Maryland Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Licensure

If you want to become a teacher in Maryland, you need to understand the Praxis requirements in Maryland before you register for an exam. Maryland uses Praxis tests for many teaching licenses. However, the state also accepts other ways to meet some testing requirements.

For example, some candidates can use their college GPA to meet the basic skills requirement. Other candidates may need Praxis Core, a subject test, a reading test, or a teaching performance assessment.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) sets the rules for educator licensure. ETS administers many of the Praxis exams that Maryland accepts.

Therefore, your first step should be to identify the exact license you want. After that, check which tests apply to that license.

You can confirm current requirements through MSDE Licensure Assessments and the official ETS Maryland Praxis requirements.

If you already know which Praxis exam you need, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation courses or browse the teacher certification preparation collection.

Important: Maryland can change test codes, passing scores, and license requirements. Therefore, always check MSDE and ETS before paying for an exam.

Quick Answer: What Are the Praxis Requirements in Maryland?

The Praxis requirements in Maryland depend on your teaching area and the type of license you want.

In many cases, candidates must show knowledge in three main areas:

Basic academic skills
Subject-area knowledge
Teaching skills

In addition, some teaching areas have a separate reading requirement.

As a result, one teacher may need only a subject test, while another may need several assessments.

For example, an Elementary Education candidate may need an elementary content test, a reading assessment, and a teaching performance assessment.

A secondary Mathematics candidate, on the other hand, may mainly need the required mathematics content assessment and any other requirements connected to the chosen licensure pathway.

Because the rules differ, always check your exact Maryland license before registering.

Is Praxis Required to Become a Teacher in Maryland?

Praxis is required for many Maryland teaching licenses.

However, Maryland does not require the same Praxis exam for every teacher.

ETS explains that candidates seeking Maryland certification must complete the tests connected to their certification area or another assessment that Maryland accepts.

You can review the current testing requirements through the ETS Maryland Praxis page.

If you plan to teach more than one subject, you may also need more than one content assessment.

Therefore, choose your license area first. Then confirm the test code before buying study materials.

After you identify your exam, browse the AIProctoredExams complete course catalog for available preparation resources.

Maryland Basic Skills Requirements

One of the most important parts of the Praxis requirements in Maryland is the basic skills rule.

Fortunately, Praxis Core is not required for every candidate.

Maryland currently allows some candidates to use a 3.0 GPA from their most recently earned degree to show basic skills.

Therefore, if you meet the GPA requirement, you may not need to take Praxis Core for this purpose.

Candidates who do not meet the GPA option may use an approved test instead.

This approach gives Maryland applicants more than one way to meet the basic skills requirement.

Maryland Praxis Core Passing Scores

If you use Praxis Core to meet Maryland’s basic skills requirement, the current scores include:

Praxis Core Test	Code	Maryland Passing Score
Core Academic Skills: Reading	5713	156
Core Academic Skills: Writing	5723	162

Maryland’s current basic skills table focuses on Reading and Writing for this Praxis option.

In addition, the state accepts several other approved assessments.

Candidates who need Praxis Core can prepare with the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.

Before you register, confirm with your educator preparation program which tests you actually need.

What Other Tests Can Meet Maryland’s Basic Skills Requirement?

Maryland gives candidates several options.

Besides an eligible GPA, the state accepts qualifying scores from approved exams such as:

SAT
ACT
GRE
Praxis Core
Certain older approved assessments

For example, current Maryland guidance includes an ACT composite score of 24 as one possible option.

In addition, an SAT score of 1180 under the applicable scoring system may meet the requirement.

A combined GRE verbal and quantitative score of 297 may also qualify under the current rules.

However, testing dates and score versions matter.

Therefore, check the official MSDE testing information before relying on an older SAT, ACT, or GRE result.

Maryland Elementary Education Praxis Requirements

Elementary Education is especially important when reviewing the Praxis requirements in Maryland.

Maryland currently uses the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching 7811 series.

Therefore, candidates should not automatically register for Praxis 5001.

The current Maryland elementary subtests are:

Elementary Education Subtest	Code	Passing Score
Reading and Language Arts	7812	161
Mathematics	7813	150
Science	7814	154
Social Studies	7815	161

Together, these four subtests form the Elementary Education CKT 7811 assessment.

This difference matters because several other states use Praxis 5001 for elementary certification.

Maryland does not currently follow that same system.

AIProctoredExams also offers a Praxis 5001 Elementary Education preparation course and a Praxis 5001 practice test and study guide.

However, Maryland candidates should use those resources only if their institution or another licensing authority requires Praxis 5001.

Maryland Elementary Reading Requirement

Elementary candidates also need to pay attention to Maryland’s reading requirement.

Currently, accepted options include:

Reading Assessment	Code	Passing Score
Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary Education	5205	159
Foundations of Reading	890, 190, or 090	240

Therefore, passing the elementary content test may not complete all your testing requirements.

You may also need an approved reading test.

Candidates who choose the Praxis option can prepare with the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading preparation course.

Maryland Early Childhood Education Requirements

Candidates seeking Early Childhood Education PreK–3 currently use:

Praxis Early Childhood Education 5025

Passing score: 156

However, the content test is not the only requirement.

Early Childhood candidates also need to meet Maryland’s reading requirement.

For example, they may use:

Praxis 5205 with a passing score of 159, or
An accepted Foundations of Reading test with a passing score of 240

In addition, candidates completing a Maryland-approved teacher preparation program may need an approved teaching performance assessment.

Therefore, always look at the full testing package.

Maryland Middle School Praxis Requirements

Maryland uses subject-specific Praxis tests for middle school licenses.

Current requirements include:

Middle School Area	Test Code	Passing Score
English 4–9	5047	164
Mathematics 4–9	5164	157
Science 4–9	5442	152
Social Studies 4–9	5589	149

The Social Studies test deserves special attention.

Maryland currently uses 5589 for new testing. Earlier test 5089 may still count in limited cases under Maryland’s transition rules.

Therefore, check the current test code before registering.

You can verify updates through the MSDE licensure assessment page.

Maryland Secondary Mathematics Praxis Requirement

Candidates seeking Mathematics 7–12 currently need:

Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge 5165

Passing score: 159

This exam covers several major areas, including:

Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Statistics
Probability
Number concepts
Advanced mathematical reasoning

Before you begin intensive preparation, take a diagnostic test.

Then use the results to identify your weakest content areas.

As a result, you can spend more study time where you need it most.

Maryland English 7–12 Praxis Requirement

For English 7–12, Maryland currently uses:

English Language Arts: Content and Analysis 5039

Passing score: 168

Candidates should pay close attention to the test number.

Different states sometimes use different English Praxis exams.

Therefore, do not assume that an exam accepted in another state will automatically meet Maryland’s requirements.

Maryland Science Praxis Passing Scores

Maryland uses separate Praxis tests for several science licenses.

Science License	Praxis Code	Passing Score
Biology 7–12	5236	154
Chemistry 7–12	5246	146
Earth/Space Science 7–12	5572	154
Physical Science 7–12	5485	157
Physics 7–12	5266	145

Each test focuses on its own content area.

Therefore, candidates should study for the exact science license they plan to pursue.

Also, remember that states set their own passing scores. ETS does not use one national Praxis passing score for every license.

You can learn more through the ETS Praxis score information.

Maryland History and Social Studies Requirements

Maryland uses different assessments for several social science licenses.

Current examples include:

Maryland License	Test	Code	Passing Score
History 7–12	World and U.S. History: Content Knowledge	5941	160
Social Studies 7–12	Social Studies: Content and Interpretation	5086	153
Political Science 7–12	Government/Political Science	5931	149
Geography 7–12	Geography	5921	168
Economics 7–12	Economics	5911	150

As you can see, Maryland does not use one general social studies test for every social science license.

Therefore, check the subject title and test code carefully.

Maryland Special Education Praxis Requirements

Special Education is another major part of the Praxis requirements in Maryland.

For several general Special Education grade bands, Maryland currently lists:

Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355

Passing score: 145

This test applies to areas such as:

Special Education Infant–3rd
Special Education 1st–8th
Special Education 6th–Adult

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

Older Praxis tests may still qualify under transition rules in certain cases.

However, new candidates should follow the current MSDE testing table.

Maryland Special Education Reading Requirement

Passing Praxis 5355 may not complete all the testing requirements for a Maryland Special Education license.

Candidates in applicable Special Education areas must also meet the reading requirement.

Current options include:

Praxis Teaching Reading 5205 — 159

Foundations of Reading — 240

Therefore, confirm both the content requirement and the reading requirement.

This step can prevent you from reaching the end of your application only to discover that another assessment is still missing.

Maryland ESOL Praxis Requirements

Candidates seeking English to Speakers of Other Languages PreK–12 currently use:

Praxis English to Speakers of Other Languages 5362

Passing score: 163

However, ESOL candidates may also have additional testing requirements.

For example, Maryland includes a reading-instruction requirement for this area.

Candidates may also need to complete the applicable teaching performance requirement.

As a result, Praxis 5362 may represent only one part of the full assessment package.

Other Common Maryland Praxis Tests

Maryland uses Praxis exams for many additional teaching areas.

Teaching Area	Test Code	Passing Score
Art PreK–12	5135	161
Business Education 7–12	5101	154
Computer Science 7–12	5652	149
French PreK–12	5174	162
German PreK–12	5183	163
Health PreK–12	5551	155
Music PreK–12	5114	162
Physical Education PreK–12	5095	169
Spanish PreK–12	5195	168
Technology Education 7–12	5053	157
Theatre PreK–12	5641	151

Because Praxis exams change over time, always check whether MSDE has replaced an older test.

In addition, review any transition dates if you already passed an older version.

Maryland Performance-Based Pedagogy Requirement

Content knowledge is only one part of teacher preparation.

Maryland-approved preparation program candidates may also need to show that they can apply teaching skills in real classroom situations.

Maryland accepts approved performance assessments for this purpose.

Options may include:

PPAT
edTPA
An approved program portfolio
Another MSDE-approved assessment

You can review the current options through the MSDE Performance Assessments page.

Importantly, Maryland’s current approach may accept a scorable submission for certain performance assessments rather than requiring one universal score in every situation.

Therefore, follow the requirements provided by your teacher preparation program.

AIProctoredExams also offers resources for several Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exams:

However, do not assume Maryland requires one of these PLT tests unless MSDE or your preparation program specifically tells you to take it.

Out-of-State Teachers Applying in Maryland

The Praxis requirements in Maryland may be different for teachers who already hold a license from another state.

Maryland offers several routes for out-of-state educators.

For example, candidates may qualify based on:

Completion of an approved out-of-state preparation program
A valid professional teaching license from another state
National Board Certification
Teaching experience
Other approved credentials

You can review the current options through the MSDE Routes to Initial Certification page.

In addition, experienced teachers may have alternative ways to meet some teaching performance requirements.

However, certain licenses may still require Maryland’s reading assessment.

This is especially important for areas such as:

Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Some Special Education licenses
ESOL

Therefore, out-of-state teachers should have MSDE review their credentials before registering for extra exams.

Maryland Teacher Licensure Pathways

Maryland provides several routes to an educator license.

These include:

Maryland-approved traditional preparation programs
Maryland-approved alternative programs
Approved out-of-state preparation programs
Valid out-of-state professional licenses
National Board Certification
Employment-based pathways
Other approved routes

The correct route depends on your education, experience, and current credentials.

Therefore, identify your pathway before planning your exams.

The MSDE Routes to Initial Certification page provides current details.

Maryland Educator License Types

Maryland offers several educator license types.

Initial Professional License

The Initial Professional License is commonly used by educators who meet one of Maryland’s initial licensure pathways.

It is generally valid for five years.

Professional License

Educators can move to a Professional License after meeting additional state requirements.

These may include teaching experience, an induction program, and effective job performance.

Advanced Professional License

The Advanced Professional License includes higher professional requirements.

For example, an educator may need:

An advanced degree
National Board Certification
Approved post-bachelor’s study
Other qualifying professional development

Maryland also offers other license types, including Conditional and Resident Teacher licenses.

Visit the MSDE Certification Types page for current information.

Maryland Conditional License

A Conditional License may help some candidates begin teaching while they work toward full professional licensure.

Generally, the candidate must have an eligible job with a Maryland school system or another approved education employer.

In most cases, a bachelor’s degree is also required, although certain specialized teaching areas have different rules.

While working under a Conditional License, the educator must continue making progress toward the required professional license.

You can review current requirements through the MSDE Conditional Licensure page.

Maryland Resident Teacher License

Maryland also offers a Resident Teacher License for candidates enrolled in approved alternative preparation programs.

The Resident Teacher License is generally a three-year, non-renewable credential.

It allows eligible candidates to teach while completing an approved alternative teacher preparation program.

Because program requirements differ, candidates should confirm testing expectations with both:

Their preparation provider
Their employing school system

How to Register for Praxis in Maryland

Once you know which exam you need, registration is straightforward.

Step 1: Identify Your License

First, confirm the Maryland teaching license or endorsement you want.

Step 2: Check the Test Code

Next, use the current MSDE requirements to confirm the exact exam.

Do not rely only on the test title.

Step 3: Confirm the Passing Score

Maryland sets the score needed for its licenses.

Therefore, check the Maryland score rather than a score used by another state.

Step 4: Check for Additional Tests

You may also need:

A reading assessment
A performance assessment
Another content test

Step 5: Register Through ETS

For Praxis exams, use the official ETS Praxis website.

Step 6: Start Focused Preparation

Before your test date, use the AIProctoredExams Study Guides to organize your review.

How Are Praxis Scores Sent to Maryland?

Score reporting is another important part of the Praxis requirements in Maryland.

ETS states that candidates who test in Maryland and have a Maryland address in their Praxis account generally have their scores sent automatically to MSDE.

However, candidates testing outside Maryland should select MSDE as a score recipient.

Maryland’s current Praxis recipient code is:

7403

Also, keep your own copy of the score report.

ETS recommends that Maryland candidates save their official score reports because MSDE may require a copy during the license application process.

You can review the ETS Maryland Praxis overview for current score-reporting instructions.

How to Apply for a Maryland Educator License

Maryland uses the Educator Application and Credentialing Hub, known as TEACH, for educator license applications.

Through TEACH, applicants can submit and manage licensure information.

Before you apply, gather the required documents.

These may include:

Official transcripts
Preparation program verification
Praxis or other test scores
Out-of-state licenses
Employment information
Experience records
Other required documents

Then use the MSDE Educator Licensure page to access current application instructions.

How to Prepare for Your Maryland Praxis Test

A good study plan begins with the correct test code.

1. Review the Official Test Blueprint

First, find out:

How many questions the test includes
How long you have
Which subjects appear
How much each content area counts
Which question types you will see
What passing score Maryland requires

2. Take a Diagnostic Test

Next, complete a practice test before you study every topic.

A diagnostic test can show:

Your strongest subjects
Your weakest areas
Timing problems
Repeated mistakes
Difficult question types

3. Focus on Your Weak Areas

After reviewing your results, spend more time on subjects where your score is lowest.

This approach is usually more useful than giving every topic the same amount of study time.

4. Practice Questions Often

Practice should be active.

Whenever you miss a question:

Identify the topic.
Find out why your answer was wrong.
Understand why the correct answer is better.
Review the concept.
Answer another question on the same topic.

5. Add Timed Practice

Finally, begin practicing under test-like time limits.

Timed practice can improve:

Speed
Pacing
Focus
Endurance
Confidence

You can learn more about structured preparation through How AIProctoredExams Works.

Additional Praxis Preparation Resources

AIProctoredExams provides preparation resources for several high-demand Praxis exams.

For example, candidates who need broad subject review can explore the Praxis 5511 Fundamental Subjects preparation course.

Candidates preparing for Speech-Language Pathology can use the Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology preparation course.

In addition, candidates can browse the full Praxis course collection for other available exams.

Always match your preparation course to the exact test code required for your Maryland license.

What Happens if You Do Not Pass the Praxis?

A failed Praxis attempt does not mean you should immediately schedule another test.

Instead, use your score report to guide your next study plan.

First, identify your weakest content areas.

Next, compare them with the official test blueprint.

Then complete targeted study and more practice questions.

After that, take another timed practice test.

Finally, register again when your practice scores show clear improvement.

Also, confirm the current ETS retake policy before choosing another test date.

If you need assistance using AIProctoredExams resources, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Praxis Requirements in Maryland

Is Praxis required to become a teacher in Maryland?

Praxis is required for many Maryland teaching areas. However, some requirements can also be met through other state-approved assessments. Therefore, always check your exact license before registering.

Is Praxis Core required in Maryland?

Not for every candidate. If you meet Maryland’s eligible 3.0 GPA option, you may not need Praxis Core to show basic skills.

What are the Maryland Praxis Core passing scores?

For Maryland’s current Praxis basic skills option, the listed scores include:

Reading 5713 — 156
Writing 5723 — 162

Does Maryland require Praxis 5001 for Elementary Education?

No. Maryland currently uses the Elementary Education CKT 7811 series for its elementary content assessment.

What are Maryland’s Elementary Education Praxis passing scores?

Current scores are:

Reading and Language Arts 7812 — 161
Mathematics 7813 — 150
Science 7814 — 154
Social Studies 7815 — 161

What is the Maryland Praxis 5205 passing score?

Maryland currently requires 159 on Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205 when candidates use that assessment to meet the applicable reading requirement.

What is the Maryland Praxis 5355 passing score?

The current passing score for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355 is 145 for applicable Maryland Special Education licenses.

What is Maryland’s Mathematics 5165 passing score?

The current Maryland passing score for Praxis Mathematics 5165 is 159.

What is Maryland’s Middle School Mathematics passing score?

Praxis Middle School Mathematics 5164 currently requires 157.

Does Maryland require a teaching performance assessment?

Applicable preparation program candidates must meet Maryland’s teaching performance requirement. Depending on the pathway, options can include PPAT, edTPA, or another MSDE-approved assessment.

What is Maryland’s Praxis score recipient code?

Maryland’s current Praxis recipient code is 7403.

Do out-of-state teachers have to retake Praxis in Maryland?

Not always. Maryland can consider an applicant’s existing license, educator preparation, experience, and other approved credentials. Therefore, out-of-state teachers should let MSDE review their records before registering for extra tests.

Final Thoughts on Praxis Requirements in Maryland

Understanding the Praxis requirements in Maryland starts with one simple question:

Which Maryland educator license do you want?

From there, determine whether you need a basic skills assessment, content test, reading test, performance assessment, or a combination.

For example, an Elementary Education candidate may need the 7811 CKT subtests plus a reading requirement and teaching performance assessment.

Meanwhile, a Special Education candidate may need Praxis 5355 together with the applicable reading and teaching requirements.

A Mathematics 7–12 candidate may need Praxis 5165.

In contrast, a candidate with a qualifying 3.0 GPA may not need Praxis Core to meet the basic skills requirement.

Therefore, follow this order:

Choose your Maryland license → check basic skills → identify the content test → check the reading requirement → check the teaching performance requirement → confirm the passing score → prepare → register → send your scores → apply through TEACH.

Finally, verify the latest Praxis requirements in Maryland through the Maryland State Department of Education and ETS Maryland Praxis requirements before scheduling your examination.

For exam-focused preparation, practice questions, study guides, and structured review, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection.

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