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

date: "2026-08-24"

If you are pursuing an elementary teaching license in Virginia, your path includes the Praxis 5001 — the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects exam — plus a separate reading test, Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205).[1] ETS's Virginia page lists both for the Early/Primary (PreK–3) and Elementary (PreK–6) license areas. As with every state, the qualifying scores and required tests are set by Virginia, not by ETS, and they can change — confirm your exact requirement before registering.

Virginia's Elementary Education Tests at a Glance

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

You can register for the combined 5001 (all four subtests in one session) or for the individual subtests. Either way, Virginia's elementary licensure also requires the separate 5205 Teaching Reading test with a qualifying score of 159.[1]

How Scoring Works in Virginia

The 5001 is not one score — it is four. Virginia lists a qualifying score for each subtest, and in practice you need to clear every gate:[1]

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

There is no averaging: a strong math score does not offset a sub-157 reading score. And because these numbers are set by the state, treat this table as a snapshot, not a permanent rule. The authoritative source is the ETS Virginia requirements page plus the Virginia Department of Education.

What Else Goes Into a Virginia Elementary License

Praxis scores are one part of Virginia licensure. Your full path typically involves:

1. Completing an approved educator preparation program (or meeting the alternative route requirements).
2. Passing the required Praxis tests — 5001 (or subtests) plus 5205.[1]
3. Meeting Virginia's other licensure requirements (background check, application, and any program-specific deadlines).
4. Applying through the Virginia Department of Education with your official score reports.

Your preparation program is a second source of truth: programs often impose internal deadlines and score floors that are stricter than the state minimum. Ask your program advisor what they require.

Is Virginia Switching to a Newer Test?

Virginia currently lists the 5001 family and 5205, and nothing on the ETS page suggests an immediate switch. But ETS launched the new 8000-series Elementary Education Fundamentals tests in spring 2026, and states adopt new series at their own pace.[2] Before you register, check whether Virginia has updated its requirement — especially if you are planning to test more than a few months out.

If Virginia's requirement ever changes to the 8000 series, the blueprints differ (more questions in math, social studies, and science), so prep built for the 5001 will not align. See our Praxis 5001 vs. the 8000 Series guide for the differences.

How to Confirm Your Requirement (Do This Before Registering)

1. Open the ETS Virginia requirements page and find your license area (Early/Primary PreK–3 or Elementary PreK–6).
2. Note the exact test codes and qualifying scores — 5001/subtests and 5205.
3. Cross-check with the Virginia Department of Education — search for "teacher licensure requirements" or "Praxis."
4. Ask your educator preparation program about internal deadlines and score requirements.
5. Re-check before you register — scores and accepted test codes can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Per ETS's Virginia page, elementary (PreK–6) and early/primary (PreK–3) 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 Virginia?

Virginia lists 157 for 5002, 157 for 5003, 155 for 5004, and 159 for 5005. The combined 5001 appointment uses the same per-subtest standards. Confirm current numbers with the Virginia Department of Education before registering.

Is Teaching Reading (5205) required in Virginia?

Yes. ETS's Virginia page lists 5205 with a qualifying score of 159 for both elementary license areas.[1]

Can I take the 5001 subtests separately in Virginia?

ETS lists the individual subtests as an option for Virginia candidates, so you can register for subtests instead of the combined 5001. Check with the Virginia Department of Education whether your specific program and application path allow this.[1]

Do Virginia Praxis scores expire?

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

The Bottom Line

Virginia elementary candidates take Praxis 5001 (or subtests 5002–5005) plus Teaching Reading 5205, with qualifying scores of 157/157/155/159 for the four subtests and 159 for 5205. These are Virginia's numbers as of August 2026 — confirm them with the Virginia Department of Education and ETS before you register, and re-check if you are planning to test after a new test series is adopted.

Planning your Virginia 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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