West Virginia Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification

If you plan to become a teacher in West Virginia, understanding the West Virginia Praxis requirements is an important part of the certification process. West Virginia uses Praxis assessments for basic academic skills, professional teaching knowledge, and many subject-area endorsements.

However, not every candidate follows exactly the same testing route. Some applicants may qualify for an exemption from the Praxis Core basic-skills requirement. In addition, the exact content exam depends on the teaching subject and grade range.

West Virginia also introduced new elementary testing options in 2026. Therefore, candidates should make sure they are using current information rather than older Praxis guides.

This guide explains the current West Virginia Praxis requirements, Praxis Core scores, PLT assessments, elementary tests, middle and secondary exams, special education requirements, alternative certification, endorsement options, and important 2026 testing changes.

Before registering, candidates should review the West Virginia Department of Education Licensure Testing Directory and the official ETS West Virginia Praxis requirements.

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

What Are the West Virginia Praxis Requirements?

The West Virginia Praxis requirements generally fall into three testing areas:

Basic academic skills
Professional teaching knowledge
Subject-area content knowledge

Candidates completing an approved West Virginia educator preparation program or alternative certification route must meet the testing requirements connected to that program unless an exemption applies.

Depending on the pathway, those requirements may include:

Praxis Core or an approved exemption
A Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching assessment
One or more Praxis content assessments

However, some West Virginia licensure areas do not require a Praxis content test.

Therefore, the safest approach is to identify your exact endorsement and certification route before scheduling an examination.

Candidates can review current requirements through the West Virginia certification portal and browse all AIProctoredExams courses while planning their study schedule.

Does West Virginia Require Praxis Core?

Praxis Core remains an important part of the West Virginia Praxis requirements.

The current qualifying scores are:

Praxis Core Test	Code	West Virginia Passing Score
Reading	5713	156
Writing	5723	162
Mathematics	5733	150

Candidates may also take the combined Praxis Core 5752, which includes all three subtests.

However, West Virginia provides exemptions from the basic-skills assessments for some candidates.

Current WVDE guidance states that an applicant may qualify for an exemption under circumstances that include holding:

A bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 overall cumulative GPA
A current National Board Certified Teacher credential
A current or previous West Virginia Professional Certificate
A master’s degree from an accredited college or university

Therefore, candidates should check whether an exemption applies before paying for Praxis Core.

Candidates who still need the tests can prepare with the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.

West Virginia Praxis PLT Requirements

Professional education testing is another major part of the West Virginia Praxis requirements.

West Virginia currently lists four Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching options:

Praxis PLT Assessment	Code	Passing Score
PLT: Grades K–6	5622	160
PLT: Grades 5–9	5623	160
PLT: Grades 7–12	5624	157
PLT: PreK–12	5625	157

The appropriate PLT exam depends on the candidate’s teaching level and certification pathway.

Praxis 5622 Grades K–6

Candidates whose pathway requires elementary professional knowledge may take:

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

Passing score: 160

The exam focuses on:

Student development
Learning processes
Instruction
Assessment
Classroom management
Professional responsibilities

Candidates can prepare with the Praxis 5622 Grades K–6 preparation course.

Praxis 5623 Grades 5–9

For applicable middle-level pathways, West Virginia lists:

Praxis 5623 – PLT Grades 5–9

Passing score: 160

Preparation is available through the Praxis 5623 PLT Grades 5–9 course.

Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12

Secondary candidates may need:

Praxis 5624 – PLT Grades 7–12

Passing score: 157

Candidates can review the Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12 preparation course.

West Virginia Praxis Requirements for Elementary Education K–6

Elementary education is one of the most important areas within the current West Virginia Praxis requirements.

West Virginia now provides several approved elementary testing routes.

One of the newest options is the Elementary Education Fundamentals series introduced in 2026.

Elementary Education Fundamentals 8002–8005

The current qualifying scores are:

Elementary Education Fundamentals Test	Code	Passing Score
Reading and Language Arts	8002	152
Mathematics	8003	152
Social Studies	8004	147
Science	8005	143

Elementary candidates using this option must also complete:

Praxis 5205 – Teaching Reading: Elementary

Passing score: 159

The current WVDE Licensure Testing Directory identifies these tests as one elementary certification option.

Praxis 8002 Reading and Language Arts

Praxis 8002 has a West Virginia qualifying score of 152.

Important study areas may include:

Reading
Writing
Vocabulary
Language
Text analysis
Literacy instruction

Therefore, candidates should practice both content knowledge and classroom application.

Praxis 8003 Mathematics

The West Virginia passing score for Praxis 8003 is 152.

Candidates should review:

Numbers and operations
Fractions
Decimals
Algebraic thinking
Geometry
Measurement
Statistics
Probability

In addition, regular problem-solving practice can improve both accuracy and speed.

Praxis 8004 Social Studies

West Virginia currently requires 147 for Praxis 8004.

Important areas may include:

U.S. history
World history
Geography
Government
Economics
Citizenship

Because several subjects appear on the exam, candidates should use a balanced study plan.

Praxis 8005 Science

The passing score for Praxis 8005 is 143.

Candidates should prepare for:

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

Therefore, candidates should avoid focusing on only one branch of science.

Is Praxis 5001 Still Accepted in West Virginia?

Yes.

West Virginia continues to list the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 5001 series as an approved elementary testing option.

The individual scores are:

Praxis 5001 Subtest	Code	Passing Score
Reading and Language Arts	5002	157
Mathematics	5003	157
Social Studies	5004	155
Science	5005	159

Candidates using the 5001 option also need Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary with a score of 159 under the current elementary testing structure.

Candidates interested in elementary preparation can browse the AIProctoredExams Praxis course catalog.

West Virginia Elementary Education CKT Option

West Virginia also recognizes the Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching series.

Current scores include:

CKT Subtest	Code	Passing Score
Reading and Language Arts	7812	161
Mathematics	7813	150
Science	7814	154
Social Studies	7815	155

One important rule applies.

Candidates using the 5001 and 7811 routes may have options to combine approved subtests under current WVDE rules. However, the newer Elementary Education Fundamentals 8002–8005 series cannot simply be mixed with the 5001 or 7811 series to create a passing elementary combination.

Therefore, candidates should select their testing route carefully before registering.

West Virginia Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading Requirement

Reading instruction plays a major role in West Virginia elementary certification.

The current test is:

Praxis 5205 – Teaching Reading: Elementary

West Virginia passing score: 159

Praxis 5205 appears within current West Virginia elementary testing requirements.

Important study areas include:

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

Candidates preparing for the assessment can use the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary preparation course.

West Virginia Early Childhood Praxis Requirements

The West Virginia Praxis requirements also include tests for several early childhood areas.

For Early Childhood Education K–4, candidates currently use:

Praxis 5534 – Early Childhood Education: Foundational Knowledge and Content

Passing score: 163

The older:

Praxis 5024 – Education of Young Children

with a passing score of 160 is accepted only through September 1, 2026.

Candidates in this area also need Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary with a score of 159.

Therefore, candidates testing around the transition date should confirm which assessment applies.

Early Education PreK–K

West Virginia currently lists:

Praxis 5533 – Early Childhood Education: Foundational Knowledge

Passing score: 156

The older Praxis 5531 Pre-Kindergarten Education assessment, with a qualifying score of 155, is accepted through September 1, 2026.

This transition is another reason to use current testing information.

West Virginia Middle School Praxis Requirements

The West Virginia Praxis requirements for Grades 5–9 depend on the teaching subject.

Current tests include:

Middle School Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
English Language Arts	5047	164
Mathematics	5164	157
Science	5442	152
Social Studies	5589	149
Art	5134	158
Physical Education	5091	150

These are among the current tests listed for West Virginia by ETS.

Middle School English Language Arts 5047

West Virginia currently requires 164.

Candidates should prepare for:

Reading
Literature
Writing
Language
Research
Communication

Middle School Mathematics 5164

The West Virginia qualifying score for Praxis 5164 is 157.

Important study areas include:

Numbers and operations
Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Statistics
Probability
Mathematical reasoning

Therefore, candidates should solve practice problems regularly.

Middle School Science 5442

West Virginia requires 152 on Praxis 5442.

Candidates should review:

Physical science
Life science
Earth and space science
Scientific inquiry
Data analysis
Science practices

Middle School Social Studies 5589

The current assessment is:

Praxis 5589 – Middle School Social Studies

Passing score: 149

This test covers history, government, geography, economics, and related social sciences.

Important 2026 West Virginia Social Studies Test Change

Candidates should pay close attention to the current Middle School Social Studies transition.

The older:

Praxis 5089 – Middle School Social Studies

with a West Virginia qualifying score of 151 is accepted through September 1, 2026.

The newer:

Praxis 5589 – Middle School Social Studies

has a passing score of 149.

Therefore, candidates registering around the transition should confirm which version they should take before paying the exam fee.

West Virginia Secondary Education Praxis Requirements

West Virginia uses Praxis content exams across many secondary certification fields.

Common examples include:

Secondary Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
Agriculture	5701	147
Biology	5236	154
Business Education	5101	157
Chemistry	5246	146
Earth and Space Sciences	5572	154
English Language Arts	5038	167
General Science	5436	141
Journalism	5224	153
Mathematics	5165	159
Physics	5266	145
Speech Communication	5221	150

Current test codes and qualifying scores should always be checked through the ETS West Virginia test requirements before registration.

West Virginia Praxis Mathematics 5165

Candidates seeking Mathematics 5–Adult currently use:

Praxis Mathematics 5165

West Virginia passing score: 159

Important topics include:

Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Statistics
Probability
Mathematical modeling
Mathematical reasoning

Therefore, candidates should combine content review with timed problem solving.

West Virginia English Language Arts Praxis 5038

Candidates seeking English 5–Adult use:

Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038

Passing score: 167

Important study areas include:

Literature
Reading
Writing
Language
Research
Rhetoric
Communication

Because the passing score is relatively high, candidates should prepare well before test day.

West Virginia Science Praxis Requirements

West Virginia separates several science endorsements.

Examples include:

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

Therefore, candidates should select the test connected to their exact science endorsement instead of assuming that General Science applies to every pathway.

West Virginia Special Education Praxis Requirements

Special education is another major area within the West Virginia Praxis requirements.

Current examples include:

Special Education Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
Autism	5355	145
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders	5355	145
Intellectual Disabilities	5355	145
Multi-Categorical Special Education	5355	145
Specific Learning Disabilities	5355	145
Deaf and Hard of Hearing	5272	160
Gifted Education	5358	157
Severe Disabilities	5547	156
Visual Impairment	5282	163
Early Childhood/Early Intervention	5692	159

The exact assessment depends on the endorsement.

Praxis 5355 Special Education

Several West Virginia special education endorsements use:

Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge

Passing score: 145

Important areas include:

Human development
Disability characteristics
Assessment
Instruction
Learning environments
Behavior support
Collaboration
Professional responsibilities

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

West Virginia Deaf and Hard of Hearing Requirements

Candidates seeking Deaf and Hard of Hearing PreK–Adult certification currently need:

Praxis 5272 – Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Passing score: 160

West Virginia also lists an ASL proficiency assessment for this endorsement.

Therefore, candidates should not assume that Praxis 5272 is the only assessment involved.

West Virginia Visual Impairment Requirements

Candidates seeking Visual Impairment PreK–Adult currently use:

Praxis 5282 – Teaching Students with Visual Impairments

Passing score: 163

West Virginia also requires a Braille proficiency assessment for this certification area.

Therefore, candidates should prepare for both the content exam and any additional specialized assessment.

West Virginia School Counselor Praxis Requirements

Praxis testing also applies to student-support professions.

West Virginia currently lists:

Praxis School Counselor 5422

Passing score: 159

Important areas include:

Human development
Counseling theory
Individual counseling
Group counseling
Academic planning
Career development
Assessment
Ethics
Program management

West Virginia School Psychologist Praxis Requirements

Candidates seeking School Psychologist PreK–Adult certification currently use:

Praxis School Psychologist 5403

Passing score: 155

The assessment covers areas such as:

Data-based decision making
Consultation
Academic interventions
Mental and behavioral health
Schoolwide practices
Family-school collaboration
Research
Ethics

West Virginia Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology

West Virginia also uses:

Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331

Passing score: 162

This assessment measures knowledge related to:

Speech sound production
Fluency
Voice
Language
Hearing
Feeding and swallowing
Assessment
Treatment
Professional practice

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

West Virginia School Leadership Praxis Requirements

West Virginia uses Praxis testing for several administrator areas.

The current assessment is:

Praxis 5412 – Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision

Passing score: 146

West Virginia lists this test for areas that include:

Principal
Superintendent
Supervisor of Instruction

Therefore, Praxis testing in West Virginia extends beyond classroom teaching.

West Virginia Alternative Teacher Certification

West Virginia provides approved alternative certification routes for candidates who did not complete a traditional teacher education program.

These programs can serve individuals who:

Hold non-licensure degrees
Want to change careers
Have not completed traditional clinical experience
Are working toward initial certification

WVDE explains that alternative certification candidates may need to complete required basic-skills and content testing as part of their route.

Candidates should review the West Virginia Become a Teacher guidance before selecting an alternative program.

Because requirements differ by approved provider and endorsement, candidates should confirm the exact tests with their program.

Adding a West Virginia Endorsement Through Praxis

One useful feature of the West Virginia licensure system is the ability for some already-certified teachers to add an endorsement through content testing.

A teacher may use Form 8C when adding an eligible endorsement based on successful completion of the required content assessment.

To use this option, the applicant generally must:

Hold a valid West Virginia Professional Teaching Certificate
Pass the required content assessment
Seek an endorsement that is approved for the content-proficiency route
Receive the required county recommendation

However, the option is not available to holders of provisional certificates, student-support certificates, administrative certificates, or permits.

Candidates can review the official West Virginia Form 8C endorsement guidance.

Can You Use Praxis Bridge to Add a West Virginia Endorsement?

No, not through the content-proficiency endorsement route.

West Virginia specifically states that the Praxis Bridge/Alternate Pass option cannot be used to add an endorsement through Form 8C content proficiency.

Praxis Bridge may be available in selected initial-certification situations. However, candidates adding an endorsement to an existing Professional Teaching Certificate through content testing must meet the required assessment standard without using the Bridge option.

This is an important detail for already-certified educators.

West Virginia Praxis Score Reporting

Candidates should also make sure their scores are sent to the correct agency.

ETS currently lists the West Virginia Department of Education score-recipient code as:

8480

Candidates need to select WVDE as a score recipient when registering or when requesting an additional score report.

Therefore, check your score recipients before completing Praxis registration.

How to Prepare for a West Virginia Praxis Exam

Understanding the West Virginia Praxis requirements is only the first step. Once you know which test applies, structured preparation can make your study time more effective.

1. Identify Your Certification Route

First, determine whether you are:

Completing a traditional educator preparation program
Entering through alternative certification
Adding an endorsement
Seeking a student-support credential
Applying for school leadership certification

Your route can change which tests apply.

2. Check Whether You Qualify for a Praxis Core Exemption

Before registering for Praxis Core, review the current exemption rules.

For example, some candidates with a qualifying bachelor’s GPA or master’s degree may not need Core.

Therefore, checking first may save unnecessary testing costs.

3. Confirm Your Exact Test Code

Next, write down the exact exam number.

For example:

Elementary Reading and Language Arts — 8002
Teaching Reading — 5205
Middle School Mathematics — 5164
Secondary Mathematics — 5165
Special Education — 5355

Similar test names can have different codes.

4. Know Your Passing Score

Write down your target score before studying.

Then compare your practice results with the West Virginia qualifying score.

This gives you a clear measure of your progress.

5. Review the Test Blueprint

Break the exam into major content areas.

Then identify:

Strong topics
Average topics
Weak topics

Spend more time on weak areas while continuing to review your stronger subjects.

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

6. Complete Practice Questions

Practice questions can help you:

Learn common question styles
Identify weak topics
Improve recall
Practice elimination
Build confidence
Improve pacing

Therefore, practice should be part of every study week.

Candidates can explore additional options through the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection.

7. Review Incorrect Answers

Do not simply count your correct answers.

Instead, review each mistake.

Ask:

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

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

8. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Finally, complete timed practice sessions.

This helps improve pacing and reduces the chance of spending too much time on a difficult question.

Candidates who want to learn more about the platform can review How AIProctoredExams Works.

Four-Week West Virginia Praxis Study Plan

Week 1: Confirm the Requirements

First, verify your certification route.

Next, confirm your test code and passing score.

Then determine whether any testing exemptions apply.

Finally, complete a short diagnostic practice set.

Week 2: Build Content Knowledge

Focus on your weakest topics.

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

Therefore, you can quickly see whether your understanding is improving.

Week 3: Increase Practice

Begin combining 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 Exam Conditions

Finally, complete longer timed practice sessions.

During the final days, review high-value concepts and repeated errors.

Avoid trying to learn an entire new subject immediately before your test.

For additional support, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia Praxis Requirements

Does West Virginia require Praxis for teacher certification?

West Virginia uses Praxis Core, professional knowledge, and content assessments across many educator certification areas. However, individual requirements depend on the license and certification route.

Does West Virginia require Praxis Core?

Praxis Core remains part of the state’s basic-skills testing system. However, some candidates qualify for exemptions based on credentials such as a qualifying bachelor’s GPA, master’s degree, National Board certification, or an existing West Virginia Professional Certificate.

What are the West Virginia Praxis Core passing scores?

Current scores are:

Reading 5713 — 156
Writing 5723 — 162
Mathematics 5733 — 150

What PLT scores does West Virginia require?

Current qualifying scores include:

Praxis 5622 — 160
Praxis 5623 — 160
Praxis 5624 — 157
Praxis 5625 — 157

What are the new West Virginia elementary Praxis tests?

West Virginia now recognizes the Elementary Education Fundamentals series:

Praxis 8002 — 152
Praxis 8003 — 152
Praxis 8004 — 147
Praxis 8005 — 143

Candidates using the new elementary option also need Praxis 5205 with a passing score of 159 under current WVDE requirements.

Is Praxis 5001 still accepted in West Virginia?

Yes. The Praxis 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects series remains an approved elementary testing route.

What is the West Virginia Praxis 5205 passing score?

The qualifying score for Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205 is 159.

What is the West Virginia Praxis 5164 passing score?

West Virginia requires 157 for Praxis Middle School Mathematics 5164.

What is the West Virginia Praxis 5442 passing score?

The qualifying score for Praxis Middle School Science 5442 is 152.

What is the West Virginia Praxis 5589 passing score?

West Virginia currently requires 149 for Praxis Middle School Social Studies 5589.

Is Praxis 5089 still accepted in West Virginia?

Yes, but only through September 1, 2026. The older 5089 exam has a West Virginia qualifying score of 151.

What is the West Virginia Praxis 5165 passing score?

West Virginia requires 159 for Praxis Mathematics 5165.

What is the West Virginia Praxis 5355 passing score?

The West Virginia qualifying score for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355 is 145.

What is the West Virginia Praxis 5331 passing score?

West Virginia currently requires 162 for Praxis Speech-Language Pathology 5331.

Can I add a West Virginia teaching endorsement through Praxis?

Some endorsements can be added to a valid Professional Teaching Certificate by passing the required content exam and applying through the Form 8C process.

Can I use Praxis Bridge to add an endorsement?

No. West Virginia does not allow Praxis Bridge/Alternate Pass when adding an endorsement through the content-proficiency Form 8C route.

What is the West Virginia Praxis score-recipient code?

The current WVDE score-recipient code is 8480.

Where should I verify West Virginia Praxis requirements?

Always review the West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory and the official ETS West Virginia Praxis requirements before registering.

Start Preparing for Your West Virginia Praxis Exam

The West Virginia Praxis requirements vary according to certification route, subject, and grade range.

Elementary candidates now have several testing pathways, including the new Elementary Education Fundamentals 8002–8005 series. Meanwhile, middle and secondary educators use subject-specific Praxis content exams.

Candidates may also need Praxis Core and PLT assessments depending on their pathway. However, some applicants qualify for basic-skills exemptions.

Special education, school counseling, speech-language pathology, psychology, and school leadership candidates also have their own testing requirements.

Therefore, begin by identifying your exact certification route. Next, confirm the required tests and passing scores. 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 online exam preparation courses, read more test-preparation resources on the AIProctoredExams Blog, or visit the AIProctoredExams homepage.

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

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

Finally, always verify the latest West Virginia Praxis requirements with WVDE and ETS before paying for or scheduling an examination.

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