North Dakota Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification

If you plan to become a teacher in North Dakota, understanding the North Dakota Praxis requirements is an important part of the licensing process. North Dakota uses Praxis assessments for basic academic skills, teaching knowledge, and many subject-area licenses.

Unlike some states that have reduced Praxis testing, North Dakota still uses several layers of assessment for beginning educators. Therefore, candidates may need Praxis Core, a Principles of Learning and Teaching assessment, and the content exam connected to their teaching area.

However, the exact tests depend on the license you want. Early childhood, elementary, middle school, secondary, special education, and school-service candidates do not all take the same exams.

In addition, North Dakota has several useful testing options. These include a Praxis Core composite-score rule, Praxis Bridge for selected assessments, and a Praxis endorsement route for already-licensed teachers.

This guide explains the current North Dakota Praxis requirements, test codes, passing scores, Core rules, PLT exams, reading requirements, endorsement options, special education tests, and licensing pathways.

Before registering, candidates should review the North Dakota ESPB Testing Information and the official ETS North Dakota Praxis requirements.

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

What Are the North Dakota Praxis Requirements?

The North Dakota Praxis requirements depend on your teaching level and certification area.

For initial North Dakota licensure, candidates generally need to complete an approved bachelor’s-level educator preparation program, meet GPA requirements, complete supervised student teaching, complete the required background check, and pass the tests connected to their certification area.

North Dakota currently requires Praxis testing across areas that include:

Basic academic skills
Early childhood education
Elementary education
Middle school education
Secondary education
Special education
World languages
English language learning
Library media
School counseling
School psychology
Speech-language pathology

Therefore, the first step is to identify the exact license you want.

Candidates can review the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board for current licensure information.

You can also browse the AIProctoredExams complete course catalog while planning your preparation.

Does North Dakota Require Praxis Core?

Yes. Praxis Core is one of the most important parts of the North Dakota Praxis requirements for beginning candidates.

The three Core tests are:

Praxis Core Test	Code	North Dakota Qualifying Score
Reading	5713	156
Writing	5723	160
Mathematics	5733	150

Candidates may also register for the combined Praxis Core 5752, which includes all three tests.

North Dakota also provides an alternative way to meet the Core standard.

Instead of reaching all three regular qualifying scores, a candidate may meet a combined score of 466, as long as no individual test score falls below the state’s minimum.

The minimum scores used with the composite option are:

Reading — 149
Writing — 153
Mathematics — 143

Therefore, a candidate who falls slightly short on one Core test may still satisfy the North Dakota requirement through the composite-score rule if the total reaches 466 and all three minimums are met.

Candidates can verify these rules through the North Dakota ESPB Testing Information page.

For targeted preparation, use the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.

Understanding the North Dakota Praxis Core Composite Score

The composite option makes the North Dakota Praxis requirements slightly different from those in many other states.

For example, imagine that a candidate scores:

Reading — 154
Writing — 158
Mathematics — 154

The candidate does not reach the normal qualifying score in Reading or Writing. However, the three scores total 466.

In addition, each score is above the minimum allowed under the composite rule.

Therefore, that candidate may meet North Dakota’s Core requirement through the composite option.

However, a candidate cannot use the composite option if one score falls below the minimum.

For that reason, candidates should pay attention to both the total score and the individual minimums.

North Dakota Praxis PLT Requirements

Teaching knowledge is another major part of the North Dakota Praxis requirements.

North Dakota uses several Principles of Learning and Teaching assessments.

Common PLT tests include:

Teaching Area	Praxis PLT	Code	Passing Score
Early Childhood	PLT: Early Childhood	5621	157
Elementary Education	PLT: Grades K–6	5622	160
Secondary / K–12	PLT: Grades 7–12	5624	157
Selected areas	PLT: PreK–12	5625	157

The test you need depends on your license.

Praxis 5621 Early Childhood

Early childhood candidates may take:

Praxis 5621 – Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood

North Dakota passing score: 157

Important study topics include:

Child development
Learning
Instruction
Assessment
Classroom environment
Families and communities
Professional responsibilities

Candidates can prepare using the Praxis 5621 Early Childhood preparation course.

Praxis 5622 Grades K–6

Elementary education candidates currently use:

Praxis 5622 – Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K–6

North Dakota passing score: 160

Important topics include:

Student development
Learning theory
Instruction
Assessment
Classroom management
Professional practice

For preparation support, review the Praxis 5622 Grades K–6 preparation course.

Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12

For many secondary candidates, North Dakota accepts:

Praxis 5624 – Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7–12

Passing score: 157

Candidates preparing for this exam can use the Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12 preparation course.

Praxis 5625 PreK–12

North Dakota also uses:

Praxis 5625 – Principles of Learning and Teaching: PreK–12

Passing score: 157

Middle school candidates currently use Praxis 5625 with their subject-area assessment. In addition, many 5–12 and K–12 candidates may use Praxis 5625 instead of Praxis 5624.

Therefore, candidates should verify which PLT option applies before registering.

North Dakota Early Childhood Praxis Requirements

Candidates seeking Early Childhood certification currently take:

Praxis 5025 – Early Childhood Education

Passing score: 156

They also need either:

Praxis 5621 PLT Early Childhood — 157

Praxis 5625 PLT PreK–12 — 157

Praxis 5025 covers areas such as:

Child development
Language and literacy
Mathematics
Science
Social development
Instruction
Assessment
Classroom environments

Therefore, candidates should combine content review with pedagogy preparation.

North Dakota Praxis Requirements for Elementary Education

Elementary education is another major area within the North Dakota Praxis requirements.

Candidates currently use:

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

Passing score: 153

In addition, candidates need either:

Praxis 5622 PLT Grades K–6 — 160

Praxis 5625 PLT PreK–12 — 157

Praxis 5017 focuses on broad elementary teaching knowledge.

Important areas may include:

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

Therefore, candidates should create a balanced study plan rather than focusing on one elementary subject.

North Dakota Reading Competency and Praxis 5205

Reading instruction is a particularly important part of the North Dakota Praxis requirements for some applicants.

North Dakota uses:

Praxis 5205 – Teaching Reading: Elementary

Passing score: 159

The reading competency requirement applies to certain non-North Dakota graduates whose preparation areas include:

Elementary education
Early childhood education
Special education

Candidates can review the official ETS North Dakota overview for the current reading competency guidance.

Praxis 5205 focuses on:

Phonological awareness
Phonemic awareness
Phonics
Decoding
Fluency
Vocabulary
Reading comprehension
Writing
Literacy assessment
Evidence-based reading instruction

Candidates can prepare with the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary preparation course.

North Dakota Middle School Praxis Requirements

The North Dakota Praxis requirements for middle school education depend on the subject.

Current tests include:

Middle School Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
English Language Arts	5047	164
Mathematics	5164	157
Science	5442	150
Social Studies	5589	152

Middle school candidates also take:

Praxis 5625 PLT PreK–12

Passing score: 157

Middle School English Language Arts 5047

North Dakota currently requires 164.

Candidates should prepare for:

Literature
Reading
Writing
Language
Research
Communication

Because several skills are tested, candidates should include both reading and writing in their study plan.

Middle School Mathematics 5164

The North Dakota passing score for Praxis 5164 is 157.

Important areas include:

Numbers
Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Measurement
Statistics
Probability

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

Middle School Science 5442

North Dakota currently requires 150 for Praxis 5442.

Candidates should review:

Physical science
Life science
Earth and space science
Scientific inquiry
Data analysis
Scientific reasoning

Middle School Social Studies 5589

North Dakota currently uses:

Praxis 5589 – Middle School Social Studies

Passing score: 152

The exam covers areas such as:

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

Important North Dakota Social Studies Test Change

North Dakota is also transitioning away from the older Middle School Social Studies assessment.

The older:

Praxis 5089 – Middle School Social Studies

has a qualifying score of 152 and is accepted through September 1, 2026.

The newer:

Praxis 5589 – Middle School Social Studies

also has a North Dakota qualifying score of 152.

Therefore, candidates testing around the transition date should confirm the correct exam before paying the registration fee.

The current transition is listed on the official ETS North Dakota Praxis test page.

North Dakota Secondary Praxis Requirements

Secondary candidates generally need:

The appropriate content assessment.
Praxis 5624 or Praxis 5625, depending on the certification area.

Examples of current North Dakota Praxis content requirements include:

Secondary Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
Agriculture	5701	147
Algebra	5162	157
Art	5134	158
Biology	5236	154
Business Education	5101	154
Chemistry	5246	146
Computer Science	5652	149
Earth & Space Sciences	5572	154
Economics	5911	150
English Language Arts	5038	167
Mathematics	5165	159
Music	5113	149
Physical Education	5091	143
Physics	5266	145
Psychology	5391	154
Social Studies	5581	153
Sociology	5952	154
Technology Education	5053	153

Candidates should always compare their endorsement with the current ETS North Dakota test list before registering.

North Dakota Praxis English Language Arts 5038

Secondary English candidates currently use:

Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038

North Dakota passing score: 167

Important content includes:

Literature
Informational texts
Language
Vocabulary
Writing
Speaking
Listening
Research

Because the passing score is relatively high, candidates should begin preparation well before the test date.

North Dakota Praxis Mathematics 5165

Secondary mathematics candidates use:

Praxis Mathematics 5165

Passing score: 159

The exam covers:

Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Statistics
Probability
Mathematical modeling
Mathematical reasoning

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

North Dakota Science Praxis Requirements

North Dakota uses several different science assessments.

Examples include:

Biology 5236 — 154
Chemistry 5246 — 146
Physics 5266 — 145
Earth and Space Sciences 5572 — 154
General Science 5436 — 141

In some science areas, North Dakota allows the General Science exam as an alternative to the subject-specific assessment.

Therefore, candidates should check their exact certification area before choosing a test.

North Dakota Special Education Praxis Requirements

Special education is another important part of the North Dakota Praxis requirements.

Current examples include:

Special Education Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
Foundational Knowledge	5355	151
Early Childhood/Early Intervention	5692	159
Deaf and Hard of Hearing	5272	160
Behavioral Disorders/Emotional Disturbances	5372	154
Gifted Education	5358	157
Intellectual Disabilities	5322	156
Learning Disabilities	5383	151
Visual Impairments	5282	163

The exact assessment depends on the special education license.

Praxis 5355 Special Education

Several North Dakota special education pathways use:

Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge

Passing score: 151

The exam measures areas that include:

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

Candidates can prepare using the Praxis 5355 Special Education: Foundational Knowledge course.

North Dakota School Counselor Praxis Requirements

North Dakota currently uses:

Praxis School Counselor 5422

Passing score: 159

Important topics include:

Human development
Counseling theories
Individual counseling
Group counseling
Academic development
Career planning
Student assessment
Ethics
School counseling programs

Therefore, candidates should prepare for both theory and school-based situations.

North Dakota School Psychologist Praxis Requirements

Candidates seeking school psychologist certification currently use:

Praxis School Psychologist 5403

Passing score: 155

The assessment covers:

Data-based decision making
Student development
Assessment
Consultation
Academic intervention
Mental and behavioral health
Family-school collaboration
Professional ethics

North Dakota Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology

North Dakota also uses Praxis for school speech-language pathology.

The approved assessment is:

Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331

Passing score: 162

North Dakota ESPB states that applicants seeking a Speech-Language Pathology educator license may need Praxis 5331 together with the required graduate degree and application materials.

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

Important areas include:

Speech development
Language disorders
Fluency
Voice
Hearing
Feeding and swallowing
Assessment
Intervention
Professional practice

What Is Praxis Bridge in North Dakota?

Praxis Bridge is an important current feature of the North Dakota Praxis requirements.

North Dakota participates in Praxis Bridge for selected exams. Eligible candidates who narrowly miss the required Praxis score may be able to complete approved learning modules to demonstrate additional knowledge.

Current North Dakota Bridge titles include selected tests such as:

Praxis Core Reading 5713
Praxis Core Writing 5723
Praxis Core Mathematics 5733
Praxis 5355 Special Education
Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading
Praxis 5038 English Language Arts
Praxis 5622 PLT Grades K–6
Praxis 5624 PLT Grades 7–12
Praxis 5025 Early Childhood
Praxis 5165 Mathematics
Praxis 5047 Middle School English
Praxis 5164 Middle School Mathematics

Eligibility rules apply.

Therefore, candidates should not assume that every failed Praxis attempt automatically qualifies for Bridge.

Review current eligibility through the ETS North Dakota Praxis overview.

Adding a North Dakota Endorsement Through Praxis

Already-certified teachers have another useful option.

North Dakota allows a Major Equivalency Praxis Testing Endorsement to be added to a regular teaching license when the educator passes the approved Praxis assessment for that area.

The endorsement cannot be added to certain restricted licenses.

To apply, educators generally:

Log in to ND Teach.
Begin an endorsement application.
Select the Praxis testing endorsement option.
Upload the passing Praxis score report.
Pay the required endorsement fee.

Current ESPB guidance lists the endorsement fee as $80.

Candidates can review the official North Dakota Praxis Endorsement page.

This option can be valuable for educators who want to expand the subjects they are authorized to teach.

North Dakota Praxis Score Reporting

Candidates should pay careful attention to score reporting.

Current North Dakota and ETS guidance tells applicants to keep a copy of their Praxis score report and upload it with the appropriate license or endorsement application.

Therefore, after receiving your scores:

Save the PDF
Keep a backup copy
Upload the report through ND Teach when required
Confirm that the score meets the North Dakota standard

ETS also lists the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board score-recipient code as:

7848

If you test outside North Dakota or use an out-of-state Praxis profile address, selecting the correct score recipient is especially important.

Out-of-State Teachers Seeking North Dakota Licensure

North Dakota provides pathways for teachers who completed preparation in another state.

An educator who holds a valid teaching license from another state and completed an approved teacher education program may qualify for an Other State Educator License.

In many cases, North Dakota can recognize the applicant’s previous preparation and testing.

However, applicants who completed an alternative certification program in another state may need to meet North Dakota Praxis Core and content-testing requirements.

Therefore, out-of-state teachers should allow ESPB to review their credentials before registering for additional Praxis tests.

Candidates can review the North Dakota license types and reciprocity information.

North Dakota Out-of-State Reciprocal License

Candidates who completed an approved teacher preparation program outside North Dakota but do not yet hold a valid teaching license in another state may qualify for an Out-of-State Reciprocal License.

This license can give educators time to complete remaining North Dakota coursework or testing requirements.

Therefore, candidates should not assume they must finish every North Dakota Praxis test before beginning the licensing process.

Instead, submit the required credentials and allow ESPB to identify any remaining requirements.

North Dakota American Board Route

North Dakota also recognizes the American Board pathway in selected teaching fields.

Available content areas currently include subjects such as:

Elementary Education
English Language Arts
History
Mathematics
General Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Special Education with Elementary Education

Candidates using this route must meet the American Board requirements and complete additional North Dakota conditions after licensure.

Therefore, this route is different from the traditional Praxis-based educator preparation pathway.

How to Prepare for a North Dakota Praxis Exam

Understanding the North Dakota Praxis requirements is only the first step. A structured preparation strategy can make your study time much more effective.

1. Confirm Every Test You Need

First, identify your exact certification area.

Then determine whether you need:

Praxis Core
A PLT exam
A content exam
Praxis 5205 reading
A specialized professional assessment

For example, an elementary candidate may need a very different testing combination from a secondary mathematics candidate.

2. Check the Exact Passing Score

Next, write down your required score.

Do not use the passing score from another state.

States set their own qualifying scores. Therefore, the same Praxis exam may have a different requirement elsewhere.

3. Use the Core Composite Rule When Applicable

If you are preparing for Praxis Core, remember North Dakota’s composite option.

Do not focus only on achieving 156, 160, and 150.

Also understand the 466 composite rule and the minimum individual scores.

This may give you another way to satisfy the requirement.

4. Review the Test Blueprint

Break your exam into smaller content areas.

Then identify which topics are:

Strong
Moderate
Weak

Spend more time on weak areas while continuing to review the topics you already understand.

Candidates can browse the AIProctoredExams Study Guides for additional preparation resources.

5. Complete Practice Questions

Practice questions can help you:

Understand question formats
Identify weak topics
Improve recall
Practice eliminating wrong answers
Improve pacing
Build confidence

Therefore, practice should be included throughout your study plan rather than saved for the final few days.

6. Review Incorrect Answers

Do not simply count how many questions you missed.

Instead, ask:

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

As a result, every missed question becomes a useful learning opportunity.

7. Complete Timed Practice

Finally, complete timed practice before test day.

Timed work helps you improve pacing and become more comfortable making decisions under pressure.

Learn more about the preparation platform through How AIProctoredExams Works.

Four-Week North Dakota Praxis Study Plan

Week 1: Confirm Your Requirements

First, identify your certification area.

Next, confirm each required test and passing score.

If Praxis Core applies, review the composite-score option.

Then complete a diagnostic practice set.

Week 2: Build Content Knowledge

Focus on your weakest topics.

At the same time, complete practice questions after each study session.

This helps you test your understanding immediately.

Week 3: Increase Practice

Begin mixing questions from several content areas.

In addition, review every incorrect answer carefully.

Return to topics where your scores remain below your target.

Week 4: Practice Under Test Conditions

Finally, complete longer timed practice sessions.

During the final days, review key concepts and repeated mistakes.

Avoid trying to learn an entire new subject the night before the test.

For additional support, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Praxis Requirements

Does North Dakota require Praxis?

Yes. North Dakota uses Praxis Core, PLT, content, special education, and professional assessments across many educator licensure areas.

What are the North Dakota Praxis Core passing scores?

The regular qualifying scores are:

Reading 5713 — 156
Writing 5723 — 160
Mathematics 5733 — 150

Does North Dakota allow a Praxis Core composite score?

Yes. Candidates may meet a composite score of 466 if Reading is at least 149, Writing is at least 153, and Mathematics is at least 143.

What Praxis test do North Dakota elementary teachers take?

Elementary candidates currently use Praxis 5017 Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment with a passing score of 153.

They also need Praxis 5622 with a score of 160 or Praxis 5625 with a score of 157.

What is the North Dakota Praxis 5205 passing score?

North Dakota requires 159 for Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205.

Who needs Praxis 5205 in North Dakota?

It is used to meet reading competency requirements for certain non-North Dakota graduates in elementary, early childhood, and special education.

What is the North Dakota Praxis 5164 passing score?

North Dakota currently requires 157 for Middle School Mathematics 5164.

What is the North Dakota Praxis 5442 passing score?

The North Dakota qualifying score for Middle School Science 5442 is 150.

What is the North Dakota Praxis 5589 passing score?

North Dakota requires 152 for Middle School Social Studies 5589.

Is Praxis 5089 still accepted in North Dakota?

Yes, but the older Praxis 5089 is accepted only through September 1, 2026.

What is the North Dakota Praxis 5165 passing score?

North Dakota currently requires 159 for Praxis Mathematics 5165.

What is the North Dakota Praxis 5038 passing score?

North Dakota requires 167 for Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038.

What is the North Dakota Praxis 5355 passing score?

North Dakota currently requires 151 for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355.

What is the North Dakota Praxis 5331 passing score?

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

Does North Dakota offer Praxis Bridge?

Yes. North Dakota participates in Praxis Bridge for several selected assessments. Candidates must meet the eligibility rules for the individual test.

Can I add a North Dakota endorsement by passing Praxis?

Yes, for approved areas. A teacher with a regular North Dakota teaching license may apply for a Major Equivalency Praxis Testing Endorsement after passing the appropriate assessment.

What is the North Dakota Praxis score recipient code?

The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board score-recipient code is 7848.

Where should I verify North Dakota Praxis requirements?

Always check the North Dakota ESPB Testing Information and the official ETS North Dakota Praxis requirements before registering.

Start Preparing for Your North Dakota Praxis Exam

The North Dakota Praxis requirements vary according to your grade range, content area, and licensing pathway.

Beginning candidates should pay special attention to Praxis Core and North Dakota’s unusual 466 composite-score option. Meanwhile, elementary, middle school, and secondary candidates may need both professional knowledge and content assessments.

Certain non-North Dakota graduates should also pay attention to the Praxis 5205 reading competency requirement.

Special education, school counseling, psychology, speech-language pathology, and other professional areas have separate tests and passing scores.

In addition, already-certified teachers may be able to add eligible endorsements through Praxis testing.

Therefore, begin by confirming your exact license. Next, identify every required exam and qualifying score. Finally, build a preparation plan that combines content review, practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and timed practice.

Explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection, browse all available online exam preparation courses, or read more exam-preparation content on the AIProctoredExams Blog.

You can also learn more through the About AIProctoredExams page.

AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with ETS or the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board.

Finally, always confirm the latest North Dakota Praxis requirements before paying for or scheduling an examination.

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