Montana Praxis Requirements: Tests & Passing Scores
Montana Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification
If you plan to become a teacher in Montana, understanding the Montana Praxis requirements can help you choose the correct route to licensure and avoid unnecessary testing.
Montana recognizes Praxis Subject Assessments across many teaching fields. However, Praxis is not necessarily the only way a qualified applicant can demonstrate content knowledge for a standard teaching license.
For a Montana Class 2 Standard Teaching License, applicants must meet the main degree and educator preparation requirements. In addition, they must satisfy one approved pathway. Those pathways can include a qualifying Praxis score, a qualifying student-teaching portfolio, a coursework GPA of at least 3.00, or a current unrestricted out-of-state license combined with two years of teaching experience.
Therefore, candidates should confirm whether they actually need Praxis before registering.
At the same time, Praxis remains very important in Montana. The state uses Praxis tests for elementary education, secondary subjects, special education, early childhood education, world languages, school counseling, reading, and many other endorsement areas.
This guide explains the current Montana Praxis requirements, passing scores, elementary tests, secondary assessments, special education requirements, provisional licensing, score reporting, and endorsement options.
Before scheduling an exam, review the Montana Office of Public Instruction Educator Licensure information and the official ETS Montana Praxis requirements.
For preparation support, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation courses or browse the teacher certification preparation resources.
What Are the Montana Praxis Requirements?
The Montana Praxis requirements depend on your license type, endorsement, educator preparation history, and previous teaching experience.
For a Class 2 Standard Teaching License, Montana requires applicants to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and complete an approved educator preparation program that includes supervised teaching experience.
Applicants must then meet one of several additional pathways.
These include:
- A current unrestricted out-of-state educator license plus two years of teaching experience
- A qualifying score on the Montana-required Praxis Subject Assessment
- A passing student-teaching portfolio
- A coursework GPA of at least 3.00 verified by the educator preparation program
Applicants must also complete Montana’s required Introduction to Indian Education for All course.
Therefore, Praxis is an important route to licensure, but it is not automatically required for every Class 2 applicant.
Candidates can review the Montana educator license requirements and browse the complete AIProctoredExams course catalog while planning their next steps.
Does Montana Accept Tests Other Than Praxis?
If you are using a standardized test to satisfy Montana’s educator content-testing requirement, Praxis is the test system recognized by the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
ETS currently states that Montana OPI does not accept another type of standardized test in place of the required Praxis assessment.
However, this should not be confused with Montana’s other licensure pathways.
For example, a qualifying coursework GPA or approved student-teaching portfolio may allow an applicant to satisfy the content-knowledge pathway without taking Praxis.
Therefore, the correct question is not simply:
“Does Montana require Praxis?”
Instead, ask:
“Which Montana licensure pathway applies to me?”
Montana Praxis Scores Are Subject to a 10-Year Rule
One of the most important Montana Praxis requirements involves the age of your test score.
ETS states that if a Praxis test was completed more than 10 years before the date of your Montana licensure application, the test must be taken again.
This is especially important for:
- Teachers returning to education after a long break
- Out-of-state educators
- Candidates adding an endorsement years after taking Praxis
- Career changers who completed testing long ago
Therefore, do not assume that an old passing score will automatically remain valid for Montana.
Check the date on your official score report before applying.
Montana Praxis Requirements for Elementary Education K–8
Elementary education is one of the main areas within the Montana Praxis requirements.
Montana currently uses:
Praxis 5001 – Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects
The assessment includes four individual subtests.
| Praxis Elementary Subtest | Code | Montana Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Language Arts | 5002 | 157 |
| Mathematics | 5003 | 157 |
| Social Studies | 5004 | 155 |
| Science | 5005 | 159 |
These are the current qualifying scores listed by ETS for Montana Elementary K–8.
Candidates can prepare with the Praxis 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects course.
Praxis 5002 Reading and Language Arts
Montana requires 157 for Praxis 5002.
Important areas include:
- Reading comprehension
- Literature
- Informational texts
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
Therefore, candidates should include both reading analysis and language skills in their study plan.
Praxis 5003 Mathematics
The Montana qualifying score for Praxis 5003 is 157.
Candidates should review:
- Numbers and operations
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Ratios
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Statistics
- Probability
In addition, regular practice can help candidates improve both accuracy and speed.
Praxis 5004 Social Studies
Montana currently requires 155 for Praxis 5004.
Important topics include:
- U.S. history
- World history
- Geography
- Government
- Economics
- Citizenship
Because the test covers several subjects, candidates should use a balanced study schedule.
Praxis 5005 Science
The Montana passing score for Praxis 5005 is 159.
Candidates should prepare for:
- Life science
- Physical science
- Earth science
- Space science
- Scientific inquiry
- Data interpretation
Therefore, preparation should include both factual knowledge and scientific reasoning.
Montana Early Childhood Praxis Requirements
Candidates seeking Early Childhood Education Preschool–Grade 3 currently use:
Praxis 5025 – Early Childhood Education
Montana qualifying score: 156.
The test focuses on topics such as:
- Child development
- Language development
- Early literacy
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social development
- Assessment
- Classroom instruction
- Family engagement
Therefore, candidates should prepare across both subject knowledge and early-childhood teaching practices.
Montana Secondary Education Praxis Requirements
Montana has approved Praxis assessments for many secondary teaching endorsements.
Current examples include:
| Montana Teaching Area | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 5701 | 157 |
| Biology | 5236 | 154 |
| Business Education | 5101 | 154 |
| Chemistry | 5246 | 146 |
| Computer Science | 5652 | 149 |
| Earth Science | 5572 | 154 |
| Economics | 5911 | 150 |
| English | 5038 | 167 |
| Family & Consumer Sciences | 5123 | 153 |
| Geography | 5921 | 155 |
| Government/Political Science | 5931 | 149 |
| Mathematics | 5165 | 159 |
| Physics | 5266 | 145 |
| Psychology | 5391 | 154 |
| Social Studies | 5581 | 153 |
| Sociology | 5952 | 154 |
| Theatre | 5641 | 148 |
| World & U.S. History | 5941 | 146 |
These test codes and qualifying scores are part of the current ETS Montana requirements list.
Because every subject has its own requirement, candidates should verify the exact endorsement before registering.
Montana Praxis Mathematics 5165
Candidates whose Montana pathway requires the secondary Mathematics content assessment use:
Praxis Mathematics 5165
Passing score: 159
Important areas include:
- Algebra
- Functions
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Probability
- Mathematical modeling
- Mathematical reasoning
Therefore, candidates should combine concept review with frequent problem solving.
Timed practice is also useful because knowing a formula is different from applying it quickly under exam conditions.
Montana English Language Arts Praxis 5038
Montana currently uses:
Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038
Passing score: 167
The exam measures knowledge of:
- Literature
- Informational texts
- Writing
- Language
- Research
- Rhetoric
- Communication
Because 167 is a relatively high qualifying score, candidates should begin preparation well before their scheduled test date.
Montana Science Praxis Requirements
Montana recognizes separate assessments for several science endorsement areas.
Examples include:
- Biology 5236 — 154
- Chemistry 5246 — 146
- Earth and Space Sciences 5572 — 154
- General Science 5436 — 141
- Physics 5266 — 145
Candidates seeking Physical Science need both:
Praxis Chemistry 5246 — 146
and
Praxis Physics 5266 — 145.
Therefore, do not assume that every science endorsement requires only one exam.
Montana Social Studies Praxis Requirements
Montana also separates several social studies endorsement areas.
Current options include:
- Social Studies 5581 — 153
- Economics 5911 — 150
- Geography 5921 — 155
- Government/Political Science 5931 — 149
- Psychology 5391 — 154
- Sociology 5952 — 154
- World and U.S. History 5941 — 146
Therefore, candidates should determine whether they need a broad Social Studies endorsement or a more specific subject endorsement.
Montana Special Education Praxis Requirements
Special education is another important part of the Montana Praxis requirements.
Montana currently lists:
Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge
Passing score: 153.
Important topics include:
- Human development
- Learning differences
- Instructional planning
- Inclusive environments
- Assessment
- Behavior support
- Collaboration
- Professional responsibilities
Candidates can prepare using the Praxis 5355 Special Education: Foundational Knowledge course.
Candidates should remember that special education endorsement rules can differ from general content-area endorsement rules.
Therefore, verify your exact pathway with Montana OPI before registering.
Montana All-Grades Praxis Requirements
Montana also uses Praxis assessments for several K–12 or all-grade endorsement areas.
Current examples include:
| Endorsement | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Art | 5134 | 158 |
| English as a Second Language | 5362 | 155 |
| Health & Physical Education | 5857 | 155 |
| Library Media Specialist | 5312 | 154 |
| Music | 5113 | 152 |
| Physical Education | 5857 | 155 |
| Reading | 5206 | 156 |
| Special Education | 5355 | 153 |
Therefore, candidates pursuing an all-grades endorsement should match the Praxis exam to their specific teaching field.
For additional exam-preparation resources, browse the AIProctoredExams Study Guides.
Montana World Language Praxis Requirements
Montana uses Praxis assessments for several world languages.
Examples include:
| World Language | Praxis Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Mandarin | 5665 | 164 |
| French | 5174 | 162 |
| German | 5183 | 163 |
| Spanish | 5195 | 168 |
| Latin | 5601 | 152 |
Montana also lists a separate ASL proficiency assessment for the ASL 5–12 endorsement.
Candidates should therefore check whether their language endorsement requires a Praxis assessment or another approved proficiency assessment.
Montana School Counselor Praxis Requirements
Candidates seeking the Professional School Counselor credential currently use:
Praxis School Counselor 5422
Montana passing score: 159.
Important study areas include:
- Human development
- Counseling theories
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Academic planning
- Career development
- Student assessment
- Ethics
- School counseling programs
Praxis is only one part of school counselor licensure, so candidates should also verify Montana’s graduate education and internship requirements.
Does Montana Require Praxis Core?
Montana’s current ETS state licensure test list focuses on Praxis Subject Assessments rather than listing Praxis Core as a universal state requirement for initial teacher licensure.
Therefore, candidates should not automatically register for:
- Praxis Core Reading 5713
- Praxis Core Writing 5723
- Praxis Core Mathematics 5733
unless their educator preparation institution or another certification pathway specifically requires them.
If your college or another state requires Praxis Core, you can prepare through the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.
Does Montana Require Praxis PLT?
Montana’s current state test list does not present the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exams as a universal Montana licensure requirement.
Therefore, candidates should not automatically register for a PLT exam simply because another state requires one.
Always confirm your requirements with your educator preparation program or Montana OPI.
Candidates who need PLT for another jurisdiction can browse the Praxis 5622 Grades K–6 preparation course or the Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12 preparation course.
Montana Class 5A Provisional License and Praxis
Montana provides a useful option for some candidates who have not yet passed their required Praxis exam.
A Class 5A Provisional Teaching License may be issued when a candidate meets the other requirements for an initial Montana license but has not successfully completed the Montana-required Praxis test.
The Class 5A license is:
- Valid for one year
- Non-renewable
Montana also requires Class 5 applicants to have a bachelor’s degree and either a current Montana residential address or a job offer from an eligible Montana P–12 school.
Therefore, failing to complete Praxis before employment does not always mean an otherwise-qualified candidate has no possible licensing route.
However, candidates should understand that the one-year Class 5A period is limited.
Montana Class 5B Provisional License
Montana also offers a Class 5B license for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree but have not completed an approved educator preparation program.
The applicant must be enrolled in an eligible program that can be completed during the three-year term of the provisional license.
This route is different from the Class 5A option.
Class 5A: mainly addresses an outstanding Praxis requirement.
Class 5B: addresses incomplete educator preparation.
Therefore, candidates should make sure they apply for the correct provisional license.
Can You Add a Montana Endorsement Through Praxis?
In some cases, yes.
Montana allows qualifying Class 1 or Class 2 educators to add certain endorsements through a pathway that combines teaching experience with Praxis testing.
Under the current OPI guidance, the candidate needs:
- An existing eligible Montana teaching license
- At least two years of appropriately licensed teaching experience
- A passing score on the Praxis Subject Assessment for the requested endorsement
However, this method is not available for every endorsement.
Endorsements That Cannot Normally Be Added by the Praxis Experience Route
Montana currently excludes several areas from the teaching-experience-plus-Praxis pathway.
These include:
- Early Childhood P–3
- Elementary Education K–8
- Reading K–12
- English as a Second Language K–12
- School administration
- School psychologist
- School counselor
- Initial endorsements in special education fields
Therefore, passing a Praxis exam alone does not mean every endorsement can be added to your Montana license.
Always review the Montana endorsement guidance before registering.
Out-of-State Teachers Seeking Montana Licensure
Out-of-state teachers may have another route through the Montana Praxis requirements.
For Class 2 licensure, Montana lists a current unrestricted out-of-state teaching license plus two years of teaching experience as one of the approved pathways that can satisfy the additional content-knowledge requirement.
Therefore, experienced out-of-state teachers should not assume they automatically need to retake Praxis.
However, applicants still need to meet Montana’s other licensure requirements.
In addition, candidates should remember the state’s rule concerning Praxis scores older than 10 years if testing is needed.
Montana Praxis Score Reporting
Candidates should make sure their scores reach the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
If you test in Montana and your Praxis profile address is also in Montana, ETS normally sends the scores automatically to OPI.
However, if you test outside Montana or your profile address is outside the state, you must select Montana OPI as a score recipient.
The current Montana OPI score-recipient code is:
8653.
Candidates can also upload an official score report to their Teach Montana account.
Therefore, always check score reporting before completing registration.
How to Prepare for a Montana Praxis Exam
Understanding the Montana Praxis requirements is only the beginning.
If Praxis applies to your pathway, structured preparation can help you use your study time more effectively.
1. Confirm Whether You Actually Need Praxis
First, review Montana’s licensure pathways.
You may already qualify through:
- A 3.00 or higher coursework GPA
- An approved student-teaching portfolio
- A qualifying out-of-state license and experience
If none of those pathways applies, Praxis may be your route.
This step can prevent unnecessary testing.
2. Confirm Your Exact Praxis Test
Next, identify the exam connected to your endorsement.
For example:
- Elementary Education — Praxis 5001
- Mathematics — Praxis 5165
- Special Education — Praxis 5355
- Social Studies — Praxis 5581
- Early Childhood — Praxis 5025
Do not select an exam based only on a broad subject name.
3. Check the Age of an Existing Praxis Score
If you already passed Praxis, check when you took the test.
Remember that Montana requires a retest when the Praxis result is more than 10 years old at the time of application.
4. Know Your Passing Score
Write down Montana’s qualifying score for your exact exam.
Do not use another state’s passing score.
For example:
- Praxis 5002 — 157
- Praxis 5003 — 157
- Praxis 5004 — 155
- Praxis 5005 — 159
- Praxis 5165 — 159
- Praxis 5355 — 153
Knowing your target makes practice-test results much more useful.
5. Review the Test Blueprint
Divide your assessment into smaller content areas.
Then identify:
- Strong areas
- Moderate areas
- Weak areas
Spend more time on weak topics while continuing to review your stronger areas.
The AIProctoredExams Praxis course collection can help you find relevant preparation options.
6. Complete Practice Questions
Practice questions can help you:
- Understand common question formats
- Identify weak subjects
- Improve recall
- Practice eliminating wrong answers
- Improve pacing
- Build confidence
Therefore, practice should be included throughout your study plan.
7. Review Every Incorrect Answer
Do not simply check your score.
Instead, ask:
- Why was my answer incorrect?
- Why is the correct answer stronger?
- Which topic should I study again?
- Did I misunderstand the question?
- Was I rushing?
As a result, every mistake becomes a learning opportunity.
8. Use Timed Practice
Finally, complete timed practice before your official exam.
This helps you improve pacing and become more comfortable working under test conditions.
Candidates can learn more about the platform through How AIProctoredExams Works.
Four-Week Montana Praxis Study Plan
Week 1: Confirm the Requirement
First, determine whether Praxis is the pathway you actually need.
Next, confirm the correct test code and Montana passing score.
Then complete a diagnostic practice set.
Week 2: Build Content Knowledge
Focus mainly on your weakest subjects.
At the same time, complete shorter practice sets after each study session.
Therefore, you can quickly see whether your knowledge is improving.
Week 3: Increase Practice
Begin mixing questions from several content areas.
In addition, review every incorrect answer.
Return to subjects where your scores remain below your target.
Week 4: Simulate the Exam
Finally, complete longer timed practice tests.
During the last few days, review important concepts and repeated mistakes.
Avoid trying to learn an entire subject immediately before your examination.
For additional support, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Praxis Requirements
Does Montana require Praxis for every teacher?
No. For a Class 2 Standard Teaching License, a qualifying Praxis score is one of several approved pathways. Other options can include a qualifying coursework GPA, student-teaching portfolio, or an eligible out-of-state license with two years of experience.
What Praxis test do Montana elementary teachers take?
Montana currently lists Praxis 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects for Elementary K–8.
What are the Montana Praxis 5001 passing scores?
Current scores are:
- Praxis 5002 — 157
- Praxis 5003 — 157
- Praxis 5004 — 155
- Praxis 5005 — 159.
What is the Montana Praxis 5165 passing score?
Montana currently requires 159 for Praxis Mathematics 5165.
What is the Montana Praxis 5038 passing score?
Montana requires 167 for Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038.
What is the Montana Praxis 5355 passing score?
Montana currently requires 153 for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355.
What is the Montana Praxis 5581 passing score?
Montana currently requires 153 for Praxis Social Studies 5581.
What is the Montana Praxis 5025 passing score?
The Montana qualifying score for Praxis Early Childhood Education 5025 is 156.
Do Montana Praxis scores expire?
For Montana licensure purposes, ETS states that a Praxis test taken more than 10 years before the application date must be retaken.
Can I receive a Montana teaching license while finishing Praxis?
Some otherwise-qualified candidates may qualify for a one-year Class 5A Provisional Teaching License when the outstanding requirement is successful completion of the required Praxis test.
Can I add a Montana endorsement through Praxis?
Some Class 1 and Class 2 teachers can add eligible endorsements using two years of appropriately licensed teaching experience plus a passing Praxis content assessment. However, several endorsement areas are excluded from this route.
Does Montana require Praxis Core?
Praxis Core is not listed as a universal Montana state licensure test on the current ETS Montana required-test list. Candidates should check whether their college or another pathway separately requires it.
Does Montana require Praxis PLT?
Praxis PLT is not listed as a universal Montana state licensure requirement on the current ETS Montana test list.
What is the Montana Praxis score recipient code?
The Montana Office of Public Instruction score-recipient code is 8653.
Where should I verify Montana Praxis requirements?
Always check the Montana Office of Public Instruction Educator Licensure pages and the official ETS Montana Praxis requirements before registering.
Start Preparing for Your Montana Praxis Exam
The Montana Praxis requirements are more flexible than many candidates realize.
Praxis remains an important content-assessment option, but it is not always the only pathway available for a Montana Class 2 teaching license. A qualifying GPA, approved teaching portfolio, or eligible out-of-state license and experience may also satisfy the additional content-knowledge requirement.
For candidates who do use Praxis, the exact exam depends on the endorsement.
Elementary candidates use Praxis 5001. Meanwhile, secondary teachers use subject-specific assessments such as Praxis 5165 Mathematics or Praxis 5038 English Language Arts.
Special education, reading, early childhood, world language, school counseling, and other areas also have their own tests and qualifying scores.
Most importantly, remember Montana’s 10-year rule for Praxis scores and confirm whether an existing result is still usable before applying.
Explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection, browse all available exam preparation courses, read more preparation resources on the AIProctoredExams Blog, or visit the AIProctoredExams homepage.
You can also learn more through the About AIProctoredExams page or contact AIProctoredExams for study-resource questions.
AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with ETS or the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
Finally, always confirm the latest Montana Praxis requirements before paying for or scheduling an examination.
