Mississippi Praxis Requirements: Tests & Passing Scores
Mississippi Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification
If you plan to become a teacher in Mississippi, understanding the Mississippi Praxis requirements is an important first step. Mississippi uses Praxis assessments across many educator license areas, including elementary education, middle grades, secondary education, special education, world languages, instructional support, and school leadership.
However, the exact testing requirements depend on your certification route.
Traditional teacher-preparation graduates generally need the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessment and Principles of Learning and Teaching, or PLT, assessment. Meanwhile, alternate-route candidates have different requirements and normally do not need the PLT assessment.
In addition, Praxis Core may be one way to meet basic-skills or program admission requirements. Depending on the pathway, an ACT/SAT score or qualifying GPA may also satisfy that requirement.
Therefore, candidates should identify their certification route before registering for an exam.
Before scheduling a test, review the Mississippi Department of Education Praxis information and the official ETS Mississippi Praxis test requirements.
For preparation support, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection or browse the teacher certification preparation courses.
What Are the Mississippi Praxis Requirements?
The Mississippi Praxis requirements vary according to the license, subject, grade range, and pathway you choose.
Mississippi currently uses Praxis assessments to measure several types of knowledge:
- Basic academic skills
- Subject knowledge
- Teaching knowledge
- Special education knowledge
- School-service knowledge
- Educational leadership skills
For traditional-route applicants, Mississippi’s current application guidance requires an approved preparation program, the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessment, and the PLT assessment. Elementary candidates also have a separate literacy requirement.
Alternate-route candidates generally need the appropriate subject assessment. However, their basic-skills admission requirement can often be met through Praxis Core, ACT/SAT results, or a qualifying GPA.
Therefore, it is important to match your tests to your exact pathway.
Candidates can review the Mississippi Educator Licensure page and browse the AIProctoredExams complete course catalog while planning their preparation.
Does Mississippi Require Praxis Core?
Praxis Core is an important part of the Mississippi Praxis requirements, but it is not the only way candidates can meet the basic-skills requirement.
Praxis Core includes:
| Praxis Core Test | Code | Mississippi Qualifying Score |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 5713 | 156 |
| Writing | 5723 | 162 |
| Mathematics | 5733 | 130 |
Candidates may also register for the combined Praxis Core 5752 assessment.
However, Mississippi currently allows qualifying alternatives in several educator-preparation and alternate-route situations.
For example, MDE application guidance identifies the following possible ways to meet the relevant program admission requirement:
- Praxis Core
- ACT/SAT equivalent
- A qualifying 3.0 GPA under the applicable rules.
Therefore, do not automatically pay for Praxis Core until you confirm whether you already qualify through another option.
If Praxis Core applies to your route, use the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.
Mississippi Praxis PLT Requirements
The Principles of Learning and Teaching assessment is another major part of the Mississippi Praxis requirements for traditional teacher-preparation graduates.
Mississippi currently lists the following PLT qualifying scores:
| License Area | Praxis PLT | Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development PreK–K | PLT: Early Childhood | 5621 | 157 |
| K–3 and K–6 | PLT: Grades K–6 | 5622 | 160 |
| Grades 4–8 | PLT: Grades 5–9 | 5623 | 160 |
| Grades 7–12 | PLT: Grades 7–12 | 5624 | 157 |
For many K–12 areas, Mississippi allows the applicable K–6, 5–9, or 7–12 PLT depending on the candidate’s program and license.
Praxis 5621 Early Childhood
Child Development PreK–K candidates use:
Praxis 5621 – Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood
Passing score: 157
Candidates can prepare through the Praxis 5621 Early Childhood preparation course.
Praxis 5622 Grades K–6
Candidates in K–3 and K–6 areas generally use:
Praxis 5622 – PLT Grades K–6
Passing score: 160
Important topics include student development, teaching methods, assessment, classroom management, and professional practice.
For targeted preparation, review the Praxis 5622 Grades K–6 preparation course.
Praxis 5623 Grades 5–9
Mississippi uses Praxis 5623 for traditional candidates in many Grades 4–8 areas.
Passing score: 160
Candidates can use the Praxis 5623 PLT Grades 5–9 preparation course.
Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12
Secondary candidates generally use:
Praxis 5624 – PLT Grades 7–12
Passing score: 157
For additional preparation, review the Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12 preparation course.
Do Mississippi Alternate-Route Candidates Need the PLT?
Generally, no.
ETS currently states that teacher-preparation graduates must pass the PLT that matches their grade range. However, the PLT is not required for Mississippi alternate-route candidates.
Instead, alternate-route candidates focus on meeting program admission requirements and passing the required Praxis Subject Assessment.
This distinction is important because older or generic Praxis guides may suggest that everyone needs the same exams.
Therefore, always identify whether you are using a traditional or alternate route first.
Mississippi Praxis Requirements for Early Childhood Education
Candidates seeking Child Development PreK–K currently use:
Praxis 5534 – Early Childhood Education: Foundational Knowledge and Content
Mississippi passing score: 157
Traditional-route candidates also need Praxis 5621 PLT Early Childhood with a qualifying score of 157.
Important study areas may include:
- Child development
- Early literacy
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social development
- Classroom environments
- Instruction
- Assessment
- Family engagement
Therefore, candidates should use a broad early-childhood study plan.
Mississippi Praxis Requirements for Elementary Education
Elementary candidates currently use:
Praxis 5017 – Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Mississippi qualifying score: 153.
Traditional K–3 and K–6 candidates also generally need Praxis 5622 PLT Grades K–6.
Praxis 5017 focuses on areas such as:
- Curriculum
- Instruction
- Assessment
- Reading and language arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
- Classroom teaching practices
Therefore, elementary candidates should prepare across several subjects.
Mississippi Elementary Literacy Requirement
Elementary candidates have an additional requirement that is not a Praxis exam.
Current Mississippi application guidance requires elementary education candidates to submit the appropriate Foundations of Reading assessment score report. Depending on the candidate and current rules, Pathway to Proficient Reading documentation may also apply.
This means passing Praxis 5017 and the PLT does not necessarily complete every elementary testing requirement.
Therefore, candidates should review the current literacy guidance through MDE before applying.
Mississippi Middle Grades Praxis Requirements
Mississippi’s current ETS list includes several Praxis tests for Grades 7–8 supplemental endorsements.
| Supplemental Endorsement | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Grade English | 5047 | 164 |
| Middle Grade Mathematics | 5164 | 150 |
| Middle Grade Science | 5442 | 147 |
| Middle Grade Social Studies | 5589 | 143 |
These assessments are specifically listed for the relevant supplemental endorsement areas.
Middle School English Language Arts 5047
Mississippi requires 164 for the listed Middle Grade English supplemental endorsement.
Candidates should review:
- Literature
- Reading
- Writing
- Language
- Research
- Communication
Middle School Mathematics 5164
The Mississippi qualifying score is 150.
Important topics include:
- Numbers
- Algebra
- Functions
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Probability
Therefore, regular problem-solving practice is important.
Middle School Science 5442
Mississippi requires 147 on Praxis 5442 for the listed supplemental endorsement.
Candidates should prepare for physical science, life science, Earth science, space science, and scientific inquiry.
Middle School Social Studies 5589
The current Mississippi qualifying score for Praxis 5589 is 143.
Study areas may include:
- U.S. history
- World history
- Government
- Geography
- Economics
- Social sciences
Always check the latest ETS Mississippi Praxis requirements before registering because test versions can change.
Mississippi Secondary Education Praxis Requirements
The Mississippi Praxis requirements for secondary education depend on the teaching subject.
Current examples include:
| Certification Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra I | 5162 | 148 |
| Biology | 5236 | 148 |
| Chemistry | 5246 | 140 |
| Computer Science | 5652 | 149 |
| Economics | 5911 | 150 |
| English Language Arts | 5038 | 167 |
| Geometry | 5163 | 139 |
| Mathematics | 5165 | 152 |
| Physics | 5266 | 140 |
| Social Studies | 5581 | 147 |
| Speech Communication | 5221 | 143 |
These are current Mississippi qualifying scores shown by ETS.
Because the required score varies by subject, candidates should write down their exact target before beginning full-length practice.
Mississippi Praxis Mathematics 5165
Secondary mathematics candidates currently use:
Praxis Mathematics 5165
Mississippi passing score: 152
The exam may cover:
- Algebra
- Functions
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Probability
- Mathematical modeling
- Mathematical reasoning
Therefore, candidates should spend significant time solving practice problems.
Mississippi English Language Arts Praxis 5038
Candidates seeking English Grades 7–12 use:
Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038
Mississippi passing score: 167
Important study areas include:
- Literature
- Reading
- Writing
- Language
- Research
- Rhetoric
- Communication
Because the qualifying score is relatively high, candidates should begin preparation early.
Mississippi Social Studies Praxis 5581
Mississippi currently uses:
Praxis Social Studies 5581
Passing score: 147
Important content areas include:
- U.S. history
- World history
- Government
- Geography
- Economics
- Social science concepts
In addition, candidates should practice interpreting sources and applying social studies knowledge.
Mississippi K–12 Praxis Requirements
Mississippi also uses Praxis assessments for several K–12 licenses.
Examples include:
| K–12 Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Art | 5134 | 158 |
| Gifted Education | 5358 | 151 |
| Health Education | 5551 | 149 |
| Music | 5113 | 161 |
| Physical Education | 5091 | 145 |
| English as a Second Language | 5362 | 149 |
World language requirements also include separate exams for languages such as Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish.
Therefore, K–12 candidates should verify the exact assessment attached to their content area.
Mississippi Special Education Praxis Requirements
Special education is another important part of the Mississippi Praxis requirements.
Current examples include:
| Special Education Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mild/Moderate Disability K–12 | 5355 | 139 |
| Special Education K–12 | 5511 | 142 |
| Behavioral Disorders/Emotional Disturbances | 5372 | 154 |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 5272 | 160 |
| Visual Impairment | 5282 | 163 |
| Braille Proficiency | 0633 | 165 |
Praxis 5355 Mild/Moderate Disability
Mississippi currently requires:
Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge
Passing score: 139
Important topics include:
- Human development
- Disability characteristics
- Assessment
- Instruction
- Behavior support
- Inclusive learning environments
- Collaboration
- Professional responsibilities
Candidates can prepare using the Praxis 5355 Special Education preparation course.
Praxis 5511 Special Education K–12
Mississippi also lists:
Praxis 5511 – Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge
Passing score: 142
Candidates whose pathway requires this test can review the Praxis 5511 Fundamental Subjects preparation course.
Mississippi Instructional Support Praxis Tests
Praxis testing in Mississippi extends beyond classroom teachers.
Current examples include:
| Professional Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | 5343 | 156 |
| Guidance Counselor | 5422 | 153 |
| Library/Media | 5312 | 149 |
| School Psychologist | 5403 | 148 |
| Speech/Language Clinician | 5331 | 162 |
Mississippi Praxis 5331
Candidates seeking the Speech/Language Clinician K–12 credential currently use:
Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331
Mississippi passing score: 162
Candidates can prepare through the Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology preparation course.
Mississippi Administrator Praxis Requirements
School leadership candidates also have testing requirements.
Mississippi currently lists:
School Leaders Licensure Assessment 6990
Passing score: 151.
MDE also identifies the SLLA among requirements for relevant administrator pathways.
Therefore, Praxis-related testing in Mississippi reaches beyond classroom teaching and into educational leadership.
Mississippi Alternate Route Teacher Certification
Mississippi offers several nontraditional routes for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree outside education.
Current MDE information lists programs including:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Teach Mississippi Institute
- American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
- iteach Mississippi
Additional nontraditional options appear in current MDE application guidance.
Candidates can review the Mississippi Alternate Route Programs page.
Generally, alternate-route candidates must:
- Hold the required bachelor’s degree.
- Meet the applicable basic-skills admission standard.
- Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment for the intended teaching field.
- Complete the approved training or coursework.
- Complete the required internship.
- Apply for the appropriate license.
Elementary and special education alternate-route candidates also have a Foundations of Reading requirement.
Therefore, passing Praxis is only one part of the complete alternate-route process.
Mississippi Traditional Teacher Licensure
Traditional-route candidates complete an approved teacher preparation program.
Current MDE guidance identifies steps that include:
- Completing student teaching
- Earning the education degree
- Passing State Board-approved assessments
- Receiving the institution’s recommendation
- Applying through the Mississippi licensure system.
Review the Mississippi Licensure Pathways page for current guidance.
Traditional applicants should also remember the difference between:
Subject Assessment: measures content knowledge.
PLT: measures teaching and pedagogy knowledge.
Both may be required for the traditional route.
Out-of-State Teachers Seeking Mississippi Licensure
Mississippi provides a reciprocity pathway for educators who already hold qualifying licenses from other states.
Current MDE guidance states that an applicant with a valid standard renewable license from another state may qualify for a standard five-year Mississippi license. Applicants without that level of license may qualify for a provisional reciprocity pathway depending on their circumstances.
Candidates should review the Mississippi reciprocity information before assuming that they need to retake Praxis assessments.
Reciprocity applicants should allow MDE to evaluate their existing license and endorsements first.
Mississippi Praxis Score Reporting
Candidates should also understand how Praxis scores reach Mississippi.
ETS states that if you test in Mississippi and your Praxis profile address is in Mississippi, your scores are normally sent automatically to the Mississippi Department of Education.
However, candidates testing outside Mississippi or using an out-of-state profile address need to select the Mississippi Department of Education as a score recipient.
The current MDE score-recipient code is 7599.
Therefore, check your score recipients carefully before completing registration.
How to Prepare for a Mississippi Praxis Exam
Understanding the Mississippi Praxis requirements is only the first step. A structured preparation plan can make your study time much more effective.
1. Identify Your Certification Route
First, determine whether you are:
- A traditional teacher-preparation candidate
- An alternate-route candidate
- Seeking an additional endorsement
- An out-of-state applicant
- Seeking an instructional-support credential
- Seeking administrator certification
Your route determines which assessments may apply.
2. Confirm the Exact Test Code
Next, verify the test number.
For example:
- Elementary Education — 5017
- Middle School Mathematics — 5164
- Secondary Mathematics — 5165
- Special Education — 5355
- Speech-Language Pathology — 5331
Never register based only on the test title.
3. Know Your Qualifying Score
Write down the Mississippi passing score for your test.
Then compare your practice results with that target.
This gives you a clear way to measure progress.
4. Review the Test Blueprint
Divide the test into major topics.
Then identify:
- Strong areas
- Average areas
- Weak areas
Spend more time on weaker topics while maintaining your stronger areas.
Candidates can use the AIProctoredExams Study Guides for additional preparation support.
5. Complete Practice Questions
Practice questions can help you:
- Recognize test formats
- Find weak areas
- Improve recall
- Practice eliminating poor answer choices
- Build confidence
- Improve pacing
Therefore, practice should be part of every study week.
6. Review Every Incorrect Answer
After each study session, review the questions you missed.
Ask yourself:
- Why was my answer wrong?
- Why is the correct answer stronger?
- Which concept needs more review?
- Did I misread the question?
- Was I rushing?
As a result, mistakes become valuable learning opportunities.
7. Practice Under Timed Conditions
Finally, complete timed practice before test day.
Timed sessions help improve pacing and make the real test environment feel more familiar.
Candidates can learn more about the platform through How AIProctoredExams Works.
Four-Week Mississippi Praxis Study Plan
Week 1: Understand the Exam
First, confirm your test code and passing score.
Next, review the official exam structure.
Then complete an initial practice set to identify weak areas.
Week 2: Build Content Knowledge
Focus on your weakest areas.
At the same time, complete shorter practice sets after each topic.
Therefore, you can immediately test whether you understood what you studied.
Week 3: Increase Practice
Begin mixing questions from different content areas.
In addition, review every incorrect answer carefully.
Return to topics where your scores remain low.
Week 4: Simulate Test Conditions
Finally, complete longer timed practice sessions.
During the final days, review major concepts and repeated mistakes.
Avoid trying to learn an entire subject the night before your examination.
For additional help, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Praxis Requirements
Does Mississippi require Praxis for teacher certification?
Yes. Mississippi uses Praxis assessments across many teacher, instructional-support, and administrator licensure areas. However, the exact tests depend on the certification route and endorsement.
Does Mississippi require Praxis Core?
Praxis Core can satisfy the basic-skills or program-admission requirement. However, qualifying ACT/SAT scores or an approved GPA option may also satisfy the requirement in applicable pathways.
Do traditional Mississippi teachers need the PLT?
Traditional teacher-preparation graduates generally need the PLT assessment that matches their grade level.
Do Mississippi alternate-route teachers need the PLT?
Generally, no. ETS currently states that PLT is not required for Mississippi alternate-route candidates.
What is the Mississippi Praxis 5017 passing score?
Mississippi currently requires 153 for Praxis Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment 5017.
What is the Mississippi Praxis 5622 passing score?
The Mississippi qualifying score for Praxis 5622 PLT Grades K–6 is 160.
What is the Mississippi Praxis 5623 passing score?
The qualifying score for Praxis 5623 PLT Grades 5–9 is 160.
What is the Mississippi Praxis 5624 passing score?
Mississippi currently requires 157 for Praxis 5624 PLT Grades 7–12.
What is the Mississippi Praxis 5165 passing score?
The Mississippi qualifying score for Praxis Mathematics 5165 is 152.
What is the Mississippi Praxis 5038 passing score?
Mississippi currently requires 167 for Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038.
What is the Mississippi Praxis 5355 passing score?
The qualifying score for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355 is 139.
What is the Mississippi Praxis 5331 passing score?
Mississippi currently requires 162 for Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331.
Do Mississippi elementary candidates need another reading test?
Yes. Current MDE guidance includes a separate Foundations of Reading requirement for elementary education candidates.
Does Mississippi offer alternative teacher certification?
Yes. Mississippi offers approved alternate routes for candidates who hold non-education bachelor’s degrees.
What is the Mississippi Praxis score-recipient code?
ETS currently lists 7599 for the Mississippi Department of Education.
Where should I verify Mississippi Praxis requirements?
Always check the Mississippi Department of Education licensure information and ETS Mississippi Praxis requirements before registering.
Start Preparing for Your Mississippi Praxis Exam
The Mississippi Praxis requirements vary by teaching area and certification route.
Traditional teacher-preparation graduates generally need a subject assessment and the appropriate PLT exam. Meanwhile, alternate-route candidates follow different testing rules and normally focus on the required subject assessment rather than PLT.
Elementary candidates should also remember the state’s separate literacy testing requirements.
Therefore, begin by identifying your exact certification route. Next, confirm the required test code and qualifying score. Finally, build a preparation plan that combines content review, practice questions, detailed answer analysis, and timed practice.
Explore the AIProctoredExams homepage for more exam-preparation resources.
AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with ETS or the Mississippi Department of Education.
Finally, always confirm the latest Mississippi Praxis requirements with Mississippi MDE and ETS before paying for or scheduling an examination.
