Praxis Core Requirement

 

As part of the New Hampshire Department of Education Licensure requirements, students enrolled in an educator preparation program leading to certification must meet the Basic Academic Skills Assessment (BASA) in reading, writing, and math. 

Here are some options for meeting the Basic Academic Skills Assessment (BASA) requirement:

  • Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing);
  • Other states’ basic skills testing for educators (state dependent, additional tests may be required);
  • Performance at or above a predetermined score (set by the NHDOE) on a nationally recognized test in the areas of reading, writing, and/or mathematics such as, but not limited to, the SAT, GRE, or ACT. Submit the Test Evaluation Request directly to the NHDOE, as outlined below. 
  • Hold a New Hampshire Beginning Educator or Experienced Educator License. Please visit the NHDOE Knowledge Base for more information on this option. 

Praxis Core: Academic Skills Test

The Praxis Core Academic Skills test is administered electronically by Educational Testing Services at various locations throughout the country. You can take the tests anywhere they are offered, but you must take the tests required by the NH Department of Education. Home testing can also be scheduled. To learn more about where the Praxis Core is administered, visit the ETS Website.

Scores must be reported to Plymouth State University and the NH DOE. You can set this up when you register. If needs be, you can also download your scoresheet and email it to the Holmes Center directly as well as uploading it to your NH DOE EIS account.

Eligible for Accommodations? - Do not Delay!

ETS provides accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-Related Needs. You must apply for and receive approval for accommodations before registering for tests. It can take six weeks or more for applications to be reviewed. Please visit the ETS Accommodations Page to learn more. 

Prepare!!

There are two parts to getting ready for the Praxis Core. Both are important to your success.

  1. Review the content assessed on each test. You learned the reading, writing and math content in middle school and early high school.

    Practice 30 minute responses to sample writing prompts.

  2. Learn how the tests are set up (i.e., timing, format, etc.).

ETS Praxis Core Resources

Reading (5713) preparation  companion  and study plan tool

Writing (5723) preparation companion and study plan tool

Mathematics (5733) preparation companion and study plan tool

The preparation companions provide practical information for each test including lists of the content covered on the assessments.

The study plan tools help you organize and focus your study attention for efficient use of your time.

PSU Academic Services

for Everyone

The PSU PASS Center is located in Speare Hall. They will help students prepare for the Praxis Core Math.

Stop by or visit their website to set up an appointment.

The PSU Writing Center is located at Lamson Library. They will help students prepare for Praxis Core Writing and Reading. For example, a study group for Praxis Core meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4PM each week during the fall and spring semesters.

Stop by or visit their website for an appointment.

Study Guides for Purchase

(and some freebies)

Praxis Core for Dummies test prep guide has been recommended by former interns. It is available in print and as an e-book. The PASS Center, the Writing Center, and the Holmes Center have copies available for use there.

Study.com offers some free materials for Praxis Core preparation. 

Kathleen Jasper offers some free materials including webinars via her website and videos via her YouTube channel. Students have found the videos especially helpful for understanding how the tests work.

On Khan Academy , you can look for lessons specific to the content you wish to review - at no charge.

Target Scores

Test Minimum Score

Writing (5723)

162

Math (5733)

150

Reading (5713)

156

Use test code 5752 to take all three tests at one sitting.

 Register to take the test

Praxis Core Retake Policy

"To retake a test, you must wait at least 28 days after your previous test date. For example, if you take a test on the first of the month, you cannot take it again until the 29th day of the month. This applies even if you canceled your scores on your previous test. Failure to follow this policy will result in the cancellation of scores from your retest." For the full retake policy, see The Praxis® Tests Information Bulletin.

Praxis Core: Test Waiver (AKA Test Evaluation Request)

To use scores from other exams (typically SAT scores), candidates must:

  1. Access their New Hampshire Educator Information Systems (EIS) account (instructions to create an account) and submit a test evaluation request and the scores online.  The following button includes the score requirements as well as detailed instructions for applying for the waiver (i.e., test evaluation request).

Do my SAT scores qualify for a test waiver?

  1. The NH DOE will confirm or deny your request. If the test evaluation is approved, forward the approval email to the Holmes Center.

Praxis Core: Massachusetts Licensure

Until June 30, 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Education has approved the Reading and Writing sections of the Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators as an alternative to the Communication and Literacy MTEL. This does NOT apply to the Praxis II content tests. Additional Information 

Sending Your Scores to Massachusetts

  • If you test in Massachusetts at a testing center or using the Praxis® tests at home solution, and your Praxis profile address is in Massachusetts, your score report will be sent automatically to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

  • If you test outside Massachusetts or your Praxis profile address is not in Massachusetts, your scores are NOT automatically sent to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. To have your scores sent to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, you must select the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (state code 7335) as a score recipient when you register.

  • For future planning, the NH DOE currently accepts the equivalent MTEL for most Praxis II content tests. Currently, Massachusetts does NOT accept the Praxis II content tests.

Praxis Core: Fee Waivers

ETS provides Praxis Core fee waivers for eligible students. You’ll need to submit the Fee Waiver request, Student Aid Report (SAR) and Enrollment Verification Certificate to ETS.