- Starting July 1, 2024, the Praxis tests have replaced the MoCA requirement. All passing MoCA scores will continue to be accepted for teacher certification.
State-required content assessment (Praxis)
State-required content assessments
State-required content assessments (Praxis) must be passed by all candidates for teacher, student services, or administrative certification. Candidates must attempt the Praxis for their certification area prior to student teaching (some programs require that the Praxis be passed prior to student teaching) and the appropriate Praxis must be passed in order to be recommended for certification. Refer to the Teacher Education Entrance and Content exams website for Praxis details.
The cut score for ALL Praxis exams has been set by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Each test has a different qualifying score. Select the test on the Praxis website to see the passing score.
Test information
What test to take
You can find the correct test by certification area by viewing the list of assessments by program posted on the Praxis website.
When to take it
It may take more than one attempt to pass the Praxis, so don't wait until the last minute and risk delaying your certification. If you are unsure about when to take it, please check with your academic advisor.
Note: Candidates must attempt the exam prior to student teaching (some programs require that it be passed prior to student teaching).
Where to take it
Tests cannot be taken at the Testing Center on the MSU-Springfield campus at this time. To choose a testing location, first visit the Missouri Praxis exams website and click on your test to see the test number and name of the test that is required in Missouri. You should write down this number so that you do not select the incorrect test. Then, step two of the Praxis Preliminary Registration and Essential Checklist includes the link to test locations and available dates. Enter in your test, city or postal code, distance, and select from the test center dropdown, which lists all testing centers within the distance you have selected. Click the "Test from Home" box if you wish to also see those test options. Some tests may not have test from home options.
Information on special testing accommodations
How to register
Select the test type in the dropdown on the Praxis website and select "Add to Cart". Some tests may require you to select "Continue to website" or "View test details" in the box for more information. The first time, you will need to create an account. When registering, please be sure to indicate that you received your training at Missouri State. This way, they will send us your score report. You will also want them to email you a PDF of your score report. You should save this for your records.
How to prepare
Practice tests and downloadable free test resources are available. These can be accessed by visiting the Praxis Exams for Missouri website, clicking "View test details" on the test you plan to take, scrollilng down to the "About The Test" section, and clicking "Download Free Resources."
Adding additional certifications
Once you are certified to teach in any area, you can add some certificates by passing the appropriate Praxis in that area. For more information on adding additional certificates, please visit our Add an area to your certificate website. Once you have passed the Praxis, you will need to apply for that additional certificate through DESE. Even though they will receive your score, they will not act on it unless you apply for the certificate.
Note: Students adding middle school to the same area of secondary education will take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades 5-9 (5623) test. Students adding secondary education to the same area of middle school will take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades 7-12 (5624) test.
If you plan to move to another state to teach and want to transfer all of your added certificates, you should contact that state to see if they accept certification through Praxis before registering for an additional exam.
Note: These added certificates through Praxis may not be transferable to other states since you did not earn them through coursework.