candidates seeking Early Childhood PK–3 certification generally complete:
- Praxis PLT Early Childhood 5621, with a qualifying score of 157.
- The 5001 subtests plus Praxis 5205, or the complete 7001 series.
- The coursework, residency and program requirements assigned to their pathway.
Candidates preparing for early childhood content can also review the published Praxis 5025 Early Childhood Education course. ETS currently lists a Louisiana qualifying score of 156 for Praxis 5025 where that examination applies.
Elementary Education Grades 1–5
Candidates pursuing Elementary Education Grades 1–5 generally complete:
- Praxis PLT Grades K–6 5622, with a qualifying score of 160.
- The 5001 series and Praxis 5205, or the 7001 series.
- An approved educator-preparation program.
- Any additional Louisiana certification requirements.
Because Louisiana Praxis requirements can vary by program history and certification evaluation, candidates should obtain written confirmation of their assigned tests before registering.
Middle School Praxis Tests in Louisiana
Middle-school candidates normally complete Praxis PLT Grades 5–9 and the subject examination for their intended teaching area.
| Certification area | Praxis examination | Code | Qualifying score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle School English Language Arts | Middle School English Language Arts | 5047 | 164 |
| Middle School Mathematics | Middle School Mathematics | 5164 | 157 |
| Middle School Science | Middle School Science | 5442 | 152 |
| Middle School Social Studies | Middle School Social Studies | 5589 or accepted applicable version | 149 |
| Algebra I | Algebra I | 5162 | 157 |
Relevant published preparation courses include:
- Praxis 5047 Middle School English Language Arts
- Praxis 5164 Middle School Mathematics
- Praxis 5442 Middle School Science
- Praxis 5589 Middle School Social Studies
Candidates should confirm whether an earlier test version remains acceptable for their application date. ETS and Louisiana sometimes replace examinations while allowing limited adoption or transition periods.
Secondary Education Praxis Tests
Secondary candidates usually complete Praxis PLT Grades 7–12 and a content examination corresponding to their certification subject.
Selected current requirements include:
| Certification area | Praxis examination | Code | Louisiana qualifying score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | Biology | 5236 | 154 |
| Chemistry | Chemistry | 5246 | 146 |
| Computer Science | Computer Science | 5652 | 149 |
| English | English Language Arts: Content and Analysis | 5039 | 168 |
| General Science | General Science | 5436 | 141 |
| Mathematics | Mathematics | 5165 | 159 |
| Physics | Physics | 5266 | 145 |
| Social Studies | Social Studies: Content and Interpretation | 5086 | 153 |
| Speech | Speech Communication: Content Knowledge | 5221 | 146 |
Candidates can prepare through the published Praxis 5236 Biology course, Praxis 5165 Mathematics course or Praxis 5652 Computer Science course.
Louisiana currently lists English Language Arts test 5039 rather than 5038 for secondary English certification. Candidates must register using the exact test code shown in their current certification evaluation.
Health and Physical Education Certification
Candidates pursuing Louisiana Health and Physical Education certification may be required to pass Praxis Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge 5857 with a qualifying score of 160.
The published Praxis 5857 Health and Physical Education preparation course provides structured preparation for the content areas measured by this assessment.
Special Education Praxis Requirements
Special education candidates may need a special education content examination, a grade-appropriate PLT test, elementary content assessments and a reading assessment. The required combination depends on the disability category and grade range.
Commonly listed examinations include:
| Certification area | Praxis examination | Code | Qualifying score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundational special education knowledge | Special Education: Foundational Knowledge | 5355 | 145 |
| Early childhood or early intervention | Special Education: Early Childhood/Early Intervention | 5692 | 159 |
| Deaf and hard-of-hearing education | Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students | 5272 | 160 |
| Significant disabilities | Special Education: Severe to Profound | 5547 | 156 |
| Visual impairments | Teaching Students with Visual Impairments | 5282 | 163 |
The published Praxis 5355 Special Education course supports candidates preparing for the foundational knowledge assessment.
Some special education pathways also require the 5001-plus-5205 combination or the 7001 series. Therefore, candidates must review the requirements for their precise endorsement instead of relying on the general special education test list.
School Counselor and Educational Leadership Requirements
Louisiana also uses Praxis-related assessments for several instructional-support and leadership credentials.
| Certification area | Assessment | Code | Qualifying score |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Counselor K–12 | School Counselor | 5422 | 159 |
| Educational Leadership Level 1 | School Leaders Licensure Assessment | 6990 | 151 |
| Educational Leadership Level 3 | School Superintendent Assessment | 6991 | 162 |
Preparation options include the published Praxis 5422 School Counselor course and the SLLA 6990 School Leaders course.
Leadership candidates should note that the SLLA and School Superintendent Assessment may use a separate registration process. Follow the instructions displayed on the official ETS test page.
Alternative Teacher Certification in Louisiana
Louisiana offers alternative routes for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree. ETS identifies the practitioner teacher program, master’s degree program and certification-only program among the available pathways.
Candidates following an alternative route generally must satisfy the same content and pedagogy testing requirements as candidates enrolled in a traditional preparation program.
For certain early childhood, elementary and special education alternative programs, candidates must also demonstrate reading competency. The ETS Louisiana overview states that this requirement may be satisfied through approved reading coursework or Praxis Teaching Reading: K–12 5206, depending on the pathway. The current qualifying score shown for Praxis 5206 is 156.
Alternative candidates should not assume that Praxis 5206 replaces every reading assessment connected to a particular certificate. For example, an elementary pathway involving Reading and Language Arts 5002 may still require Praxis 5205. The preparation provider should determine the exact combination.
Louisiana also offers an employer-requested Temporary Authority to Teach certificate in qualifying situations. A TAT is not an automatic permanent certificate and does not remove the need to complete the applicable certification pathway.
Out-of-State Teachers and Praxis Exclusions
Teachers who completed preparation or obtained certification outside Louisiana may qualify for a three-year, nonrenewable Out-of-State certificate while completing outstanding Louisiana examination requirements.
According to the Louisiana out-of-state certification guidance, an applicant must generally provide:
- Evidence of an appropriate bachelor’s degree.
- Official transcripts.
- A valid out-of-state teaching certificate or evidence of eligibility.
- Documentation of student teaching, an internship or acceptable teaching experience.
- The required application and professional-conduct documentation.
Educators with at least three years of verified successful out-of-state teaching experience may qualify for a Praxis exclusion. National Board Certification examinations may also fulfill certain requirements.
However, these exclusions are not automatic. A Louisiana certification specialist must review the applicant’s documents and determine eligibility.
An applicant who has not successfully taught for at least one year during the previous five years may initially receive a one-year OS1 certificate, regardless of earlier experience or completed examinations.
How to Send Praxis Scores to Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Education uses score-recipient code 7330.
ETS states that scores are normally sent automatically when:
- The candidate tests in Louisiana or tests at home.
- The address in the candidate’s Praxis profile is in Louisiana.
- The required identifying information is entered correctly.
Candidates testing outside Louisiana or using a non-Louisiana profile address should select the Louisiana Department of Education, code 7330, as a score recipient during registration.
Louisiana uses Social Security numbers to match Praxis results with certification records. Candidates who do not provide the required identifying information may experience delays and may need to submit an original score report.
Checking the score-recipient information before completing registration can prevent certification delays later.
Can You Take the Louisiana Praxis Online?
Many Praxis examinations are available either at an authorized testing center or through ETS at-home testing. Availability depends on the selected assessment and appointment date.
The official 2026–27 Praxis Information Bulletin explains registration, identification, testing-center rules, at-home testing, score reports, retake policies and accommodations.
At-home candidates generally need:
- A compatible desktop or laptop computer.
- A stable internet connection.
- A working camera, microphone and speakers.
- A private and well-lit testing room.
- Acceptable identification.
- Approved erasable note-taking materials.
- The required secure testing software.
Candidates should complete the equipment check before test day. Use the official Praxis registration process to confirm whether the selected examination is available at home.
How to Prepare for the Louisiana Praxis Tests
Effective preparation begins after confirming the correct test code and qualifying score.
Start by downloading the current ETS Study Companion for the assigned assessment. Review its content categories, question formats, weighting and time limit.
Next, take a diagnostic assessment before beginning detailed study. The results can reveal whether more attention is needed in content knowledge, teaching methods, constructed responses, reading instruction or time management.
Develop a study schedule that gives additional time to weak areas. Candidates preparing for multiple elementary subtests may benefit from studying one subject at a time before attempting mixed practice.
Use practice questions to understand why each answer is correct or incorrect. Memorizing answer choices without reviewing the underlying concept provides little protection against differently worded questions.
In addition, complete at least one timed practice examination before the official test. Timed practice develops stamina and shows how long a candidate can spend on difficult questions.
For PLT assessments, practice analyzing classroom situations and applying principles of learning, development, assessment, differentiation and professional responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana require Praxis for teacher certification?
Yes. The Louisiana Praxis requirements generally include content and pedagogy examinations connected to the candidate’s intended certification area. The precise combination varies by subject, grade range and certification pathway.
What Praxis tests are required for Louisiana elementary teachers?
Elementary Education Grades 1–5 candidates generally complete PLT Grades K–6 5622 and either the 5001 series plus Teaching Reading 5205 or the 7001 series.
What are the passing scores for Praxis 5001 in Louisiana?
Louisiana currently lists qualifying scores of 157 for 5002, 157 for 5003, 155 for 5004 and 159 for 5005. Candidates using this pathway must also earn 159 on Praxis 5205.
Does Louisiana accept Praxis 7001?
Yes. Louisiana accepts the 7001 series for relevant early childhood and elementary pathways. Its four subtests are Teaching Reading 7002, Mathematics 7003, Social Studies 7004 and Science 7005.
What is Louisiana’s Praxis score-reporting code?
The Louisiana Department of Education score-recipient code is 7330.
Do alternative certification candidates take Praxis?
Yes. Alternative-route candidates generally complete the same content and pedagogy examinations required for the certification area. Additional reading-competency requirements may also apply.
Can experienced out-of-state teachers avoid Praxis?
Some educators with at least three years of verified successful out-of-state teaching experience may qualify for a Praxis exclusion. The Louisiana Department of Education must review and approve the exclusion.
Can I take my Louisiana Praxis test from home?
Many Praxis tests are available through at-home testing. Candidates must confirm that their selected assessment is eligible and satisfy ETS equipment, room and identification requirements.
How often can I retake a Praxis test?
ETS generally requires candidates to wait at least 28 days after a test date before taking the same assessment again. Candidates should verify the current retake policy in the applicable Praxis Information Bulletin.
Are Louisiana Praxis passing scores the same for every teaching field?
No. Each examination has its own qualifying score. Required tests also vary between early childhood, elementary, middle school, secondary, special education and leadership certificates.
Begin Your Louisiana Praxis Preparation
The Louisiana Praxis requirements can appear complicated because Louisiana uses different examinations for different certification areas. Candidates should first confirm their pathway, test codes and qualifying scores before beginning preparation.
AIProctoredExams provides structured study materials, exam-focused content review, practice questions and answer explanations for many assessments used in Louisiana.
Explore the complete collection of published Praxis preparation courses and select the course matching the test code listed in your certification evaluation.
AIProctoredExams is an independent test-preparation provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS or the Louisiana Department of Education.
