Support for Praxis and Certification/FAQ's

Praxis testing requirements and frequently asked licensure questions

Dear Reachers!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 University school year! The purpose of this resource is to provide helpful information about Praxis testing requirements and frequently asked licensure questions. 

As you navigate this living resource, please note that the information presented here could change without notice as each state makes frequent changes to policies surrounding Praxis cut scores, requirements, fees, etc. Your best and first line of support will always be to check with your state and local school district or parish regarding any policy changes around Praxis requirements. 

We hope you find this resource helpful as you navigate the world of teacher certification! 

Praxis requirements: BAGE & BLS

Exemption: California and Texas-based candidates who take different state exams

Passing Scores & Test Codes by State

The following chart shows the minimum scores needed to pass the Elementary Praxis II with the corresponding ETS testing code by state. Please note that these cut scores may change. Check with your state department often for updated cut scores.

Louisiana Passing Score & Testing Codes

5000 Series

7000 Series

Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) K-6 

ETS Test codes: 0622 or 5622 - Passing Score: 160

Teaching Reading: Elementary 

ETS Test Code: 5205

Arkansas Foundation of Reading Exam

The Foundation of Reading Exam registration link is found here.

ETS School Report Codes

When registering for the Praxis exam with ETS, you will be asked for a school reporting code. Reach University only has ETS codes for the following states: Arkansas and Louisiana. 

Praxis Exams Updates* (LOUISIANA CANDIDATES ONLY)

*as of 6/11/24

• Beginning January 1st, 2025 all NEW Reach University candidates need to take the test the Louisiana Elementary Multiple Subject Test Exam - 7000 series 
  • Please note: The Teaching Reading Exam will now be embedded in the 7002 ELA exam. This means that candidates will not need to register for an additional teaching reading exam. 
• Current BAGE/BA-LS candidates who have taken and passed any part of the 5000 series Praxis exams can continue taking the 5000 series but will need to take a separate Teaching Reading exam. 

Here are some FAQ’s: 

Q. What is the difference between the 5000 series and the 7000 series?

A. Take a moment to read through the differences between the tests here.

Q. What if I already took and started passing some of the 5000 series tests? Do I need to start over?

A. No, you do not need to start over. The state of Louisiana has declared that any combination of 5000 and 7000 will count towards passing your exams. 

Q. I haven’t started taking any exams, which set should I start with?

A. If a candidate hasn’t taken ANY test, we urge you to take the 7000 series (not 5000) 

Cluster Course Praxis Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Global Education (BAGE) Candidates*

*The next few sections are for BAGE candidates only.

Clinical Residents Link:

Please click here to find the most current guidelines for the Clinical year.

Q. When do I begin taking Praxis exams?

A. Watch this quick video tutorial that explains! 

Additionally: 

• BAGE candidates are required to take the Praxis after their cluster courses (Math, Science, ELA, and Social Studies) and will have to show proof of Praxis registration through ETS for end-of-semester completion (cluster courses - math, science, social studies, and literacy). BAGE candidates are enrolled in a licensure-specific program (Louisiana and Arkansas). 
• The BAGE degree serves one, very specific purpose:  to graduate candidates eligible for licensure in elementary education in the states of Louisiana and Arkansas.  Governance surrounding this degree is largely dictated by the Boards of Regents/Departments of Education in both states.

• BAGE candidates have no choice whatsoever in taking these exams as part of their degree (and end of cluster course), as we can not apply for licensure at the conclusion of the final semester without it.  Prior to entering the clinical year as an official Resident, at least 50% of the subtests must be passed.  
• If candidates do not pass all parts of the elementary licensure exams, they WILL still be able to graduate, but will not be licensed to practice.  They will be unable to gain a teaching license until all parts are passed (even after graduation).
• Our BAGE program is designed to prepare elementary and special education teachers.  However, we do understand a sub-portion of our BA-LS candidates will ultimately seek licensure in other areas via an alternative certification program and/or Masters Degree Program, post-graduation from Reach. 
• In order to enter into the Clinical Year as a teaching resident, candidates must have passed 50% or more of the Praxis Elementary Subtests (Language Arts, Math, Social Science, Science). 

Bachelor’s of Liberal Studies (BALS) 

Praxis Testing Recommendations

Although this is not a requirement for BA-LS candidates during cluster courses, we strongly encourage BA-LS candidates to take the Praxis at the conclusion of the cluster courses as these courses are designed to explicitly prepare you for the content on the Praxis exams. Most certification programs will not allow you to begin certification coursework without PASSING Praxis scores.  Additionally, waiting to take exams post graduation will greatly increase the risk in delaying your path to becoming a fully licensed teacher. 

While you will still need to study on your own, we believe that while enrolled in the cluster course series (math, science, social sciences, and Lit), this is the best opportunity for you to take advantage of the learning you have received while enrolled in these courses. Reach has taken particular care in designing these cluster courses to help prepare candidates with which type of content will be presented on licensure exams.

General FAQs

The next few pages contain the most frequently asked questions by candidates. As a reminder, state licensure laws and testing requirements change often. Please check with your state licensure departments for the most up-to-date testing information. 

Q. Do I need to report my scores to Reach?

A. YESSSS! See score report codes by state below. 

Q. What happens if I don’t share my scores before my test?

A. You can change your score recipient after your test but there is a $50 fee. Please visit the ETS website for more information on selecting a recipient for your scores. Here is the link to the website. 

Q. What is the name of the testing website? Will they help me if I get stuck registering?

A. The website is ETS. And the answer is yes! Here is the link to the website. 

Q. What are the cost and requirements for Middle and Secondary Licensure Content exams and when must they be taken?

A. To reiterate, any candidate planning on serving as a teacher of record (a full-time teacher) and expecting full teacher pay, must gain licensure in the state in which they are seeking employment.  One requirement is passing licensure exams.  Reach Teachers College provides the content foundation for elementary education, so candidates looking to teach and gain licensure for middle and high school in subject-specific areas must continue studying on their own to pass those additional requirements.  All exams will be required in order to partner with Alt-Cert providers.  They will not be able to complete the alt-cert program without passing scores.  This is non-negotiable for alt-cert as they are mandated by state governance.

Q. Where can I find additional teacher certification information based on my state?  

A. Each of the following states is linked directly to your state department’s education department. Here you will find information on certification guidelines, testing requirements and contact information: 

• Alabama Candidates 
• Arkansas Candidates 
• California Candidates
• Colorado Candidates 
• Louisiana Candidates 
• Tennessee Candidates 
• Texas Candidates

Q. I’m a candidate from California. Do I need to take these Praxis exams too?

A. Candidates from CA do not have to take Praxis exams. In order to meet the testing requirements for the state of California, you need to pass cluster courses with a letter grade of “B” or better.

Q. What happens if I can’t afford to take the Praxis exam at the end of each semester? What are my options?

A. Unfortunately at this time, Reach is unable to pay for the registration of Praxis for candidates. When becoming a teacher, there are some fees that are associated with getting your license - the Praxis exam is one of those sets of fees. 

Currently, each separate exam starts at around $70. Since this is a requirement (for all BAGE candidates), we suggest planning early by saving a few dollars a semester. In addition, we have seen some candidates approach their schools or district offices for support for paying for these exams. Some districts have specific programs that pay for candidates who need financial assistance with paying for registration.

If you are unable to register for the Praxis at the end of each semester, a temporary hold will be placed on your account until you can show proof of registration to your professor. Per university policy, you will have 30 days to show proof to your professor before the hold is removed from the Registrar’s office. 

Here is a helpful link for where to find answers to questions regarding financial support regarding Praxis. 

Q. My degree is in Bachelor’s of Liberal Studies. When I graduate, I want to teach HS Math. Do I HAVE to take the Praxis exams at the end of my cluster courses (Math, Science, Social Studies, ELA)?

A. For BA-LS candidates, the Praxis registration is optional at the end of each cluster course so you do not HAVE to take the Praxis exams at the end of the cluster courses. As you get closer to graduation from Reach, you will still want to pass the content area exam in the area you want to teach, for example, HS Math Praxis.

Q. I want to earn two certifications at the same time. I want to earn a teaching certification in 1-5 elementary AND secondary Math. What courses do I need to take?

A. In most states, you can only earn one certification at a time. Meaning, you will need to choose which certification you wish to earn first and after you earn your initial certification you will need to follow your state’s requirements to add-on additional certification after earning your first. 

Q. Are accommodations available for the Praxis exams?

A. Yes! You can visit this link to find out more about requesting accommodations during your Praxis exams. Their direct phone line is 1-866-387-8602.

Q. Does Praxis offer fee waivers?

A. Yes! ETS offers fee waivers directly through their site. They only offer ONE fee waiver per testing year and there are a limited number of waivers available on a first come first serve basis. Apply early! Here is the link to learn more.

Advanced Year Coursework - DEP 303B

Q. I heard in DEP 303B, I have to register for the Praxis exam at the end of the course. Is this true?
Exemption: California and Texas-based candidates who take different state exams

A. Yes! At the end of the course, all candidates BAGE and BA-LS must register for the exam at the end of the course. Reason? 

• • For BAGE Candidates - this course is taken the semester before Clinical Year begins where candidates must have passed their exams in order to begin Clinical Residency during the next semester. 
  • For BA-LS candidates, you will take this course during your final semester at Reach and most programs will not allow you to begin any certification coursework after graduation without PASSING Praxis exams. DEP 303B is mostly a self-paced semi-asynchronous course that prepares candidates to be successful in taking the Praxis. By the end of the semester, candidates will register for an exam of their choosing.

Published on Aug. 19, 2024