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

date: "2026-08-24"

Tennessee's elementary education (K–5) endorsement requires the Praxis 5001 — Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects — plus Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205).[1] ETS's Tennessee page lists the combined 5001 or its individual subtests, and Tennessee sets the same per-subtest qualifying scores that several neighboring states use. As always, the numbers below are a snapshot as of August 2026 — confirm your requirement with the Tennessee Department of Education before registering.

Tennessee's Elementary Education Tests at a Glance

According to ETS's Tennessee requirements page (as of August 2026), elementary K–5 candidates need:[1]

You can register for the combined 5001 (all four subtests in one session) or the individual subtests, and Tennessee's elementary endorsement additionally requires 5205 Teaching Reading with a qualifying score of 159.[1]

How Scoring Works in Tennessee

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

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

Each subtest is its own gate — there is no averaging across the four. Keep this table as a reference point, not a permanent rule: qualifying scores are set by Tennessee and can be updated.

One Tennessee Quirk: How Scores Reach the State

Tennessee only accepts score reports sent directly from ETS through TNCompass. ETS's Tennessee page notes that educators must provide their full social security number and designate Tennessee Department of Education (recipient code 8190) when sending scores — if you miss this, your scores will not land in TNCompass and you may need to resend with corrections and pay an additional reporting fee.[1] Do not skip the score-recipient step during registration.

What Else Goes Into a Tennessee Elementary License

Praxis scores are part of the Tennessee licensure picture, but the full path typically includes:

1. Completing an approved educator preparation program (or an approved alternative pathway).
2. Meeting Tennessee's professional assessments requirement (content tests like the 5001 family, and in some cases a Principles of Learning and Teaching test for out-of-state or occupational applicants).[1]
3. Passing the required Praxis tests — 5001 (or subtests) plus 5205.[1]
4. Applying through the Tennessee Department of Education with scores sent via TNCompass (code 8190).

Check the Tennessee State Board of Education Policy 5.105 for the assessment requirements tied to your licensure and endorsement area.

Is Tennessee Switching to a Newer Test?

Tennessee currently lists the 5001 family for elementary K–5, with no immediate switch noted on the ETS page. But the new 8000-series Elementary Education Fundamentals tests launched in spring 2026, and states adopt them at their own pace.[2] If you plan to test several months out, re-check whether Tennessee 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 Tennessee requirements page and find your endorsement (Elementary K–5).
2. Note the exact test codes and qualifying scores — 5001/subtests and 5205.
3. Cross-check with the Tennessee Department of Education and State Board of Education policy.
4. Ask your educator preparation program about internal deadlines and score requirements.
5. Re-check before you register — and remember the TNCompass score-recipient step (code 8190).

Frequently Asked Questions

What Praxis tests do I need to be an elementary teacher in Tennessee?

Per ETS's Tennessee page, elementary K–5 candidates need Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) or its subtests (5002–5005), plus Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205).[1]

What is the passing score for Praxis 5001 in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists 157 for 5002, 157 for 5003, 155 for 5004, and 159 for 5005. Confirm current numbers with the Tennessee Department of Education before registering.

Is Teaching Reading (5205) required in Tennessee?

Yes. ETS's Tennessee page lists 5205 with a qualifying score of 159 for the elementary K–5 endorsement.[1]

How do I send my Praxis scores to Tennessee?

Designate the Tennessee Department of Education (recipient code 8190) as a score recipient when you register, and provide your full social security number so ETS can report the score to TNCompass. Scores sent by you are not accepted.[1]

Can I take the 5001 subtests separately in Tennessee?

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

The Bottom Line

Tennessee elementary candidates take Praxis 5001 (or subtests 5002–5005) plus Teaching Reading 5205, with qualifying scores of 157/157/155/159 and 159 respectively — and scores must reach the state through TNCompass with recipient code 8190. These are Tennessee's numbers as of August 2026; confirm with the Tennessee Department of Education and ETS before you register.

Planning your Tennessee 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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