Praxis Core Test

Praxis Core Test

Important Program Notes: Praxis Core

According to the new standards established by the New Jersey Department of Education, students entering their first benchmark (Sophomore Year) must pass Praxis Core.

Basic Skills Assessment (Praxis Core)


Q: What are the new requirements around passing a Basic Skills Assessment?
A: For acceptance into a teacher preparation program, a candidate must pass a 'Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, mathematics skills.' Currently, there are two tests that are acceptable: the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Test (Praxis I) and Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Praxis Core).

Q: By when must programs require passage of a Basic Skills Assessment?
A: By September 1, 2015, a program's entry requirements must include passage of a Basic Skills Assessment. This requirement applies to candidates beginning teacher preparation program coursework on or after September 1, 2015.

Q: Do circumstances exist when a candidate is not required to pass a basic skills assessment?
A: Yes. Students (whether undergraduate or graduate) with at least one of the minimum scores provided below would not be required to pass the Basic Skills Assessment:

  • SAT: 1660 combined score (critical reading, math, and writing)
  • ACT: 23
  • GRE: 310 combined score (quantitative and verbal) and 4.0 on the analytical writing section

Q: Are the new Praxis Core tests merely the new computer version of the Praxis I or are they entirely new?
A: The Praxis Core test is an entirely new test reflecting the Common Core State Standards. The test is administered via computer only. In July 2013, the State Board passed a resolution accepting the Praxis Core test as a 'Commissioner-approved' test of basic skills.

Q: Are the Praxis Core tests available to take now?
A: Yes, the Praxis Core tests are currently available.

Q: What are the cut scores for the Praxis Core tests?

A: The State Board accepted the cut scores recommended by Educational Testing Service (ETS). They are:

  • Reading (Test Code 5712): 156
  • Writing (Test Code 5722): 162
  • Math (Test Code 5732): 150

Q: Are candidates able to take the Praxis I to fulfill the basic skills requirement?
A: Yes, according to ETS, the Praxis I will be available until June 2014 and the Department will recognize its scores. To ensure a seamless transition to the Praxis Core test, however, candidates are encouraged to begin taking the Core well in advance of June 2014.

Q: What are the deadlines for candidates to pass the Praxis Core test?
A: April 1 for September Junior Field Experiences and November 1 for January Junior Field Experiences