Praxis 5001 Requirements in New Jersey: Tests, Scores, and How to Get Certified

date: "2026-08-24"

New Jersey's Elementary (K–6) certificate requires the Praxis 5001 — Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects — which ETS lists as the combined exam or as four individual subtests.[1] Unlike some states, New Jersey's elementary path does not add a separate Teaching Reading test on the ETS page; the 5001 family is the content-test requirement for K–6. As always, the numbers below are a snapshot as of August 2026 — confirm your requirement with the New Jersey Department of Education before registering.

New Jersey's Elementary Education Tests at a Glance

According to ETS's New Jersey requirements page (as of August 2026), Elementary K–6 candidates need:[1]

You can register for the combined 5001 (all four subtests in one session) or the individual subtests.[1] New Jersey's testing requirements are published by the state certification office, which lists the same 157/157/155/159 subtest lines.[2]

How Scoring Works in New Jersey

The 5001 is scored per subtest, and New Jersey lists a qualifying score for each:[1][2]

• 5002 Reading and Language Arts: 157
• 5003 Mathematics: 157
• 5004 Social Studies: 155
• 5005 Science: 159

Each subtest is its own gate — a strong math score does not offset a below-157 reading score. Treat these numbers as a reference point, not a permanent rule: qualifying scores are set by New Jersey and can be updated.

What Else Goes Into a New Jersey Elementary License

Praxis scores are one part of New Jersey licensure. The full path typically includes:

1. Completing an approved educator preparation program (or an approved alternative route such as the CE/CEAS pathways).
2. Meeting New Jersey's testing requirements — the 5001 family for K–6, and Praxis Core (or an approved basic-skills alternative) where applicable.[1]
3. Passing the required Praxis tests.
4. Applying through the New Jersey Department of Education certification process.

The New Jersey testing requirements page is the state's own statement of what is accepted — cross-check it with your program's guidance.

Is New Jersey Switching to a Newer Test?

New Jersey currently lists the 5001 family for Elementary K–6, with no immediate switch noted on the ETS page. But the 8000-series Elementary Education Fundamentals tests launched in spring 2026, and states adopt them at their own pace.[3] If you plan to test several months out, re-check whether New Jersey has updated its accepted codes — the 8000-series blueprints differ from the 5001 in question counts and category weights.

How to Confirm Your Requirement (Do This Before Registering)

1. Open the ETS New Jersey requirements page and find your certificate area (Elementary K–6).
2. Note the exact test codes and qualifying scores — 5001 and its subtests.
3. Cross-check with the New Jersey certification testing page — the state's own list.
4. Ask your educator preparation program about internal deadlines and score requirements.
5. Re-check before you register — accepted codes and scores can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Praxis test do I need to be an elementary teacher in New Jersey?

Per ETS's New Jersey page, Elementary K–6 candidates need Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) or its subtests (5002–5005).[1]

What is the passing score for Praxis 5001 in New Jersey?

New Jersey lists 157 for 5002, 157 for 5003, 155 for 5004, and 159 for 5005.[1][2] Confirm current numbers with the New Jersey Department of Education before registering.

Is Teaching Reading (5205) required for elementary in New Jersey?

The ETS New Jersey page does not list 5205 for Elementary K–6 — the 5001 family is the listed content requirement. Confirm with the New Jersey Department of Education and your program, since requirements can change.

Can I take the 5001 subtests separately in New Jersey?

ETS lists the individual subtests as an option for New Jersey candidates, so subtest-by-subtest registration is available. Confirm with the New Jersey Department of Education that your program and application path allow it.[1]

Do New Jersey Praxis scores expire?

Score validity and reciprocity rules are set by New Jersey. Check the New Jersey Department of Education's certification guidance for score validity and out-of-state reciprocity details.

The Bottom Line

New Jersey elementary (K–6) candidates take Praxis 5001 — or subtests 5002–5005 — with qualifying scores of 157/157/155/159. These are New Jersey's numbers as of August 2026; confirm with the New Jersey Department of Education and ETS before you register, and re-check if you plan to test after a new test series is adopted.

Planning your New Jersey study schedule? Take the free Triumph readiness diagnostic to see which of the four 5001 gates needs work before you book your test. Our free practice bank covers 5002, 5003, 5004, and 5005 by blueprint category.

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