Nebraska Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification

If you plan to become a teacher in Nebraska, understanding the Nebraska Praxis requirements is important because the rules have changed significantly.

Nebraska still recognizes many Praxis content exams. However, completing a Praxis content test is no longer required for every applicant seeking a full teaching certificate.

As of June 4, 2025, candidates who complete an approved educator preparation program through a college or university no longer need to pass a Praxis content test simply to receive a full Nebraska certificate.

However, Praxis remains important in other situations. For example, candidates may still need a Praxis content test when applying for certain temporary certificates or when adding an approved endorsement through testing.

Therefore, candidates should identify their certification route before registering for an exam.

This guide explains the current Nebraska Praxis requirements, important test codes, passing scores, elementary and secondary assessments, special education tests, temporary certification rules, and endorsement options.

Before registering, candidates should review the Nebraska Department of Education Praxis Content Test information and the official ETS Nebraska Praxis requirements.

For preparation support, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection or browse the teacher exam preparation resources.

What Are the Nebraska Praxis Requirements?

The Nebraska Praxis requirements depend mainly on how you are qualifying for your certificate or endorsement.

Under the current Nebraska system, a Praxis content test is generally not required for a full certificate when the applicant has completed an educator preparation program through a college or university.

This rule applies across education levels and also extends to administrative endorsement programs.

However, Praxis testing remains available or required in situations such as:

Temporary teaching certificates
Adding certain endorsements by examination
Selected specialized educator fields
Candidates whose specific pathway requires a content assessment

Therefore, you should not assume that every Nebraska teacher candidate must take Praxis.

At the same time, you should not assume Praxis has disappeared from Nebraska certification.

The safest approach is to confirm your individual route through the Nebraska Department of Education Educator Certification office.

Candidates can also browse the AIProctoredExams online course catalog while planning their preparation.

Major Change to Nebraska Praxis Requirements

One of the most important changes to the Nebraska Praxis requirements took effect on June 4, 2025.

Before this change, Nebraska generally required candidates to pass a Praxis content assessment connected to their endorsement.

Now, applicants who complete an educator preparation program through a college or university do not need the content test for a full certificate.

This change reduces an important testing barrier for new educators.

However, the change does not mean that Nebraska stopped recognizing Praxis content exams.

Instead, Praxis continues to be used for candidates who want to:

Qualify for certain temporary teaching certificates.
Add approved endorsements through testing.
Meet requirements attached to selected specialized pathways.

Therefore, candidates should use current information instead of relying on older Nebraska certification guides.

The latest policy is explained on the Nebraska Praxis Content Test page.

Does Nebraska Still Require Praxis Core?

Nebraska previously used Praxis Core to demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

That requirement has changed.

The Nebraska State Board moved to repeal Rule 23, which governed the state’s basic-skills competency testing requirement. Nebraska has since identified removal of the basic-skills Praxis Core requirement as one of the steps taken to reduce barriers to entering the teaching profession.

As a result, candidates should be cautious when reading older Nebraska certification pages that still mention Praxis Core as a universal requirement.

Older materials may list:

Praxis Core Reading 5713
Praxis Core Writing 5723
Praxis Core Mathematics 5733
Praxis Core Combined 5752

Those documents may no longer reflect the current entry-level certification system.

However, an educator preparation program or another state may still require Praxis Core for a different purpose.

Candidates who need Praxis Core preparation for another pathway can review the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.

When Is a Praxis Content Test Still Required in Nebraska?

Praxis remains important in several Nebraska situations.

Temporary Teaching Certificate

A Praxis content test is required for candidates using Nebraska’s temporary teaching certificate pathway.

The applicant must pass the Praxis content assessment that matches the teaching area.

Therefore, candidates using this route should know their required test before applying.

The Nebraska Temporary Certificates page provides current information about this pathway.

Adding an Endorsement by Testing

Educators who already hold a regular Nebraska teaching certificate may also use an approved Praxis content test to add certain endorsements.

This can be useful for teachers who want to qualify for additional subjects without completing an entire new preparation program.

However, not every endorsement can necessarily be added in exactly the same way.

Therefore, check the current Nebraska endorsement information before registering.

Nebraska Praxis Requirements for Elementary Education

Nebraska currently lists:

Praxis 5017 – Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Nebraska qualifying score: 153

This exam remains on Nebraska’s approved Praxis test list for Elementary Education.

However, remember the key policy change.

A candidate who completes an educator preparation program generally does not need this content test for a full certificate under the current rules.

Praxis 5017 becomes especially relevant when the candidate’s certification or endorsement pathway still requires testing.

The exam focuses broadly on elementary teaching knowledge.

Important study areas may include:

Reading and language arts
Mathematics
Science
Social studies
Curriculum
Assessment
Instructional planning
Classroom teaching practices

Therefore, candidates should prepare across several areas rather than studying one subject only.

For additional study options, browse the AIProctoredExams Praxis courses.

Nebraska Middle School Praxis Requirements

The Nebraska Praxis requirements include approved tests for several middle-grades endorsements.

Current ETS-listed assessments include:

Nebraska Endorsement	Praxis Test	Code	Qualifying Score
Middle Grades English Language Arts	Middle School English Language Arts	5047	164
Middle Grades Mathematics	Middle School Mathematics	5164	157
Middle Grades Science	Middle School Science	5442	152
Middle Grades Social Science	Middle School Social Studies	5089	155

These scores apply when a candidate’s pathway uses the Praxis content-test option.

Middle School English Language Arts 5047

Nebraska currently lists a qualifying score of 164 for Praxis 5047.

Important areas include:

Reading
Literature
Writing
Language
Research
Communication

Because the exam measures several skills, candidates should divide their study time across each content area.

Middle School Mathematics 5164

Nebraska currently requires a qualifying score of 157 when Praxis 5164 is used for the Middle Grades Mathematics endorsement.

Important topics include:

Numbers and operations
Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Measurement
Statistics
Probability

In addition, many questions apply mathematics knowledge to teaching situations.

Therefore, practice questions should be a major part of preparation.

Middle School Science 5442

The Nebraska qualifying score for Praxis 5442 is 152.

Candidates should prepare for:

Life science
Physical science
Earth science
Space science
Scientific inquiry
Data interpretation

A balanced study plan can help candidates avoid overfocusing on one branch of science.

Middle School Social Studies 5089

Nebraska currently lists Praxis 5089 for Middle Grades Social Science with a qualifying score of 155.

Study areas may include:

U.S. history
World history
Government
Geography
Economics
Social sciences

Because Praxis versions can change, candidates should verify the current test before registering through the ETS Nebraska Praxis requirements page.

Candidates who want additional middle-grade pedagogy preparation can also review the Praxis 5623 PLT Grades 5–9 preparation course when relevant to another certification pathway.

Nebraska Secondary Education Praxis Requirements

Nebraska maintains approved Praxis content assessments for many secondary subjects.

Some important examples include:

Nebraska Endorsement	Praxis Code	Qualifying Score
Biology	5236	154
Business Education	5101	154
Chemistry	5246	146
Earth and Space Science	5572	154
English Language Arts	5039	168
Geography	5921	157
History	5941	147
Mathematics	5165	159
Physics	5266	145
Political Science	5931	149
Psychology	5391	154
Science	5436	141
Social Science	5581	153
Sociology	5952	154

Again, these assessments are especially relevant for pathways that still use content testing.

Candidates who complete an educator preparation program should first confirm whether they actually need the exam.

Nebraska Praxis Mathematics 5165

Candidates using the testing route for a Mathematics endorsement take:

Praxis Mathematics 5165

Nebraska qualifying score: 159

The exam covers areas such as:

Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Statistics
Probability
Mathematical modeling
Mathematical reasoning

Therefore, candidates should combine concept review with regular problem solving.

Timed practice can also help improve both speed and accuracy.

Nebraska English Language Arts Praxis 5039

Nebraska currently lists:

Praxis 5039 – English Language Arts: Content and Analysis

Qualifying score: 168

Important areas include:

Literature
Reading
Writing
Language
Research
Rhetoric
Text analysis

Because the qualifying score is relatively high, candidates should prepare consistently rather than relying on a short review immediately before the exam.

Nebraska Science Praxis Requirements

Nebraska lists several different science assessments.

For example:

General Science 5436 — 141

Biology 5236 — 154

Chemistry 5246 — 146

Physics 5266 — 145

Earth and Space Sciences 5572 — 154

Therefore, a candidate should register for the exam that matches the exact endorsement rather than choosing a general science test automatically.

Nebraska Social Studies Praxis Requirements

Nebraska also separates several social-science endorsement areas.

Examples include:

Social Studies 5581 — 153
World and U.S. History 5941 — 147
Geography 5921 — 157
Government/Political Science 5931 — 149
Psychology 5391 — 154
Sociology 5952 — 154

Therefore, candidates should confirm whether they need a broad Social Science endorsement or a specific subject endorsement.

Nebraska Special Education Praxis Requirements

Special education is another important part of the Nebraska Praxis requirements.

Nebraska currently lists several approved special education assessments.

Special Education Area	Praxis Code	Qualifying Score
Special Education / Foundational Knowledge	5355	145
Deaf and Hard of Hearing	5272	160
Early Childhood Special Education	5023	166
Visual Impairment	5282	163

Nebraska Praxis 5355

For Nebraska’s general Special Education endorsement testing option, candidates use:

Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge

Nebraska qualifying score: 145

Important topics include:

Human development
Individual learning differences
Assessment
Instruction
Learning environments
Behavior support
Collaboration
Professional responsibilities

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

Nebraska Early Childhood Praxis Requirements

Nebraska currently lists:

Praxis 5024 – Education of Young Children

Qualifying score: 160

This assessment is associated with Nebraska’s Early Childhood Inclusive endorsement testing option.

Important study areas may include:

Child development
Early literacy
Mathematics
Science
Social development
Classroom environments
Assessment
Family engagement

However, candidates who complete an approved educator preparation program should first verify whether a Praxis content test is needed for their full certificate.

Nebraska Speech-Language Pathology Praxis 5331

Nebraska also lists Praxis testing for Speech-Language Pathology.

The current assessment is:

Praxis 5331 – Speech-Language Pathology

Nebraska qualifying score: 162

Candidates can prepare using the Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology Exam Preparation course.

Important areas include:

Speech development
Language disorders
Fluency
Voice
Hearing
Swallowing
Assessment
Diagnosis
Intervention
Professional practice

Candidates should also confirm the requirements of the specific Nebraska licensing body connected to their professional role.

Nebraska School Counselor Praxis Requirements

Nebraska currently lists:

Praxis School Counselor 5422

Qualifying score: 159

Important exam areas may include:

Human development
Counseling theories
Academic development
Career development
Student assessment
Program management
Ethics
Professional responsibilities

Therefore, school counselor candidates should combine content review with scenario-based questions.

Nebraska School Psychologist Praxis Requirements

Nebraska also lists:

Praxis School Psychologist 5403

Qualifying score: 155

Candidates may need knowledge of:

Student development
Assessment
Consultation
Intervention
Mental and behavioral health
School systems
Professional ethics

Again, check the specific Nebraska certification pathway before registering.

Nebraska Reading Specialist Praxis Requirements

Candidates using Praxis for a Reading Specialist endorsement currently take:

Praxis Reading Specialist 5302

Qualifying score: 165

The exam focuses on advanced literacy knowledge.

Topics may include:

Reading development
Literacy assessment
Instructional methods
Leadership
Supporting struggling readers
Literacy programs
Professional collaboration

Candidates can also browse the AIProctoredExams Study Guides for additional study support.

Can You Add a Nebraska Endorsement by Passing Praxis?

Yes, in approved areas.

This is one of the most useful parts of the current Nebraska Praxis requirements.

If you already hold a regular Nebraska teaching certificate, you may be able to add an approved endorsement by passing the appropriate Praxis content assessment.

However, the process depends on the endorsement.

Nebraska also allows educators to add endorsements by completing an educator preparation program. When an endorsement is completed through such a program, a Praxis content test is no longer required solely because of the endorsement.

Therefore, candidates generally have two possible routes depending on the area:

Complete an approved endorsement program
Use an approved content test when that testing option is available

Review the current Nebraska Adding Endorsements guidance before choosing a route.

Nebraska Temporary Teaching Certificate and Praxis

The temporary teaching certificate is one area where Praxis remains especially important.

Nebraska currently requires applicants using this pathway to have a passing score on the Praxis content test that matches their teaching area.

Other requirements also apply.

Therefore, candidates should not apply for the temporary certificate without first checking whether their chosen endorsement has an approved Praxis assessment.

The Nebraska Temporary Certificates page explains the current requirements.

This distinction is important:

Full certificate after completing an educator preparation program: content test generally not required.

Temporary certificate: passing Praxis content score required.

Keeping these two routes separate can prevent confusion.

Out-of-State Teachers Seeking Nebraska Certification

Nebraska provides certification options for teachers who already hold licenses from another state.

Under current Nebraska guidance, out-of-state applicants using reciprocity are no longer required to complete a content test for teaching certificates.

However, each state uses different certificate names and endorsement structures.

Therefore, Nebraska reviews the applicant’s existing credentials to determine the closest Nebraska certificate and endorsement.

Candidates can review the Nebraska Out-of-State Certification information.

This is another reason older Praxis guidance may no longer be accurate for Nebraska.

Does Nebraska Require Praxis PLT?

Nebraska’s current approved test list focuses on content assessments for endorsement areas rather than presenting the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exams as a universal statewide certification requirement.

Therefore, candidates should not automatically register for:

Praxis 5621
Praxis 5622
Praxis 5623
Praxis 5624

simply because those exams are required in another state.

Instead, confirm your Nebraska certification route first.

Candidates who need PLT preparation for another state or program can review the Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12 preparation course.

How to Prepare for a Nebraska Praxis Exam

Understanding the Nebraska Praxis requirements is only the first step.

If your pathway still requires a Praxis test, a clear preparation plan can make your study time more effective.

1. Confirm That You Actually Need the Test

First, determine why you are taking Praxis.

Ask whether you are:

Applying for a temporary certificate
Adding an endorsement through testing
Completing a specialized certification requirement
Taking the test because your preparation program requires it

Do not register simply because an old Nebraska article says all teachers need a content exam.

2. Confirm the Exact Test Code

Next, identify your exact test.

For example:

Elementary Education — 5017
Middle School Mathematics — 5164
Mathematics — 5165
Special Education — 5355
Speech-Language Pathology — 5331

A small mistake in a test code can result in registering for the wrong assessment.

3. Know the Nebraska Qualifying Score

Write down the score required for your endorsement.

Then compare that score with your practice results.

This makes your preparation easier to measure.

4. Review the Exam Blueprint

Break your exam into smaller content areas.

Then identify:

Strong areas
Average areas
Weak areas

Spend extra time on weak subjects while continuing to review areas you already understand.

For additional resources, browse the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation courses.

5. Complete Practice Questions

Practice questions help candidates move beyond passive reading.

They can help you:

Recognize common question formats
Improve recall
Find weak areas
Practice eliminating incorrect answers
Improve pacing
Build confidence

Candidates can also review the Praxis 5511 Fundamental Subjects preparation course for broader subject practice when relevant to their preparation goals.

6. Review Every Incorrect Answer

After each practice session, review your mistakes.

Ask:

Why was my answer incorrect?
Why is the correct answer better?
Which concept did I misunderstand?
Did I misread the question?
Was I rushing?

As a result, each mistake becomes part of your preparation.

7. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Finally, complete timed practice sessions before test day.

Timed work improves pacing and helps you become comfortable making decisions under exam conditions.

Learn more about the preparation process through How AIProctoredExams Works.

Four-Week Nebraska Praxis Study Plan

Week 1: Confirm and Assess

First, verify that Praxis is required for your pathway.

Next, confirm your test code and qualifying score.

Then complete an initial practice set to identify weak areas.

Week 2: Build Content Knowledge

Focus on difficult subjects.

At the same time, complete short practice sets after studying each topic.

This approach helps reinforce what you learn.

Week 3: Increase Practice

Begin mixing questions from several exam areas.

In addition, review every incorrect answer.

Return to any subject where your scores remain low.

Week 4: Simulate the Test

Finally, complete longer timed practice sessions.

During the final days, review important concepts and common mistakes.

Avoid trying to learn an entire subject the night before the exam.

For additional assistance, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska Praxis Requirements

Does Nebraska require Praxis for teacher certification?

Not for every candidate. Since June 4, 2025, applicants who complete an educator preparation program through a college or university generally do not need a Praxis content test for a full Nebraska certificate.

Is Praxis still used in Nebraska?

Yes. Praxis remains important for temporary teaching certificates and can be used to add certain approved endorsements to an existing regular teaching certificate.

Does Nebraska still require Praxis Core?

Nebraska removed the former basic-skills testing barrier. Therefore, candidates should be careful with older pages that still describe Praxis Core as a universal entry-level requirement.

What Praxis test is used for Nebraska Elementary Education?

Nebraska currently lists Praxis 5017 Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, with a qualifying score of 153, for pathways using content testing.

What is the Nebraska Praxis 5164 passing score?

The Nebraska qualifying score for Praxis Middle School Mathematics 5164 is 157.

What is the Nebraska Praxis 5442 passing score?

Nebraska currently lists 152 as the qualifying score for Praxis Middle School Science 5442.

What is the Nebraska Praxis 5165 passing score?

The Nebraska qualifying score for Praxis Mathematics 5165 is 159.

What is the Nebraska Praxis 5355 passing score?

Nebraska currently lists a qualifying score of 145 for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355.

What is the Nebraska Praxis 5331 passing score?

The Nebraska qualifying score for Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331 is 162.

Do I need Praxis for a Nebraska temporary teaching certificate?

Yes. Nebraska currently requires a passing content-test score that matches the teaching area for the temporary teaching certificate.

Can I add a Nebraska endorsement through Praxis?

In approved endorsement areas, educators who already hold a regular Nebraska teaching certificate may use an approved Praxis content test to add an endorsement.

Do out-of-state teachers need a Praxis content test in Nebraska?

Nebraska currently states that content tests are no longer required for out-of-state applicants seeking teaching certificates through its reciprocity process.

Where should I verify Nebraska Praxis requirements?

Always review the Nebraska Department of Education Praxis Content Test page and the official ETS Nebraska Praxis test list before registering.

Start Preparing for Your Nebraska Praxis Exam

The most important point about the Nebraska Praxis requirements is that Praxis is no longer a universal content-test requirement for every teacher candidate.

If you complete an educator preparation program through a college or university, you generally do not need the Praxis content test for a full Nebraska certificate.

However, Praxis remains important for temporary certificates, selected specialized areas, and educators who want to add approved endorsements through testing.

Therefore, start by identifying your certification route.

Next, confirm whether a Praxis test is actually required.

Finally, if testing applies to you, verify your exact test code and qualifying score before beginning preparation.

Explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection, browse all available online exam preparation courses, read additional exam resources on the AIProctoredExams Blog, or visit the AIProctoredExams homepage.

You can also learn more about the platform through the About AIProctoredExams page.

AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with ETS or the Nebraska Department of Education.

Finally, always confirm the latest Nebraska Praxis requirements through Nebraska’s official certification office and ETS before paying for or scheduling an examination.

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