If you dream of becoming a certified teacher in New Jersey, understanding the Praxis requirements in New Jersey is the first step toward that goal. The Praxis exams are part of the state certification exams used to measure your knowledge and teaching readiness.
These tests are created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and are required by the NJ DOE Praxis requirements for most teaching licenses.
To pass the test and move closer to your teaching career, preparation is key. Prepsaret offers high-quality study materials designed to help you succeed on the first try. Whether you’re just starting out or planning a retake, getting the right prep can make all the difference.
New Jersey Teacher Certification Requirements
If you’re planning to teach in New Jersey, you’ll need to meet several important steps. The New Jersey teacher certification requirements are designed to make sure every educator is fully prepared to help students succeed.
One of the key parts of this process is passing the NJ teaching licensure tests, including the required Praxis exams.
Here are the main steps to become a certified teacher in New Jersey:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.
- Pass the required Praxis exams. These usually include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the appropriate Praxis II subject test.
- If you have high SAT, ACT, or GRE scores, you may be eligible for a Praxis Core exemption NJ.
- Apply for your teaching license through New Jersey’s online certification system, NJEdCert.
- Complete fingerprinting and a background check.
- Meet the physiology and hygiene requirement, which you can satisfy through coursework, military training, or an online test.
- Begin the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP) if you receive a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). This is a two-year, school-based training and evaluation phase.
- Once the PTP is complete, apply for your Standard Certificate, which is your permanent teaching license.
If you’re wondering how to get certified to teach in New Jersey with Praxis, the answer lies in carefully completing each of these steps. The Praxis tests are a key part of the process, and your scores help determine your eligibility for licensure.
Understanding these requirements early will help you stay on track and avoid delays in starting your teaching career.
What Praxis Tests Are Required to Teach in New Jersey?
If you’re planning to become a certified teacher in New Jersey, it’s important to know which Praxis tests apply to your subject and grade level. The required Praxis tests by subject area help the state evaluate your content knowledge and teaching readiness.
As of January 1, 2025, most candidates are no longer required to take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. While this test previously measured basic reading, writing, and math skills, it’s now waived for most traditional certification routes.
However, some alternative certification programs may still require it, and Praxis Core exemptions may apply if you’ve taken the SAT, ACT, or GRE.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Elementary Education Teachers (Grades K–6):
You’ll likely take the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) test. This test has four subtests:
- Reading and Language Arts (5002)
- Mathematics (5003)
- Social Studies (5004)
- Science (5005)
In some cases, New Jersey may also require or accept the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (5018) test.
Secondary Education Teachers (Grades 7–12):
You’ll need a Praxis II test that matches your content area. Common subject-specific Praxis exams include:
- English Language Arts (5038)
- Mathematics (5165 or 5161)
- Biology (5236)
- Chemistry (5245)
- Physics (5265)
- Social Studies (5081)
- World Languages (such as Spanish 5195, French 5174)
You may also be required to take a Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test for your grade level—usually PLT 7–12 (5624).
Special Education Teachers:
You’ll typically take:
- Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354)
If you plan to teach a subject like math or English to students with disabilities, you may also need to pass the relevant subject-area Praxis II test (e.g., 5165 for Math, 5038 for English).
Your Praxis scores for NJ must meet state-set cut scores, and requirements vary by certification area.
Praxis Core vs Praxis II Requirements in New Jersey
In the past, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam was a foundational requirement for teacher certification in New Jersey. It tested basic academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics to ensure aspiring teachers had a strong academic foundation.
However, this requirement has changed significantly.
Praxis Core: No Longer Required for Most Candidates
As of January 1, 2025, New Jersey officially eliminated the Praxis Core requirement for most traditional certification routes, such as the Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). This change follows legislation signed in 2024 that aimed to reduce barriers to becoming a teacher and address the state’s teacher shortage.
Previously, candidates could qualify for an exemption from the Praxis Core if they met one of the following criteria:
- Held a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Achieved qualifying SAT or ACT scores
- Held a master’s degree or higher
- Passed the now-discontinued New Jersey Basic Skills Test
Now, for most candidates, taking the Praxis Core is no longer required at all—not just because they qualify for an exemption, but because the requirement has been removed entirely.
However, some alternate route certification programs or limited licensure paths may still require the Praxis Core. It is important to check with your teacher preparation program or the New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE) for your specific certification requirements.
Praxis II: Still Required
Although the Praxis Core is no longer required in most cases, the Praxis II subject tests remain a critical requirement for teacher certification in New Jersey. These exams measure your knowledge and teaching ability in specific content areas and grade levels.
To earn certification, you must still:
- Determine which Praxis II subject test aligns with your certification area
- Register for and pass that specific exam
- Meet the minimum passing scores set by New Jersey
Whether you plan to teach elementary education, middle school math, high school biology, or special education, you must take and pass the appropriate Praxis II test for your field.
Check Out: Praxis 2 Practice Test
Elementary Education Certification in New Jersey (2025 Update)
To become a certified elementary school teacher in New Jersey, you must pass the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) exam. This is the required Praxis II test for elementary education certification in the state.
The 5001 exam is a single, comprehensive test made up of four subtests:
- 5002 – Reading and Language Arts
- 5003 – Mathematics
- 5004 – Social Studies
- 5005 – Science
While these are separate subtests, New Jersey treats the test as one unified exam for certification purposes.
Praxis Elementary Education Scoring Information
- New Jersey requires a composite passing score (typically around 157) for the entire 5001 exam.
- You are not required to meet separate passing scores for each subtest.
- If you don’t pass, you can retake individual subtests according to ETS retake policies—but for New Jersey certification, the focus is on your overall composite score, not individual section scores.
Praxis Elementary Education Retake
ETS allows you to retake individual subtests after a 28-day waiting period. In New Jersey, overall performance is key—your combined score must still meet or exceed the required composite benchmark.
To improve your chances of passing the Praxis Elementary Education exam, take a practice test and strengthen your skills for a better outcome on your next attempt—or even your first try.
Which Praxis Tests Do I Need for NJ Special Education Certification?
Special education teachers have unique testing requirements in New Jersey. If you’re pursuing certification by endorsement, your testing needs may differ from initial certification candidates.
Special education teachers need:
- Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354)
- Additional subject-specific tests for dual certification
Endorsement certification applies when you already hold a valid New Jersey teaching certificate. This pathway allows current teachers to add special education to their credentials with fewer requirements.
Special education certification opens doors to helping students with diverse learning needs. These specialized exams ensure you understand both special education law and effective teaching strategies.
NJ Praxis Exam Registration
The NJ Praxis exam registration process happens through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). ETS Praxis NJ testing occurs year-round at approved testing centers throughout the state.
Follow these registration steps:
- Create an ETS account online
- Select your test dates and locations
- Pay registration fees
- Receive confirmation and admission ticket
- Arrive prepared on test day
Registration opens several months before test dates. Popular locations and times fill quickly, so register early. You can take most Praxis tests multiple times if needed.
The registration system allows you to schedule all required tests at once or separately. Many candidates prefer spreading out their exams to focus preparation efforts.
Praxis Test Codes and Cut Scores in NJ
Understanding New Jersey Praxis passing scores helps you set realistic preparation goals. Each test has specific test codes and cut scores that determine passing performance.
Common New Jersey test codes include:
- 5001 – Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects
- 5018 – Elementary Education: Content Knowledge
- 5354 – Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications
- 5857 – Teaching Reading: Elementary
Cut scores represent minimum passing performance. These scores are set by New Jersey education officials based on professional standards. You must meet or exceed the cut score to pass each exam.
Test codes help ensure you register for correct exams. Double-check all codes before completing registration to avoid costly mistakes.
How to Submit Praxis Scores to the NJ Department of Education
After passing your exams, you must submit scores to the New Jersey Department of Education. This process connects your test results to your certification application.
Score reporting steps include:
- Request official score reports through ETS
- Ensure scores are sent directly to NJ DOE
- Verify scores appear on your certification application
- Keep personal copies of all score reports
- Follow up if scores don’t appear within expected timeframes
Official scores take several weeks to process and transfer. Plan accordingly when timing your certification application. Unofficial scores appear immediately after computer-based tests, but official reports take longer.
The state maintains permanent records of your Praxis scores. These scores may be verified for future employment or additional certifications.
Find Out: How Praxis Scoring Works
NJ Praxis Practice Test for Success
Effective preparation significantly improves your chances of passing required exams. Using an NJ Praxis practice test helps you understand question formats and identify knowledge gaps.
Quality preparation includes:
- Taking full-length practice tests
- Reviewing detailed answer explanations
- Focusing on weak subject areas
- Managing test-taking time effectively
- Building confidence through repeated practice
Prepsaret offers practice questions that mirror the exact questions tested in the exam. Their materials help thousands of candidates pass on their first attempt. Quality preparation materials make the difference between passing and failing.
Practice tests reveal your readiness level and highlight areas needing additional study. Don’t underestimate the value of thorough preparation.
Free Praxis Practice Tests:
- Business Education Content Knowledge (5101) Free Questions
- Physical Education Content Knowledge (5091) Free Questions
- Core Academic Skills for Educators Reading (5713) Free Questions
Is the Praxis Still Required in NJ?
Yes, Praxis is still required in New Jersey. As of 2025, the Praxis Core is no longer needed for most certifications, but Praxis II subject tests remain mandatory. These exams ensure consistent teacher readiness across the state.
Praxis Requirements in New Jersey: FAQs
What Do You Need To Pass Praxis In NJ?
You must achieve the required passing scores on Praxis II subject tests relevant to your teaching endorsement. Scores vary by test, e.g., Elementary Education Multiple Subjects composite around 157.
Can I Just Take The Praxis Without An Education Degree?
Yes, you can take Praxis exams without an education degree, but certification requires completing an approved teacher preparation program and meeting all certification requirements, including education and testing components.
What Is The Pass Rate For The Praxis In New Jersey?
Official specific pass rates for New Jersey Praxis tests are not publicly detailed; they vary by test and candidate group. Success depends on preparation, test content, and individual performance. Education programs may offer pass rate data.
How To Become A Teacher In NJ Without Praxis?
Most traditional routes require Praxis II tests. Limited alternative paths may exist under pilot programs or endorsements but generally expect subject tests.
What States Don't Require Praxis To Teach?
Several states have reduced or eliminated Praxis requirements, especially the basic skills test. Requirements vary greatly; some states use alternative exams or assessments. Check specific state education departments for current policies.
Conclusion: Your Path to Certification Starts Here
Ready to take the next step toward your teaching career in New Jersey? Start preparing today with Prepsaret’s targeted Praxis study materials. Their expert-designed practice questions and detailed explanations are built to match New Jersey’s current certification requirements.
Don’t wait—give yourself the best chance at passing on your first attempt. Begin your journey to becoming a confident, certified educator now. Visit Prepsaret and start studying for your New Jersey Praxis exams today!