Requirements/New Jersey

High School Math Teacher in New Jersey.

One content test, and the GPA bands move it 24 points.

Exams
1
Passing
159
Certificate
Mathematics

The exam you have to pass

In the order most candidates take them.

01

Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge5165

GPA 3.50 or higher: 151. GPA 2.75 to 2.99: 175.

Pass159
See what is scored →

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.
  • The spread here is 24 points: 151 with a strong GPA, 175 with a weak one. That is the difference between a comfortable pass and a retake, decided before you sit down.
  • Middle School Mathematics is a separate test (5164) at 157, with the same bands at 149 and 173.

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 it.

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 exam

Verified 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.