During your program and prior to earning certification, you will need to demonstrate skills and knowledge required of teachers in your field.
Basic Skills
Candidates in all educator preparation programs must demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. There are several ways a candidate may demonstrate their skill, the most common of which is the Praxis Core Exam.
Content Knowledge
In addition, prior to earning a New Hampshire teaching certification, candidates in many programs must also demonstrate a deep understanding of content knowledge related to the age and subject area or areas they plan to teach by taking the Praxis II. The Praxis II Exam provides evidence of content knowledge. Passing the Praxis II is a Department of Education requirement for certification and, for some programs, a prerequisite to the Internship in Teaching. To learn more about the PRAXIS tests, please visit the ETS-NH Website.
Foundations of Reading
Candidates enrolled in Early Childhood, Elementary Education (K-6 and K-8), and the Reading Writing Specialist programs must also take the Foundations of Reading Exam. For information regarding the Foundations of Reading exam, visit the NH Foundations of Reading website.
The chart below outlines the exams candidates in each program needs to take. Please feel free to contact us with additional questions or concerns about any exam requirement:
| PROGRAM | EXAMS |
| Early Childhood | Praxis Core
Foundations of Reading Praxis II: Education of Young Children (5024) |
| Elementary Education K-6 | Praxis Core
Foundations of Reading Praxis II: Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) |
| Elementary Education K-8 | All exams required for Elementary K-6 AND one PRAXIS content test in English/language arts, math, science, or social studies (5047, 5169, 5440, or 5089)
|
| Mathematics 5-8 | Praxis Core
Praxis II: Middle School Mathematics (5169)
|
| Mathematics 7-12 | Praxis Core
Praxis II: Mathematics Content Knowledge (5161) |
| Social Studies 5-12 | Praxis Core
Praxis II: Social Studies: Content and Interpretation (5086) |
| English 5-12 | Praxis Core
Praxis II: English Language Arts Content and Analysis (5039) |
| Art | Praxis Core
Praxis II: Art Content Knowledge (5134) |
| Music | Praxis Core
Praxis II: Music Content Knowledge (5113) |
| Physical Education | Praxis Core
Praxis II: Physical Education Content and Design (5095)
|
| Reading Writing Specialist | Praxis Core, if not previously certified by the NH DOE
Foundations of Reading |
| School Psychology, Technology Integrator, TESOL, School Counseling, Library Media, Special Education, Health Education | Praxis Core, if not previously certified by the NH DOE
|