Requirements/New Mexico
Special Education Teacher in New Mexico.
Both pedagogy tests plus the special education test.
- Exams
- 3
- Passing scores
- 160 · 157 · 151
- Certificate
- Special Education (PreK-12)
The exams you have to pass
In the order most candidates take them.
01
Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades K-65622
The pedagogy test, matched to your grade band.
Pass160
02
Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades 7-125624
The pedagogy test, matched to your grade band.
Pass157
03
Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge5355
Pass151
What people get wrong
Each of these costs a candidate either money or a test date.
- Because the endorsement spans PreK-12, New Mexico requires BOTH pedagogy tests, the K-6 at 160 and the 7-12 at 157, not one or the other.
Required, but not an exam
- A bachelor’s degree
- An approved educator preparation program, traditional or alternative
- Background check and application through the state certification office
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 2026-08-04 against New Mexico PED licensure and the ETS Praxis New Mexico requirements. Certification rules change by state board vote. Confirm with the state before you register for a test.