Can You Take the Praxis Without an Education Degree? Requirements, Routes, and Next Steps

Short Answer
Yes, you can take many Praxis exams without holding an education degree; eligibility and whether those scores lead to licensure depend on your state’s rules and the endorsement you seek [1] . States set specific pathways and passing scores tied to subject or grade-level endorsements, so your Praxis plan should align with your target state’s licensure requirements [4] .
What the Praxis Is-and Why Degree Type Isn’t Always Required
The Praxis is a set of educator exams developed by ETS that assess core academic skills, subject knowledge, and pedagogical readiness used by many states to support teacher licensure decisions [1] . While educator preparation programs often integrate Praxis testing, the act of registering for and taking a Praxis exam does not universally require an education degree. In practice, individuals with non-education backgrounds commonly use Praxis Subject Assessments to demonstrate content knowledge as part of alternative licensure or post-baccalaureate routes. However, passing a Praxis does not by itself guarantee licensure; states still require a bachelor’s degree (often in any field) and may require pedagogy coursework, clinical experience, or additional exams depending on the route [4] .
How State Licensure Rules Affect Your Praxis Plan
Licensure is governed at the state level, so the combination of Praxis exams and non-degree pathways varies. As one example, Colorado’s endorsement pages show multiple ways to qualify: a relevant bachelor’s degree, a set number of semester hours in the subject, or a qualifying Praxis Subject Assessment passing score (e.g., PRAXIS 5436 for Science 6-12; PRAXIS 5081 for Social Studies 6-12) [4] . This demonstrates that, in some states, a direct Praxis pass can substitute for specific coursework-even for candidates whose original degree is not in education. Other states follow similar patterns, but details differ; always confirm the specific exams accepted, cut scores, and any deadlines for accepting older test forms via the official state licensure office.
Which Praxis Exams You May Need
What you take depends on your target role and state rules:
-
Core/Foundational Skills:
Some states or programs require the Praxis Core Academic Skills (Reading, Writing, Mathematics), sometimes for program entry or basic skills verification
(requirements vary by state)
[3] [5] . -
Subject Assessments:
Required for content-area endorsements such as Elementary Education, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, or Special Education. States publish passing scores and accepted test codes for each endorsement (e.g., Colorado lists PRAXIS codes and cut scores by subject) [4] . -
Pedagogy/PLT:
Many states require the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) aligned to grade bands as part of initial licensure; check state lists for whether PLT is required and the accepted codes/scores [5] .
For elementary roles, states may require combinations such as Praxis Core, Multiple Subjects, Content Knowledge for Teaching, and/or PLT; exact combinations and passing scores are state-specific [5] .
Real-World Scenarios: Taking the Praxis Without an Education Degree
Scenario 1: Career-Changer with a Non-Education BA
A biology major wants to teach high school science. In many states, this person can register for the appropriate Praxis Science Subject Assessment and, upon passing, apply through an alternative licensure route that also requires background checks and supervised teaching. Colorado, for instance, explicitly allows meeting endorsement via a qualifying Praxis score as one of the options
[4]
.
Scenario 2: Paraprofessional Seeking Licensure
An experienced paraprofessional without an education degree may be able to sit for Praxis Core and a Subject Assessment, then enter a state-approved alternative program that includes pedagogy training and mentored practice. This route is common across states, though specific prerequisites and Praxis cut scores differ; consult your state’s licensure office and approved program list
[3]
.
Scenario 3: Elementary Aspirant from Another Field
A communications graduate aiming to teach elementary grades might need Praxis Core (if required), the Elementary Multiple Subjects exam, and possibly PLT. Because requirements differ, verify the exact tests and passing scores posted by your state’s education department and any teacher preparation program you plan to join
[5]
.

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Step-by-Step: How to Move Forward If You Don’t Have an Education Degree
-
Choose Your State and Role.
Identify the state where you intend to teach and the grade band/subject. Each state sets the accepted Praxis tests and passing scores. For example, endorsement pages like Colorado’s outline accepted Praxis codes and cut scores by subject [4] . -
Map the Required Exams.
Based on your goal, list the Praxis Core (if required), Subject Assessments, and PLT. For elementary pathways, verify whether your state uses Multiple Subjects, Content Knowledge, PLT, or a combination [5] [3] . -
Confirm Alternative Routes.
Review your state education department’s alternative licensure or certification pages to see if a Praxis pass can substitute for certain coursework or endorsement requirements. Colorado’s example demonstrates how Praxis can qualify in lieu of degree-specific coursework for some endorsements [4] . -
Register for the Praxis.
Registration typically requires documentation (e.g., transcripts) and exam fees. Some states or programs have set registration windows for specific subject tests; plan ahead and verify deadlines before scheduling [3] . -
Prepare with Targeted Study.
Align your study plan with the tested content categories. General guidance pieces explain the role of Praxis and preparation approaches for content and pedagogy domains, which you can adapt to your target exam [1] . -
Document Everything.
Keep official score reports, transcripts, and any program acceptance letters organized for your licensure application. States often cross-check your Praxis codes against their approved lists [4] .
Potential Challenges and How to Solve Them
Challenge: Varying Requirements Across States.
The same test may be required in one state and optional in another. Solution: Rely on your target state’s official endorsement pages to confirm test codes and cut scores. Colorado’s detailed endorsement matrices illustrate how precise these requirements can be
[4]
.
Challenge: Unsure Whether Core Is Needed.
Some states require Praxis Core for program entry, while others waive it based on SAT/ACT or state-specific basic skills tests. Solution: Check both your state licensure office and any preparation program’s admissions criteria; general overviews emphasize that requirements are state- and program-dependent
[3]
[5]
.
Challenge: Aligning Degree and Endorsement.
If your degree is outside your target endorsement, you may be able to qualify via Praxis Subject Assessment or documented coursework hours. Solution: Use your state’s endorsement worksheets and the option to meet requirements with a passing Praxis score where allowed, as shown in Colorado’s framework
[4]
.
Alternatives and Complementary Pathways
Alternative Certification Programs:
Many states approve nontraditional routes that combine employment, mentoring, pedagogy coursework, and Praxis exams. These are common entry points for those without education degrees; consult your state’s department of education for approved providers and current rules
[3]
.
Program-Linked Testing:
Some educator preparation programs guide candidates on exactly which Praxis tests to take and when. Overviews of Praxis emphasize the importance of aligning program milestones with required exams and registration windows to stay on track for licensure
[3]
[5]
.
Action Plan Without Uncertain Links
If you’re unsure which website to use for your state, consider these steps:
-
Search for your state’s official Department of Education teacher licensure page using the query: ”
[Your State] Department of Education teacher licensure endorsements Praxis
.” - Locate endorsement lists with test codes and passing scores. Look for PDF matrices or pages similar in structure to Colorado’s endorsement requirement pages that spell out accepted Praxis exams and cut scores [4] .
- If applying to a program, check its admissions and testing requirements alongside state rules, since some programs require Praxis Core for entry while others accept alternative basic skills evidence [3] [5] .
Key Takeaways
- You can take Praxis exams without an education degree, but licensure outcomes depend on your state’s endorsement requirements and accepted test combinations [1] [4] .
- Subject endorsements often allow you to demonstrate content knowledge via a Praxis pass, which can be especially helpful for career-changers with non-education degrees [4] .
- Plan your sequence: confirm exams, register on time, and prepare with content-aligned study so your scores support your chosen route to licensure [3] [5] .
References
[1] University of Phoenix (2022). What is the Praxis Test and How Can You Prepare? [2] Western Governors University (2025). Praxis Exam: Everything You Need to Know. [3] Study.com Teaching License (2025). What Praxis Do I Take for Elementary Education? [4] Colorado Department of Education (2024). Endorsement Requirements.