Teacher candidates are expected to submit passing scores for state-approved content area licensure exams prior to the start of the internship semester.
PRAXIS subject exam registration guide
For information on required content exams, cut scores and study materials, click on an endorsement area below.
CMU dual-licensure, Early Childhood & Early Childhood SPED students are required to complete 3 exams:
-
Early Childhood Education: Foundational Knowledge and Content
- Test code 5534
- Passing score 163
- Cost: $130.00
- Praxis 5534 Study Guide
- PRAXIS 5024 (160) also accepted if taken before 08.31.2026; accepted through 08.31.2031
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
-
Teaching Reading: Elementary
Test code 5205**- Passing score 159
- Cost: $156.00
- Praxis 5205 Study Guide
- Take 2 months before end of pre-internship
-
Special Education: Preschool/Early Childhood
- Test code 5692
- Passing score 159
- Cost: $130.00
- Praxis 5692 Study Guide
- PRAXIS 5691 (159) also accepted if taken before 08.31.2023; accepted through 08.31.2028
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
**All K-3 teachers must meet the READ Act requirements within their first years of teaching. Passing the 5205 exam meets this requirement.
EC/ECSE Praxis Preparation Materials
- Reading Rockets offers free science of reading resources and training modules
- Study.com Praxis 5692 Test Prep - free & for purchase materials
- Study.com Praxis 5534 Test Prep - free & for purchase materials
- Praxis study tools are also available at the CMU Library
Elementary Education students a required to complete 2 exams:
-
Mathematics - Elementary
- Test code 5903 (previously 5003)
- Passing score 157
- Cost: $64.00
- Praxis 5903 Study Guide
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
- As of September 1, 2025, social studies and science are no longer required praxis exams for elementary education.
-
Teaching Reading - Elementary
- Test code 5205**
- Passing score 159
- Cost: $156.00
- Praxis 5205 Study Guide
- Take 2 months before the end of pre-internship
**All K-3 teachers must meet the READ Act requirements within their first years of teaching. Passing the 5205 exam meets this requirement.
Elementary Praxis Preparation Materials
- Khan Academy site for the Math Praxis Core can also help with preparation, as the Math CORE covers similar topics.
- Elementary Math content resources at MathHelp.com
- Reading Rockets offers free science of reading resources and training modules
- Praxis study tools are also available at the CMU Library
Secondary students must take and pass the exam that matches their content area. Typically ONE exam is required.
English Language Arts - Secondary- ELA test code: 5038
- Required score: 167
- Cost: $130.00
- ELA Study Guide
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
- Math test code: 5165
- Required score: 159
- Cost: $130.00
- Math Study Guide
- Praxis 5161 (152) also accepted if taken between 09.01.2016 and 08.31.2022; accepted thru 08.31.2027
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
- Science test code: 5436
- Required score: 141
- Cost: $130.00
- Science Study Guide
- Praxis 5435 (152) also accepted if taken before 08.31.2023; accepted through 08.31.2028
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
- Social Studies test code: 5581
- Required score: 153
- Cost: $130.00
- Social Studies Study Guide
- Praxis 5081 (150) accepted until 08.31.2030.
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
- Spanish test code: 5195
- Required score: 163
- Cost: $170.00
- Spanish Study Guide
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
Secondary Praxis Preparation Materials
- Study.com - Test prep materials for free & for purchase
- Praxis study tools are also available at the CMU Library
- Art test code: 5135
- Required score: 158
- Cost: $156.00
- Art Study Guide
- Take prior to start of pre-internship
Music: Content Knowledge - K12
- Music test Code: 5113
- Required score: 161
- Cost: $130.00
- Music Study Guide
- Take prior to applying for student teaching
Physical Education: Content Knowledge - K12
- PE test code: 5091
- Required score: 148
- Cost: $130.00
- PE Study Guide
- Take prior to applying for student teaching
K12 Praxis Preparation Materials
- Study.com - Test prep materials for free & for purchase
- Quizlet - free flashcards:
- Praxis study tools are also available at the CMU Library.
Praxis Fee Assistance
Colorado Department of Education Licensure Information
CMU Placement and Out of State Licensure Information
Colorado Field Placement & Licensure
Colorado Mesa University's Education programs meet the requirements for licensure in the state of Colorado. CMU Teacher Education students are required to complete their field hours within the state of Colorado. Placements are arranged between a local school district and the Center for Teacher Education, and are typically within our 14-county western slope community of school districts. While graduates have successfully obtained licensure in other states, at this time, CMU does not offer placement outside of Colorado.
Out of State Licensure
Educator and principal licensure requirements vary by state. Graduates of Colorado Mesa University’s teacher education programs who seek a license in the United States outside of Colorado will have to apply to that state for review. Where reciprocity between states cannot be determined, that state will evaluate an individual’s credentials on a case-by-case basis. The other state will either issue their equivalent of an initial license OR issue a temporary teaching license so that the applicant may be employed while completing any outstanding requirements.