Rhode Island Praxis Tests & Passing Scores Guide
Rhode Island Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores and Certification
The Rhode Island Praxis Requirements apply to most applicants seeking an initial teacher certificate. Candidates generally need to pass the Praxis Subject Assessment associated with their certification area and submit the results with their application.
Career and Technical Education applicants may follow different testing rules. In addition, Rhode Island offers Praxis Bridge for eligible candidates who come close to reaching the required passing score on selected examinations.
This Rhode Island Praxis Requirements guide explains the required tests, passing scores, certification pathways, score reporting and preparation options. Candidates can also explore the complete selection of published Praxis preparation courses available through AIProctoredExams.
Quick answer: Except for qualifying Career and Technical Education applicants and other limited exceptions, individuals applying for a Rhode Island teaching certificate must pass the Praxis examination required for their certificate area.
Rhode Island Praxis Requirements at a Glance
The official ETS Rhode Island overview explains that an initial-certification applicant will generally need to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Complete an approved educator-preparation program or qualify through credential review.
- Submit official college transcripts and supporting documents.
- Pass the Praxis tests required for the certification area.
- Document previous teaching service when applicable.
- Follow the Rhode Island certification application procedure.
In practical terms, the Rhode Island Praxis Requirements depend on the certificate being requested. Each certification area can have its own test code, passing score, coursework and professional-experience requirements.
Candidates should use the RIDE Certificate Areas and Requirements page to identify the exact certificate before registering.
Rhode Island teacher-certification pathways
The Rhode Island Department of Education certification guidance describes several routes to certification.
Rhode Island-approved educator-preparation program
Candidates who complete a RIDE-approved preparation program can apply for certification after satisfying the program, degree, clinical-experience and assessment requirements.
The preparation program normally provides guidance about the Praxis examination required for the certificate area.
Credential review
Applicants who did not complete a Rhode Island-approved preparation program may qualify through credential review. RIDE evaluates their degrees, coursework, student teaching, professional competencies, examinations and previous experience.
Credential review does not automatically remove the testing requirement.
Reciprocity
Educators holding a comparable certificate from another state may apply through reciprocity. However, reciprocity applicants may still need to satisfy Rhode Island’s assessment requirements.
Candidates should submit their current certificate, transcripts, test scores and prior-service documentation.
Alternative route
Alternative Route Certificates are available to candidates enrolled in a RIDE-approved alternative preparation program who have been offered a teacher-of-record position.
The approved preparation provider requests the certificate on behalf of the candidate.
Temporary Initial Certificate
A reciprocity applicant who has not completed Rhode Island’s testing requirements may qualify for a Temporary Initial Certificate. This nonrenewable certificate allows the educator to work in Rhode Island public schools for no more than one year while completing the required assessment.
Expert Residency
Expert Residency applicants must hold the required degree and pass the appropriate Rhode Island assessment. Additional subject knowledge, experience and employment requirements may apply.
Rhode Island Praxis Requirements by Certification Area
The scores below reflect the current test information published by ETS and RIDE. Always confirm the test code on the official ETS Rhode Island testing page before registering.
Early-childhood and elementary passing scores
The Rhode Island Praxis Requirements for early-childhood and elementary candidates include the following assessments.
| Certification area or examination | Test code | Passing score |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education: Foundational Knowledge | 5533 | 156 |
| Elementary Education: Teaching Reading | 7002 | 143 |
| Elementary Education: Mathematics | 7003 | 157 |
| Elementary Education: Social Studies | 7004 | 155 |
| Elementary Education: Science | 7005 | 159 |
Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 7001 combines subtests 7002, 7003, 7004 and 7005. Each section has a separate passing score. Therefore, candidates must satisfy the requirement for every required subtest.
Early Childhood Education PreK–2 candidates may encounter the 7001 option, while the Early Childhood Education Teacher PK–3 certificate lists Praxis 5533.
Candidates preparing for the elementary examination can use the Praxis 7001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects course.
Middle-grades passing scores
The Rhode Island Praxis Requirements for middle-grades certificates cover English, mathematics, science and social studies.
| Middle-grades certification area | Test code | Passing score |
|---|---|---|
| Middle School English Language Arts | 5047 | 164 |
| Middle School Mathematics | 5164 | 157 |
| Middle School Science | 5442 | 152 |
| Middle School Social Studies | 5589 | 149 |
Matching preparation courses include:
- Praxis 5047 Middle School English Language Arts
- Praxis 5164 Middle School Mathematics
- Praxis 5442 Middle School Science
- Praxis 5589 Middle School Social Studies
RIDE may allow certain middle-grades extension applicants to use a related secondary examination. Examples include Mathematics 5165, General Science 5436 and Social Studies 5581. Confirm whether an alternative assessment is permitted for your pathway before registering.
Secondary-education passing scores
The Rhode Island Praxis Requirements for secondary educators include subject-specific assessments.
| Secondary certification area | Test code | Passing score |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 5701 | 147 |
| Biology | 5236 | 154 |
| Business Education: Content Knowledge | 5101 | 167 |
| Chemistry | 5246 | 146 |
| English Language Arts: Content and Analysis | 5039 | 168 |
| General Science | 5436 | 141 |
| Mathematics | 5165 | 159 |
| Physics | 5266 | 145 |
| Social Studies | 5581 | 153 |
Published preparation resources include:
- Praxis 5236 Biology preparation course
- Praxis 5165 Mathematics preparation course
- Praxis 5581 Social Studies preparation course
Educators who already hold a secondary science certificate may have a separate route for adding another science area. RIDE may require evidence of additional science credits and the applicable content assessment.
All-grades passing scores
Rhode Island offers several certificates covering grades PreK–12.
| All-grades certification area | Test code | Passing score |
|---|---|---|
| Art: Content Knowledge | 5134 | 158 |
| English to Speakers of Other Languages | 5362 | 155 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | 5123 | 151 |
| Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge | 5857 | 160 |
| Health Education | 5551 | 162 |
| School Librarian | 5312 | 154 |
| Music: Content Knowledge | 5113 | 160 |
| Physical Education: Content Knowledge | 5091 | 154 |
| Technology and Engineering Education | 5053 | 157 |
| Theatre | 5641 | 159 |
Candidates pursuing English as a Second Language, bilingual or dual-language certification can prepare with the Praxis 5362 English to Speakers of Other Languages course.
Health and physical education applicants can use the Praxis 5857 Health and Physical Education course.
Some certification areas offer more than one assessment route. For example, separate Health Education 5551 and Physical Education 5091 examinations appear alongside the combined 5857 examination for particular certificates. Follow the assessment listed for your exact certificate.
World-language passing scores
| World-language assessment | Test code | Passing score |
|---|---|---|
| American Sign Language Proficiency Interview | 0634 | 170 |
| Chinese Mandarin: World Language | 5665 | 164 |
| French: World Language | 5174 | 162 |
| German: World Language | 5183 | 163 |
| Japanese: World Language | 5661 | 156 |
| Latin | 5601 | 161 |
| Russian: World Language | 5671 | 130 |
| Spanish: World Language | 5195 | 168 |
RIDE also accepts specified ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview and Writing Proficiency Test results for certain languages and pathways. Applicants seeking bilingual or dual-language certification may need the ESOL assessment and the applicable language-proficiency assessment.
Special-education passing scores
The Rhode Island Praxis Requirements for special-education certificates vary by grade level and specialization.
| Special-education certification area | Test code | Passing score |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood/Early Intervention | 5692 | 159 |
| Special Education: Foundational Knowledge | 5355 | 145 |
| Special Education: Severe to Profound | 5547 | 156 |
| Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students | 5272 | 160 |
| Teaching Students with Visual Impairments | 5282 | 163 |
| American Sign Language Proficiency Interview | 0634 | 170 |
| Braille Proficiency | 0633 | 169 |
Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355 appears for elementary, middle-grades and secondary special-education certificates. Candidates can prepare with the Praxis 5355 Special Education: Foundational Knowledge course.
Certain specialized certificates require more than one assessment. For example, a Deaf and Hard of Hearing certificate may require Praxis 5272 together with an American Sign Language assessment.
Support-professional passing scores
The Rhode Island Praxis Requirements for school support professionals include the following assessments.
| Support-professional certificate | Test code | Passing score |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Specialist | 5302 | 165 |
| School Counselor | 5422 | 159 |
| School Psychologist | 5403 | 155 |
| Speech-Language Pathology | 5331 | 162 |
| English as a Second Language Specialist | 5362 | 155 |
Matching preparation resources include:
- Praxis 5422 School Counselor preparation course
- Praxis 5403 School Psychologist preparation course
- Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology preparation course
Speech-language pathology applicants should confirm whether they are applying for an educational certificate, a professional health license or both. Separate agencies may have additional education, clinical-experience and application requirements.
Rhode Island school-leadership passing scores
| Administrator certificate | Test code | Passing score |
|---|---|---|
| School Leaders Licensure Assessment | 6990 | 151 |
| School Superintendent Assessment | 6991 | 162 |
The SLLA 6990 applies to Rhode Island’s building-level administrator certificate. Candidates can prepare with the Praxis 6990 School Leaders Licensure Assessment course.
Superintendent applicants should confirm the separate School Superintendent Assessment 6991 requirement.
Career and Technical Education exception
Career and Technical Education candidates follow specialized rules based on occupational experience, education and industry licensing.
RIDE generally requires:
- Five years of relevant occupational experience for an applicant holding a high school diploma
- Three years of relevant experience for an applicant holding an associate or bachelor’s degree in the career area
- An occupational license or certification when required
- The appropriate postsecondary education for the CTE field
- Evidence of content and teaching competency
An applicant holding an advanced state-issued license or advanced industry certificate may be exempt from subject-matter testing. However, testing can still be required when the qualifying experience or degree was completed more than ten years before the application.
Candidates should review the current CTE documentation rather than assuming that the standard teacher-assessment table applies.
How Praxis Bridge works in Rhode Island
Some candidates who narrowly miss the Rhode Island Praxis Requirements may qualify for Praxis Bridge.
Praxis Bridge is an alternative passing option for candidates who score close to the state passing score. Instead of retaking the entire assessment, an eligible candidate completes a targeted learning module.
To qualify, a candidate must:
- Attempt an examination included in the Praxis Bridge program.
- Score within one standard error of measurement of Rhode Island’s passing score.
- Apply in a state that has adopted Praxis Bridge.
- Complete the assigned learning and knowledge-check module successfully.
After successful completion, the candidate receives a completion certificate and an updated score report marked “Alt. Passed.”
Rhode Island lists Praxis Bridge for selected tests, including:
- Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 7001
- Elementary subtests 7002, 7003, 7004 and 7005
- Middle School English Language Arts 5047
- Middle School Mathematics 5164
- Middle School Science 5442
- Mathematics 5165
- Social Studies 5581
- Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355
- Special Education: Severe to Profound 5547
Eligibility is not automatic for every unsuccessful score. ETS notifies qualifying candidates through their Praxis account and registered email.
ParaPro Assessment in Rhode Island
ETS identifies ParaPro as another assessment used in Rhode Island. Paraeducators and classroom assistants should confirm the required score with the employing school district or applicable state authority.
Candidates who need this assessment can use the ParaPro Assessment 1755 preparation course.
How to register for a Rhode Island Praxis test
Once you have confirmed the required assessment:
- Create or sign in to your ETS Praxis account.
- Search for the examination using its test code.
- Confirm that the test matches your Rhode Island certificate.
- Select an available test-center or at-home appointment.
- Choose the Rhode Island State Department of Education as a score recipient.
- Review your personal information before submitting the registration.
- Save the confirmation and read the test-day instructions.
Use the official ETS registration process for current scheduling information.
Sending Praxis scores to Rhode Island
Test results must accompany the certification application. Therefore, confirm that Rhode Island receives the score report and retain a personal copy.
Use these steps:
- Check that your legal name matches your RIDE application.
- Select the correct state agency during registration.
- Download the official score report when it becomes available.
- Upload required documentation through the certification portal.
- Retain the test code, testing date and score-report confirmation.
- Follow any instructions provided by RIDE.
The Rhode Island State Department of Education’s ETS score-recipient code is 8077. Confirm the recipient information during registration in case ETS changes its reporting process.
Candidates can apply, upload documents and monitor their certification information through the My eCert portal.
Preparing for the Rhode Island Praxis Requirements
A structured preparation plan can improve your chance of meeting the Rhode Island Praxis Requirements on the first attempt.
Confirm the exact examination
Start with the certificate area rather than the course title. Similar examinations may test different grade levels or content areas.
Take a diagnostic test
Complete a timed diagnostic assessment before beginning broad content review. Record missed questions by content domain and identify whether the cause was weak knowledge, misreading or time pressure.
Review the official test framework
Use the ETS study companion to understand the number of questions, content categories and relative weight of each section.
Study weak domains first
Spend more time on content areas where diagnostic performance is lowest. Avoid giving every topic the same amount of study time.
Practice under timed conditions
Complete practice questions without notes or interruptions. Candidates taking constructed-response assessments should also practice writing complete answers within the permitted time.
Track improvement
Record practice results by content domain. Continue reviewing until performance becomes consistent instead of relying on one strong practice score.
Complete a final simulation
Take a complete timed practice examination several days before the official appointment. Use the result to make focused corrections and strengthen test-day pacing.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Rhode Island Praxis Requirements for teachers?
Most initial teacher applicants must pass the Praxis Subject Assessment required for their certification area. The required examination and passing score depend on the certificate being requested.
Does Rhode Island require Praxis Core?
The current ETS Rhode Island requirements focus on subject-specific assessments. However, an educator-preparation program may have separate admission requirements. Confirm them directly with the institution.
Do out-of-state teachers need Praxis in Rhode Island?
Out-of-state educators may still need to satisfy Rhode Island’s testing requirements. A qualifying reciprocity applicant who has not completed the required test may be eligible for a one-year Temporary Initial Certificate.
What score do elementary teachers need?
Elementary candidates take the 7001 series. The passing scores are 143 for Teaching Reading, 157 for Mathematics, 155 for Social Studies and 159 for Science.
Can I use Praxis Bridge instead of retaking the examination?
Only eligible candidates can use Praxis Bridge. The score must fall within the specified range, and the examination must be included in Rhode Island’s Bridge program. ETS notifies candidates who qualify.
Are CTE teachers required to take Praxis?
Not every CTE applicant must complete subject-matter testing. Experience, education, occupational licensing and the age of the applicant’s qualifications can affect the requirement.
Can I take Praxis at home?
Some Praxis examinations offer at-home testing. Availability depends on the examination and current ETS scheduling options.
Where do I apply for certification?
Candidates apply through Rhode Island’s My eCert system. The portal allows applicants to submit applications, upload documentation and review certification information.
Rhode Island teacher-certification checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm that you have:
- Identified the correct Rhode Island certificate.
- Reviewed its coursework and experience requirements.
- Confirmed the required Praxis test code.
- Reached the applicable passing score.
- Checked whether Praxis Bridge applies to a near-passing score.
- Sent the score report to the correct Rhode Island agency.
- Collected official transcripts and preparation-program documents.
- Prepared prior-service records when required.
- Created a My eCert account.
- Retained copies of your test results and application materials.
The Rhode Island Praxis Requirements differ by certificate area. Confirm the exact RIDE certificate first, verify the ETS test code and passing score, and then select preparation materials that match that examination.
For assistance choosing a preparation course, contact AIProctoredExams.com at +1 (973) 637-6030 or study@aiproctoredexams.com.
Disclaimer: Certification and examination requirements can change. The Rhode Island Department of Education and the applicable professional licensing agency are the final authorities for credentialing decisions.
