Passing Scores by State
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.
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.
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.