Requirements/New Jersey
Elementary Teacher in New Jersey.
Four separately scored subtests, and your GPA may move every target.
- Exams
- 4
- Passing scores
- 157 · 155 · 159
- Certificate
- Elementary School K-6
The exams you have to pass
In the order most candidates take them.
Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects: Reading and Language Arts5002
GPA 3.50 or higher: 149. GPA 2.75 to 2.99: 173.
Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects: Mathematics5003
GPA 3.50 or higher: 149. GPA 2.75 to 2.99: 173.
Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects: Social Studies5004
GPA 3.50 or higher: 147. GPA 2.75 to 2.99: 171.
Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects: Science5005
GPA 3.50 or higher: 151. GPA 2.75 to 2.99: 175.
What people get wrong
Each of these costs a candidate either money or a test date.
- Your GPA changes the score you need, and it works both ways. With a GPA of 3.50 or higher you meet the test requirement at the published "passing score minus 5%" figure. With a GPA under 3.00 but at least 2.75, on a degree conferred on or after 1 September 2016, you satisfy the GPA requirement instead by hitting the "passing score plus 10%" figure. Check which column applies to you before you set a target, because the gap between them is large.
- Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) is four separately scored subtests with four different cut scores: 157, 157, 155 and 159. Passing three of four does not pass the test.
- New Jersey also lists Introduction to the Teaching of Reading (5206) at 159. Confirm with your program whether your route requires it alongside the subtests.
Required, but not an exam
- A bachelor’s degree
- A cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 2.75 for degrees conferred before 1 September 2016
- An approved preparation program, or a State-approved post-baccalaureate certification program
- The basic skills requirement, and application through NJDOE certification
Now go pass them.
Knowing the list is the easy part. Built To Pass teaches the strategy layer that works on any of these, aimed at the domains where you are actually losing points.
Start with your examVerified 2026-08-06 against New Jersey Department of Education, Testing Requirements for Certification and the GPA and Praxis Flexibility tables. Certification rules change by state board vote. Confirm with the state before you register for a test.