New Jersey Praxis Requirements: Tests & Passing Scores
New Jersey Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification
If you are planning to become a teacher or educational professional in New Jersey, understanding the Praxis requirements in New Jersey is an important part of navigating the state’s educator-certification process. Depending on the certification or endorsement you are seeking, you may need to pass one or more Praxis Subject Assessments or another state-approved examination.
New Jersey’s testing rules are administered by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), while many required assessments are provided by ETS through the Praxis program. The specific Praxis test and passing score depend on the endorsement you want to obtain.
This guide explains the Praxis requirements in New Jersey, including Praxis Core rules, subject-assessment requirements, common passing scores, score reporting, teacher-certification pathways, registration, and practical preparation strategies.
Candidates preparing for an examination can also explore the complete Praxis exam preparation collection at AIProctoredExams.
Important: New Jersey certification rules and passing scores can change. Always confirm your individual endorsement requirements through the New Jersey Department of Education testing requirements and the official ETS New Jersey Praxis requirements before registering.
Quick Answer: What Are the Praxis Requirements in New Jersey?
The Praxis requirements in New Jersey depend primarily on the type of certificate and endorsement you are pursuing.
New Jersey currently requires applicable subject-area Praxis tests for many instructional endorsements. However, an important change took effect on January 1, 2025: New Jersey eliminated the general basic-skills testing requirement for most instructional certificates.
The basic-skills requirement remains relevant for candidates pursuing a Limited Certificate of Eligibility (Limited CE) or Limited Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (Limited CEAS).
This means candidates should not automatically assume that everyone seeking New Jersey teacher certification must take Praxis Core.
Instead, determine:
- Which New Jersey certificate you are pursuing.
- Which endorsement you need.
- Whether your pathway requires a basic-skills assessment.
- Which Praxis Subject Assessment applies to the endorsement.
- What qualifying score New Jersey currently requires.
Do You Need to Take the Praxis in New Jersey?
For many teacher-certification fields, yes.
New Jersey requires candidates to satisfy testing requirements applicable to their specific certification area. The state’s official testing table identifies Praxis Subject Assessments for numerous endorsements, including elementary education, mathematics, English, science, art, social studies, and several other teaching fields.
However, not every endorsement requires a Praxis Subject Assessment.
Before scheduling an examination, review your specific endorsement through the NJDOE educator certification information.
Candidates who want organized preparation resources can also browse the AIProctoredExams teacher certification preparation courses.
Important Change to Praxis Core Requirements in New Jersey
Understanding the basic-skills change is particularly important when researching Praxis requirements in New Jersey.
New Jersey eliminated the general basic reading, writing, and mathematics assessment requirement for most instructional certificates effective January 1, 2025.
The exception involves candidates seeking a Limited CE or Limited CEAS. These candidates continue to have a basic-skills testing requirement.
For those limited certificates, NJDOE currently identifies Praxis Core Academic Skills as the approved basic-skills assessment.
Current Praxis Core Passing Scores for Limited CE and Limited CEAS
| Praxis Core Test | Test Code | New Jersey Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Core Academic Skills: Reading | 5713 | 156 |
| Core Academic Skills: Writing | 5723 | 162 |
| Core Academic Skills: Mathematics | 5733 | 150 |
| Core Combined | 5752 | Individual subtest scores apply |
Candidates who need these examinations can prepare using the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.
You should still verify whether your particular certificate requires Praxis Core before registering.
New Jersey Praxis Subject Tests and Passing Scores
The most important component of the Praxis requirements in New Jersey for many candidates is the subject assessment.
Below are several common certification areas listed in the current NJDOE testing requirements.
Elementary School Teacher K–6
Candidates seeking the Elementary School Teacher K–6 endorsement currently use Praxis 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects.
Praxis 5001 combines four subtests:
| Subtest | Code | New Jersey Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Language Arts | 5002 | 157 |
| Mathematics | 5003 | 157 |
| Social Studies | 5004 | 155 |
| Science | 5005 | 159 |
The combined 5001 test does not have one overall qualifying score. Candidates must satisfy the applicable qualifying score for each subtest.
If elementary education is your certification goal, review the Praxis 5001 Elementary Education preparation course.
You can also begin with the Praxis 5001 practice test and study guide to evaluate your current readiness.
Middle School Praxis Requirements
New Jersey also lists separate examinations for middle-school subject specializations.
| Certification Area | Test | Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle School English Language Arts | Middle School English Language Arts | 5047 | 164 |
| Middle School Mathematics | Middle School Mathematics | 5164 | 157 |
| Middle School Social Studies | Middle School Social Studies | 5089 | 158 |
| Middle School Science | Middle School Science | 5442 | 152 |
These requirements apply to the corresponding Grades 5–8 subject-matter specialization.
English Praxis Requirement
For the New Jersey English endorsement, NJDOE currently lists:
English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)
Passing score: 167
Mathematics Praxis Requirement
Candidates seeking the Mathematics endorsement currently take:
Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5165)
Passing score: 159
Preschool Through Grade 3
For the Preschool through Grade 3 endorsement, the current NJDOE requirements list:
Early Childhood: Content Knowledge (5025)
Passing score: 156
Candidates interested in broader early-childhood teaching preparation can also explore the Praxis 5621 Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood preparation course.
Always verify which specific test code New Jersey requires for your endorsement before registering.
Reading Endorsement
For the Reading endorsement, New Jersey currently identifies:
Teaching Reading K–12 (5206)
Passing score: 159
AIProctoredExams also provides Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary preparation for candidates whose certification jurisdiction requires that particular test.
Important: New Jersey’s current Reading endorsement requirements list 5206, not 5205.
Speech-Language Specialist
For candidates pursuing the New Jersey Speech-Language Specialist endorsement:
Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Passing score: 162
Candidates preparing for this assessment can use the Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology Exam Preparation course.
Special Education
Candidates should avoid assuming that requirements are identical across states.
The current New Jersey Praxis Subject Assessment table lists:
Special Education — Exempt
from the Praxis Subject Assessment requirement.
AIProctoredExams offers the Praxis 5355 Special Education: Foundational Knowledge preparation course for candidates in jurisdictions or programs that require that exam.
New Jersey candidates should not register for Praxis 5355 solely because they are pursuing special education certification without first checking NJDOE requirements.
Other Common New Jersey Praxis Passing Scores
| Certification Area | Praxis Test | Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art | Art: Content Knowledge | 5134 | 158 |
| Biology | Biology: Content Knowledge | 5236 | 154 |
| Business Education | Business Education | 5101 | 154 |
| Chemistry | Chemistry: Content Knowledge | 5246 | 156 |
| Computer Science | Computer Science: Content Knowledge | 5652 | 149 |
| Earth Science | Earth Science: Content Knowledge | 5572 | 154 |
| Health & Physical Education | Health and Physical Education | 5857 | 160 |
| Music | Music: Content Knowledge | 5113 | 153 |
| Physical Education | Physical Education: Content Knowledge | 5091 | 148 |
| Social Studies | Social Studies: Content Knowledge | 5581 | 153 |
| Technology Education | Technology and Engineering Education | 5053 | 157 |
Candidates who need broad multi-subject review in another applicable certification context can also explore the Praxis 5511 Fundamental Subjects preparation course.
Are Any New Jersey Teaching Fields Exempt From Praxis Subject Testing?
Yes.
The current New Jersey testing requirements identify several instructional areas as exempt from Praxis Subject Assessment requirements.
Examples include:
- Agriculture
- Health Education
- Military Science
- Psychology
- Special Education
An exemption from Praxis does not necessarily mean there are no certification requirements.
Candidates should confirm all degree, coursework, training, and endorsement-specific requirements through the New Jersey Department of Education.
New Jersey GPA and Praxis Score Flexibility
New Jersey also provides GPA/Praxis flexibility provisions for certain instructional certificate applicants.
For candidates whose degree was conferred on or after September 1, 2016, the standard cumulative GPA requirement is generally 3.00.
NJDOE describes flexibility provisions under which candidates with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may be able to satisfy the GPA requirement by earning a sufficiently higher Praxis score.
Candidates with a GPA of 3.50 or higher may also qualify under provisions that permit a Praxis score below the standard passing score within specified limits.
Candidates should consult the official New Jersey GPA and Praxis flexibility guidance because adjustments vary by examination.
Alternative Route Teacher Certification in New Jersey
Candidates do not necessarily have to complete a traditional teacher-preparation program before entering the New Jersey certification process.
New Jersey offers an alternate-route pathway through the Certificate of Eligibility (CE).
A CE can allow qualified candidates who did not complete a traditional teacher-preparation program to seek employment while progressing through the state’s alternate-route process.
Learn more through the official New Jersey Alternate Route guidance.
Candidates researching the Praxis requirements in New Jersey should therefore identify whether they are pursuing:
- Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing;
- Certificate of Eligibility;
- Limited CE;
- Limited CEAS;
- Standard certification;
- Educational services endorsement; or
- Another specialized credential.
Your certification pathway affects which requirements apply.
Degree Requirements for New Jersey Teacher Certification
A bachelor’s degree is generally required for New Jersey instructional certification.
For alternate-route CE applicants, NJDOE requires an appropriate bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, together with applicable GPA, coursework, testing, and endorsement requirements.
Certification may therefore involve:
- Appropriate bachelor’s degree;
- Required subject-matter coursework;
- GPA requirements;
- Applicable Praxis assessments;
- Educator preparation;
- Provisional teaching requirements;
- Application documentation; and
- Other endorsement-specific requirements.
How Do You Register for the Praxis in New Jersey?
Praxis examinations are administered through ETS.
Step 1: Identify Your Certification Area
Determine the specific New Jersey endorsement you are seeking.
Do not choose an exam solely because the title sounds related to your profession.
Step 2: Verify the Test Code
Use NJDOE and ETS New Jersey requirements to identify the correct test number.
Step 3: Check the Passing Score
Write down the New Jersey qualifying score before beginning your preparation.
Step 4: Register Through ETS
Use the official ETS Praxis website to register and schedule your examination.
Step 5: Confirm Score Reporting
Make sure your Praxis results will reach the New Jersey Department of Education.
How to Send Praxis Scores to New Jersey
Score reporting is another important component of the Praxis requirements in New Jersey.
NJDOE indicates that scores from qualifying tests taken under the appropriate New Jersey testing conditions may be reported directly to the department.
Candidates testing outside New Jersey or where automatic reporting does not apply may need to identify NJDOE using score recipient code:
R7666
Always verify score-reporting instructions when you register.
How to Apply for New Jersey Teacher Certification
New Jersey certification applications are managed through NJEdCert.
Candidates can use the system to:
- Apply for certification;
- Review application status;
- Upload documentation;
- Review credentials;
- Request certain records;
- Renew licenses; and
- Communicate about certification applications.
Visit the NJDOE Apply for Certification page for current application guidance.
How to Prepare for Your New Jersey Praxis Test
Once you have confirmed the correct examination, preparation should begin with the official test framework.
1. Learn the Test Structure
Know:
- Your Praxis test code;
- Number of questions;
- Question formats;
- Testing time;
- Content categories;
- Weight of each domain; and
- Required New Jersey qualifying score.
2. Take a Diagnostic Practice Test
Complete a practice assessment before intensive studying.
Identify:
- Strong content areas;
- Weak topics;
- Time-management problems;
- Difficult question types; and
- Concepts requiring deeper review.
3. Build a Topic-Based Study Plan
Divide the test into manageable content areas.
Candidates can use the AIProctoredExams Study Guides to support structured preparation.
4. Practice Questions Regularly
Practice should be active rather than passive.
After answering each question, determine:
- Why the correct option is correct;
- Why the distractors are incorrect;
- Which concept is being assessed; and
- Whether you could answer the concept in another format.
5. Use Timed Practice
Timed practice can improve:
- Pacing;
- Concentration;
- Question prioritization;
- Elimination strategies; and
- Test endurance.
6. Review Weak Areas
Spend more preparation time on areas where you repeatedly make mistakes.
Use this cycle:
Study → Practice → Review → Correct → Practice Again
The How AIProctoredExams Works page explains how structured preparation and practice resources can support your study process.
7. Explore Additional Praxis Resources
Candidates preparing for PLT assessments in jurisdictions where they are required can also review:
- Praxis 5622 PLT Grades K–6 preparation
- Praxis 5623 PLT Grades 5–9 preparation
- Praxis 5624 PLT Grades 7–12 preparation
These should not be interpreted as New Jersey requirements unless NJDOE identifies them for your pathway.
How Long Should You Study for the Praxis?
There is no universal preparation period.
Your study time should depend on:
- Which Praxis exam you are taking;
- Your academic background;
- Your diagnostic score;
- How many content areas are tested;
- Your required score;
- Whether this is your first attempt; and
- How much study time you have available each week.
A candidate who already understands most of the tested material may need only several weeks of structured review, while another candidate may benefit from a longer study schedule.
What Happens if You Do Not Pass the Praxis?
Not achieving the required score does not automatically end your certification pathway.
Candidates can generally prepare further and retake Praxis according to ETS retesting policies.
Before retaking:
- Review your score report.
- Identify your weakest content areas.
- Revisit the relevant concepts.
- Complete targeted practice questions.
- Take another timed practice test.
- Verify current ETS retesting requirements.
Candidates who need assistance accessing preparation resources can also visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Praxis Requirements in New Jersey
Is Praxis required for teachers in New Jersey?
Praxis Subject Assessments are required for many New Jersey instructional endorsements, but not every certification field has a Praxis requirement. Always review the current NJDOE requirements for your exact endorsement.
Is Praxis Core still required in New Jersey?
Not for most instructional certificates. New Jersey eliminated the general basic-skills testing requirement for most instructional certificates effective January 1, 2025. Limited CE and Limited CEAS candidates still have a basic-skills requirement.
What score do I need on Praxis Core in New Jersey?
For candidates who must meet the Limited CE or Limited CEAS basic-skills requirement:
- Reading 5713: 156
- Writing 5723: 162
- Mathematics 5733: 150
What Praxis score do I need for elementary education in New Jersey?
Current qualifying scores for Elementary School Teacher K–6 include:
- 5002 Reading and Language Arts: 157
- 5003 Mathematics: 157
- 5004 Social Studies: 155
- 5005 Science: 159
What is the New Jersey Praxis score recipient code?
The New Jersey Department of Education uses score recipient code R7666 for applicable Praxis score reporting.
Does New Jersey require Praxis 5355 for Special Education?
The current NJDOE Praxis Subject Assessment requirements list Special Education as exempt from the Praxis Subject Assessment requirement.
What Praxis test is required for a New Jersey Speech-Language Specialist?
New Jersey currently lists Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331, with a qualifying score of 162.
Can I become a teacher in New Jersey through an alternative certification route?
Yes. New Jersey offers an alternate-route pathway through the Certificate of Eligibility for candidates who meet applicable degree, academic, testing, and other certification requirements.
Final Thoughts on Praxis Requirements in New Jersey
Understanding the Praxis requirements in New Jersey begins with identifying the exact certificate and endorsement you intend to pursue.
Do not assume every New Jersey teacher candidate must take Praxis Core, and do not assume that a Praxis test required in another state is automatically required in New Jersey.
A useful sequence is:
Choose your certification pathway → identify your endorsement → check NJDOE requirements → confirm the Praxis test code → identify your passing score → register through ETS → prepare systematically → submit your scores → complete your NJEdCert application.
New Jersey requires subject-area Praxis assessments for many instructional endorsements, while some certification areas are exempt or have different testing requirements.
Because requirements may change, always confirm the latest Praxis requirements in New Jersey through official NJDOE and ETS sources before paying for or scheduling an examination.
For focused Praxis preparation, practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and structured study resources, explore the Praxis preparation options available through AIProctoredExams.
