Pennsylvania Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification

Understanding the Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania is an important step for anyone preparing to become a certified teacher or educational professional in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania uses several different assessments for educator certification, including Praxis tests administered by ETS and Pennsylvania-specific examinations administered through the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) program.

The exact examination you need depends on your certification area, grade level, preparation pathway, and whether Pennsylvania will treat the credential as an initial certification.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) states that educator candidates may be assessed in general knowledge, professional knowledge, and subject-area knowledge before certification. However, the testing requirements differ significantly among PreK–4, Grades 4–8, secondary education, PK–12, special education, and educational specialist certificates.

This guide explains the Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania, current passing scores for many popular examinations, Praxis 5511 requirements, Pennsylvania-specific Grades 4–8 tests, PECT testing, score reporting, certification applications, and effective preparation strategies.

Candidates who already know their required exam can explore the complete Praxis preparation collection at AIProctoredExams.

Important: Pennsylvania testing requirements and qualifying scores can change. Always verify your exact certification area using the Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification Testing page and the official ETS Pennsylvania Praxis requirements before registering.

Quick Answer: What Are the Praxis Requirements in Pennsylvania?

The Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania depend on the certificate you want to obtain.

Pennsylvania currently uses several testing systems rather than requiring one universal Praxis examination for every teacher.

Depending on your certification area, you may need:

A Praxis subject assessment;
Praxis Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge 5511;
Pennsylvania-specific Praxis Grades 4–8 assessments;
A PECT examination;
A world-language proficiency assessment;
A leadership assessment; or
Another approved certification examination.

Pennsylvania’s current testing guidance states that basic-skills testing is no longer generally required for educator certification. Basic-skills assessments can still matter as an alternative pathway for admission into certain educator-preparation programs.

Therefore, candidates should first identify their exact certificate before paying for any examination.

Is Praxis Required for Teachers in Pennsylvania?

Praxis is required for many Pennsylvania certification areas, but it is not the only testing program used by the state.

Pennsylvania requires candidates to pass the examination associated with the certification they are seeking unless they qualify for a specific testing exception.

Examples of areas currently using Praxis include:

Mathematics 7–12;
English 7–12;
Biology 7–12;
Chemistry 7–12;
Social Studies 7–12;
Art PK–12;
Music PK–12;
Health and Physical Education PK–12;
Special Education PK–12;
School Counseling;
School Psychology;
Speech and Language;
Grades 4–8 subject concentrations; and
Fundamental Subjects for certain initial PK–12 certificates.

Candidates can begin by browsing AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation courses after confirming the exact test number required by PDE.

Is Praxis Core Required in Pennsylvania?

This is one of the most important things to understand about the Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania states that basic-skills testing is no longer a certification requirement.

That means prospective teachers should not automatically register for Praxis Core Reading 5713, Writing 5723, and Mathematics 5733 simply because they are pursuing Pennsylvania teacher certification.

However, basic-skills testing can still be relevant to entry into an educator-preparation program.

PDE explains that a preparation institution may admit certain candidates with a 2.8 GPA when they also earn qualifying scores on approved basic-skills tests such as Praxis Core or PECT PAPA.

Therefore:

Certification requirement: generally no Praxis Core basic-skills requirement.

Educator-preparation admission: Praxis Core may still be one option under applicable program-admission rules.

Candidates who have been specifically instructed by their institution to take Praxis Core can use the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.

Always confirm the requirement with your educator-preparation provider before registering.

Pennsylvania PreK–4 Testing Requirements

Pennsylvania PreK–4 certification is a particularly important example of why candidates should not assume every teacher-certification test is Praxis.

The PreK–4 certification assessment is administered through the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) rather than Praxis.

The PECT PreK–4 examination consists of three modules, and candidates must pass all three modules for the testing component of PreK–4 certification.

Current PECT PreK–4 Passing Scores

PECT Module	Passing Score
PreK–4 Module 1	197
PreK–4 Module 2	193
PreK–4 Module 3	193

The official PECT program confirms that all three modules must be passed.

This distinction is important for SEO and for candidates:

Pennsylvania PreK–4 does not simply use Praxis 5001.

Candidates considering Praxis 5001 for certification in another jurisdiction can review the Praxis 5001 Elementary Education preparation course, but Pennsylvania PreK–4 candidates should follow the PECT requirements specified by PDE.

You can also explore the Praxis 5001 practice test and study guide if that assessment applies to another state or certification pathway you are considering.

Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Praxis Requirements

Pennsylvania’s middle-level certification structure is another distinctive part of the Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania.

Candidates for initial Grades 4–8 certification generally complete the Pennsylvania-specific Praxis Grades 4–8 Core Assessment and, when applicable, a subject-concentration test.

Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core Assessments

The combined examination is:

Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core Assessment – 5152

It includes three subtests:

Praxis Test	Code	Qualifying Score
Pedagogy	5153	162
English Language Arts and Social Studies	5154	152
Mathematics and Science	5155	164

Candidates may take the combined 5152 assessment or the individual component tests where permitted.

ETS states that initial Grades 4–8 certification in English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, or Science generally requires the core assessments plus the applicable subject-concentration examination.

Grades 4–8 Subject Concentration Tests

Certification	Test Code	Qualifying Score
English Language Arts 4–8	5156	156
Social Studies 4–8	5157	150
Mathematics 4–8	5158	173
Science 4–8	5159	156

These are Pennsylvania-specific Praxis assessments.

A candidate who already holds a Grades 4–8 certificate and wants to add another qualifying subject may have different testing requirements from an initial applicant.

Always verify the current PDE rules before registering.

Pennsylvania Secondary Education Praxis Requirements

Many Grades 7–12 teacher-certification areas use standard Praxis Subject Assessments.

The current ETS Pennsylvania testing table identifies the following examinations and qualifying scores.

Pennsylvania Certification	Praxis Test	Code	Qualifying Score
Biology 7–12	Biology	5236	154
Chemistry 7–12	Chemistry	5246	146
Citizenship Education 7–12	Citizenship Education: Content Knowledge	5087	148
Communication 7–12	Speech Communication: Content Knowledge	5221	145
Computer Science 7–12	Computer Science	5652	149
Earth & Space Science 7–12	Earth and Space Sciences	5572	154
English 7–12	English Language Arts: Content Knowledge	5038	167
General Science 7–12	General Science	5436	141
Mathematics 7–12	Mathematics	5165	159
Physics 7–12	Physics	5266	145
Social Studies 7–12	Social Studies	5581	153

These qualifying scores are set for Pennsylvania certification purposes. ETS explains more generally that passing scores are determined by states and licensing agencies rather than universally by ETS.

Pennsylvania Mathematics 7–12 Praxis Requirement

Candidates pursuing Mathematics 7–12 certification currently use:

Praxis Mathematics (5165)

Qualifying score: 159

ETS currently lists the examination as a computer-delivered Praxis assessment.

Candidates should study major areas such as:

Number and quantity;
Algebra;
Functions;
Calculus;
Geometry;
Probability; and
Statistics.

A diagnostic test followed by targeted review is usually more effective than studying every topic equally.

Praxis 5511 Requirements in Pennsylvania

Praxis Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge 5511 is especially important in Pennsylvania.

For an initial PK–12 instructional certification, PDE states that candidates generally need both:

The certification-area content test; and
Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge 5511.

There are exceptions, including certain candidates dual-enrolled in PK–4 or Grades 4–8 programs and some out-of-state pathways.

The current Pennsylvania qualifying score for Praxis 5511 is:

150

ETS lists 5511 as a 120-question examination covering:

English Language Arts;
Mathematics;
Citizenship and Social Science; and
Science.

Candidates who need this examination can use the Praxis 5511 Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge preparation course.

Pennsylvania PK–12 Praxis Passing Scores

Pennsylvania currently lists a range of subject-specific assessments for PK–12 certifications.

Certification	Praxis Test	Code	Passing Score
Agriculture	Agriculture	5701	147
Art	Art: Content Knowledge	5134	158
Business/Computer/IT	Business Education	5101	154
Family & Consumer Sciences	Family and Consumer Sciences	5123	151
French	French: World Language	5174	162
German	German: World Language	5183	163
Health & Physical Education	Health and Physical Education	5857	160
Health	Health Education	5551	158
Latin	Latin	5601	152
Library Science	School Librarian	5312	154
Marketing Education	Marketing Education	5561	144
Music	Music: Content Knowledge	5113	158
Reading Specialist	Reading Specialist	5302	164
Spanish	Spanish: World Language	5195	168
Technology Education	Technology and Engineering Education	5053	157

Candidates seeking an initial PK–12 certificate should also determine whether Praxis 5511 applies to their certification pathway.

Pennsylvania Special Education Praxis Requirements

Special education provides one of the strongest opportunities for candidates using AIProctoredExams because Pennsylvania currently requires Praxis assessments in several special-education certification categories.

Special Education PK–12

Pennsylvania currently lists:

Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355)
Qualifying score: 145

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

For an initial special-education certification, Praxis 5511 Fundamental Subjects may also apply, with a qualifying score of 150.

This makes it especially important to verify whether you need one assessment or multiple assessments.

Hearing Impaired PK–12

Pennsylvania currently lists:

Special Education: Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (5272)
Qualifying score: 160

Visually Impaired PK–12

The current assessment is:

Special Education: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments (5282)
Qualifying score: 163

Pennsylvania Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology Requirement

Praxis 5331 is another important component of the Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania currently lists:

Speech-Language Pathology (5331)
Qualifying score: 162

for Special Education: Speech and Language Impaired PK–12 and for certain Speech Pathologist educational-specialist certification requirements.

Praxis 5331 contains 132 selected-response questions and has a testing time of approximately 150 minutes.

Candidates preparing for this examination can use the Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology Exam Preparation course.

Preparation should include:

Foundations and professional practice;
Screening;
Assessment;
Evaluation;
Diagnosis;
Treatment planning;
Communication disorders;
Swallowing disorders; and
Ethical and professional responsibilities.

Educational Specialist Praxis Tests in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania also uses Praxis assessments for several educational-specialist certifications.

School Counselor PK–12

Praxis School Counselor 5422
Qualifying score: 159

School Psychologist PK–12

Praxis School Psychologist 5403
Qualifying score: 155

Speech Pathologist PK–12

Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331
Qualifying score: 162

However, PDE currently provides testing exceptions for some educational-specialist candidates who hold specific Pennsylvania-recognized professional licenses. Candidates should review those exceptions before registering.

Pennsylvania Testing Exceptions

Not every candidate must complete every examination normally associated with a Pennsylvania certificate.

Current PDE guidance identifies several possible testing exceptions.

Full exceptions can apply to qualifying candidates under pathways including:

Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact;
Certain national-credential pathways;
Certain licensed educational specialists; and
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act eligibility.

Partial exceptions can also apply in specific circumstances, particularly to some experienced out-of-state educators.

Candidates should not assume they qualify for an exception until PDE evaluates their specific application.

Out-of-State Teachers Applying in Pennsylvania

The Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania can be different for experienced teachers coming from another state.

Pennsylvania generally requires applicants to complete the Pennsylvania-required content test unless they qualify for an exception.

PDE specifically warns that a test taken for another state is not automatically accepted merely because it covers a similar subject.

If the required:

Test provider;
Test title; or
Test code

differs from Pennsylvania’s requirement, additional testing may be necessary unless an exception applies.

However, experienced teachers with comparable professional-level certificates, approved preparation, appropriate testing, and qualifying recent teaching experience may qualify for different treatment under Pennsylvania’s out-of-state pathways.

Candidates should use the Pennsylvania out-of-state educator guidance to determine which pathway applies.

Pennsylvania and the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact

Pennsylvania participates in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.

PDE explains that eligible educators from participating states may receive a streamlined route to equivalent Pennsylvania certification when they satisfy the compact requirements.

This can be especially important for experienced educators relocating to Pennsylvania.

The certification office—not the candidate—ultimately determines whether the testing exception applies.

Pennsylvania GPA Allowance for Praxis Scores

Pennsylvania has a GPA allowance policy that can affect qualifying test scores for eligible candidates.

PDE states that the GPA allowance permits certain applicants to use the GPA from the degree in which their preparation program was completed when determining the qualifying score required for content and applicable general-knowledge assessments.

This means a published standard Praxis score may not always tell the whole story for every Pennsylvania applicant.

Candidates should consult PDE’s current Certification Test and Score Requirements chart and their educator-preparation program before determining the score they personally need.

How Do You Register for the Praxis in Pennsylvania?

Candidates taking a Praxis examination register through ETS.

Step 1: Identify Your Pennsylvania Certificate

Determine whether you are pursuing:

PreK–4;
Grades 4–8;
Grades 7–12;
PK–12;
Special Education;
Educational Specialist; or
Administrative certification.

Step 2: Determine Which Testing Program Applies

Your examination may be administered by:

ETS/Praxis

PECT/Pearson

or another testing provider.

This is particularly important for PreK–4 candidates, because Pennsylvania uses the PECT assessment rather than Praxis 5001 for that certification.

Step 3: Confirm the Test Code

Never register based only on the exam title.

Verify the exact code.

For example:

Fundamental Subjects — 5511
Mathematics 7–12 — 5165
Special Education — 5355
Speech-Language Pathology — 5331
Grades 4–8 Math concentration — 5158

Step 4: Verify Your Passing Score

Use the official Pennsylvania requirements rather than a general national passing-score chart.

Step 5: Register Through ETS

Visit the official ETS Praxis website to register for applicable Praxis examinations.

Step 6: Prepare Before Scheduling When Possible

A diagnostic assessment can help you determine whether you are ready to schedule immediately or need additional preparation.

Candidates can explore AIProctoredExams Study Guides before selecting a test date.

Can You Take Praxis at Home in Pennsylvania?

Many Praxis examinations are available for at-home testing, although availability varies by test.

ETS currently lists numerous tests used by Pennsylvania as eligible for at-home delivery, including:

Fundamental Subjects 5511;
Mathematics 5165;
English Language Arts 5038;
General Science 5436;
Health and Physical Education 5857; and
Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core assessments.

Candidates should check current availability when registering because test-delivery options can change.

At-home testing generally requires:

An appropriate computer;
Reliable internet;
Compatible testing software;
A compliant testing space;
Valid identification; and
Compliance with remote-proctoring rules.

How Are Praxis Scores Sent to Pennsylvania?

Score reporting is another important element of the Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania.

PDE states that scores are submitted electronically by the test administrator.

When tests are taken in Pennsylvania, scores are generally submitted automatically to PDE. Candidates testing elsewhere or remotely should verify that their results will be sent to Pennsylvania.

ETS further explains that if you test in Pennsylvania and your Praxis profile address is also in Pennsylvania, your scores are automatically reported to PDE.

If you test outside Pennsylvania or your Praxis profile address is outside the state, automatic reporting may not occur.

Always confirm score recipients during registration.

Applying for Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Through TIMS

Pennsylvania uses the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) for educator certification applications.

Candidates use TIMS to submit certification applications and monitor testing information.

PDE advises applicants to verify that required tests have been completed and reported to the department before or during the certification process. Candidates can view tests received by PDE through the View My Tests On File section in TIMS.

The general process is:

Complete an approved educator-preparation program where required.
Earn the required degree.
Pass applicable certification assessments.
Ensure scores are reported to PDE.
Create or access your TIMS account.
Submit the appropriate certification application.
Pay the applicable application fee.
Submit required supporting documents.
Monitor the application through TIMS.

Candidates can use the official Pennsylvania TIMS application guidance for current instructions.

How to Prepare for a Pennsylvania Praxis Test

Understanding your requirements is only the first part of the process.

A strong preparation strategy should be based on your specific exam rather than generic Praxis review.

1. Confirm the Exact Test

Start with:

Certification area → test provider → test code → qualifying score

Do this before purchasing preparation materials.

2. Review the Test Blueprint

Determine:

Content categories;
Percentage of questions in each category;
Number of questions;
Test duration;
Question formats; and
Calculator or reference-material policies.

3. Take a Diagnostic Test

Use a practice assessment to establish a baseline.

Identify:

Topics you already understand;
Topics requiring review;
Timing problems;
Repeated conceptual errors; and
Question formats you find difficult.

4. Prioritize Weak Areas

Do not divide your study time equally unless your diagnostic results show equal performance.

Spend the largest share of your time correcting weaknesses.

5. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Timed practice helps develop:

Pacing;
Endurance;
Decision-making;
Elimination skills; and
Confidence.

6. Review Every Incorrect Answer

For each missed question, ask:

What concept was tested?

Why was my answer incorrect?

Why is the correct answer better?

Could I answer another question testing the same concept differently?

The How AIProctoredExams Works page explains the platform’s approach to structured preparation and practice.

Praxis Resources Available Through AIProctoredExams

Candidates can use targeted preparation depending on the examination they need.

Praxis 5511

For candidates requiring Fundamental Subjects, use the Praxis 5511 preparation course.

Praxis 5355

Special Education PK–12 candidates can explore the Praxis 5355 preparation course.

Praxis 5331

Speech-language candidates can use the Praxis 5331 preparation course.

Praxis Core

Candidates whose educator-preparation program specifically requires basic-skills testing can review the Praxis Core preparation course.

Teaching Reading

Candidates in jurisdictions requiring Praxis Teaching Reading can explore Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading preparation.

Always confirm that the test corresponds to your Pennsylvania certification before registering.

Principles of Learning and Teaching Resources

Candidates who need PLT examinations for another certification jurisdiction can also review:

These resources should not be interpreted as evidence that a particular PLT examination is required for Pennsylvania certification unless PDE identifies it for your pathway.

What Happens if You Fail the Praxis in Pennsylvania?

A score below the applicable qualifying score does not automatically end your certification goal.

Before retaking the test:

Review your score report.
Compare your performance with the exam blueprint.
Identify your weakest domains.
Complete targeted content review.
Answer additional practice questions.
Complete a timed practice examination.
Verify the current ETS retesting policy.
Register when your performance consistently reaches your target level.

Candidates who need help accessing preparation materials can use the AIProctoredExams Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Praxis Requirements in Pennsylvania

Is Praxis required to become a teacher in Pennsylvania?

Praxis is required for many Pennsylvania teacher-certification areas. However, Pennsylvania also uses PECT and other assessment systems. The exact examination depends on your certification area.

Does Pennsylvania require Praxis Core?

Basic-skills testing is no longer generally required for Pennsylvania educator certification. Praxis Core may still be used under certain educator-preparation program admission provisions.

What is the passing score for Praxis 5511 in Pennsylvania?

The current standard Pennsylvania qualifying score for Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge 5511 is 150. It may be required for an initial PK–12 instructional certificate.

What Praxis test does Pennsylvania require for Special Education?

Pennsylvania currently lists Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355 for Special Education PK–12, with a standard qualifying score of 145. Praxis 5511 may also be required in applicable initial-certification circumstances.

What is the Pennsylvania Praxis 5331 passing score?

The current Pennsylvania qualifying score for Speech-Language Pathology 5331 is 162 for applicable education certification areas.

What Praxis score is required for Mathematics 7–12?

Pennsylvania currently requires Praxis Mathematics 5165, with a standard qualifying score of 159.

Does Pennsylvania use Praxis 5001 for elementary teachers?

Pennsylvania PreK–4 certification currently uses the PECT PreK–4 assessment, not Praxis 5001. Candidates must pass all three PECT PreK–4 modules.

What tests are required for Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 teachers?

Initial Grades 4–8 candidates generally need the Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core Assessment and the applicable subject-concentration examination for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies.

Can an out-of-state teacher avoid Pennsylvania Praxis testing?

Some experienced out-of-state educators may qualify for full or partial testing exceptions, including certain candidates meeting Pennsylvania’s certificate-and-experience rules or Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact requirements. PDE makes the final eligibility determination.

How are Praxis scores sent to Pennsylvania?

Scores are generally transmitted electronically to PDE. Tests taken in Pennsylvania may be automatically reported, while candidates testing outside Pennsylvania or with an out-of-state Praxis profile address should verify their score recipients.

Final Thoughts on Praxis Requirements in Pennsylvania

Understanding the Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania requires more than simply searching for a general Praxis passing score.

Pennsylvania uses different assessments for different certification categories.

A PreK–4 candidate may need PECT.

A Grades 4–8 candidate may need Pennsylvania-specific Praxis assessments.

A secondary mathematics candidate may need Praxis 5165.

An initial PK–12 candidate may need Praxis 5511 plus the appropriate content assessment.

A Special Education PK–12 candidate may need Praxis 5355 and potentially Praxis 5511.

A speech-language candidate may need Praxis 5331.

The safest process is:

Choose your Pennsylvania certificate → determine the correct testing program → confirm the test code → verify your qualifying score → determine whether an exception applies → register → prepare → submit scores → apply through TIMS.

Because state requirements can change, candidates should always verify the current Praxis requirements in Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and ETS before registering for an examination.

For structured preparation, study guides, practice questions, and exam-specific review, explore the complete AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection.

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