Key Takeaways
- Most states require a Reading score of 156, Writing of 162, and Math of 150.
- Some states have lower requirements: Mississippi requires only 130 for Math.
- States like Connecticut and Maryland have higher requirements (up to 168).
- Always verify current requirements with your state's Department of Education.
- Some states accept alternative assessments in lieu of Praxis Core.
Last updated: January 2026
Passing Scores by State
Unlike standardized tests with a single passing score, Praxis Core requirements vary by state. Each state's Department of Education sets its own minimum passing scores for teacher certification.
Common Passing Score Ranges
| Subtest | Most Common Passing Score | Range Across States |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (5713) | 156 | 142-168 |
| Writing (5723) | 162 | 158-168 |
| Mathematics (5733) | 150 | 130-160 |
States with Standard Requirements (Most Common)
These states generally require: Reading 156, Writing 162, Math 150
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
States with Higher Requirements
| State | Reading | Writing | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 168 | 168 | 160 |
| Maryland | 156 | 162 | 150 |
| New Jersey | 156 | 162 | 150 |
| North Carolina | 156 | 162 | 150 |
| Rhode Island | 156 | 162 | 150 |
States with Lower Requirements
| State | Reading | Writing | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 156 | 158 | 130 |
| Pennsylvania | 156 | 162 | 142 |
| North Dakota | 156 | 160 | 143 |
| Maine CTE | 156 | 162 | 147 |
| Kentucky | 156 | 158 | 144 |
| Nevada | 156 | 158 | 144 |
States That Don't Require Praxis Core
Some states use alternative assessments:
- California - Uses CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test)
- Florida - Uses FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations)
- Illinois - Uses ILTS (Illinois Licensure Testing System)
- Michigan - Uses MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification)
- New York - Uses NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations)
- Texas - Uses TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards)
How to Verify Your State's Requirements
- Visit your state's Department of Education website
- Navigate to teacher certification/licensure section
- Look for "testing requirements" or "Praxis requirements"
- Confirm requirements for your specific certification area
Important: Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements before scheduling your test.