The Praxis II Content Knowledge exam is a required component of the certification process for most teacher candidates in New Jersey. This page outlines what you need to know about when to take the exam, how to register, and how scores are evaluated for certification.
What Is the Praxis II Exam?
The Praxis II Content Knowledge exam assesses subject-area knowledge for your intended teaching endorsement.
All candidates seeking certification must complete the appropriate Praxis II exam(s) for their endorsement area (if applicable) and meet the score requirements established by the New Jersey Department of Education.
Praxis exams are administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and certification requirements are determined by the New Jersey Department of Education.
Which PRAXIS II Exam Do I Need?
Please ensure you select New Jersey–approved test codes for your chosen certification. These are set by the New Jersey Department of Education and are subject to change.
Candidates should confirm they are registering for the correct exam and test code before scheduling their test.
When Should I Take the Praxis II Exam?
All candidates must attempt the required Praxis II Content Knowledge exam(s) by the time they submit their Student Teaching application.
To be recommended for New Jersey certification, candidates must:
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Earn a passing score, or
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Qualify under New Jersey’s Praxis Flexibility (FLEX) rule.
You do not need a passing Praxis score to graduate, but you must earn a passing score (or qualify under the FLEX rule) in order to be recommended for New Jersey certification.
Attempting the exam early is strongly recommended. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, the Praxis exam may be retaken.
How Do I Register for the Praxis II?
Register directly through ETS. When registering:
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Select the Praxis Subject Assessment required for your certification area
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Ensure you choose The College of New Jersey and the New Jersey Department of Education as score recipients
New Jersey–approved exam codes are set by the New Jersey Department of Education and may change periodically, so always confirm you are registering for the correct test.
Many Praxis exams are available at testing centers or through remote proctoring (at-home testing). Candidates choosing remote testing should confirm their equipment and environment meet ETS testing requirements before registering. You may be able to request accommodations for the Praxis exams on the ETS website.
Praxis Flexibility (FLEX) Rule
The College of New Jersey and NJDOE allows some flexibility in meeting testing requirements through a combination of GPA and Praxis scores.
Under the FLEX rule:
Candidates who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher may qualify with a Praxis score within 5% of the required passing score.
This policy allows candidates who come close to the required score to still meet certification requirements.
Specific FLEX score thresholds and eligibility details are maintained by the New Jersey Department of Education.
As of January 1, 2025, you are no longer required to complete the PRAXIS basic skills tests to receive a CEAS. The Governor signed A1669/P.L.2024, c.26 which eliminates the requirement to complete a Commissioner of Education-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills (Basic Skills) for all instructional certificates except certain limited Certificate of Eligibility (CE) pathways.