Overview of Nebraska Testing Requirements

How to Qualify for Certification

Nebraska requires completion of an approved teacher education preparation program to receive an Initial, Standard or Professional level teaching certificate. To be admitted to a Nebraska teacher preparation program, candidates must pass the approved basic skills tests. The basic skills competency is also a requirement for issuance of a Nebraska Initial, Standard or Professional certificate. Effective September 1, 2014, the Praxis^® Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing and Mathematics) is the approved basic skills test. Additional information regarding the basic skills testing requirements can be found in the Nebraska Teacher Certification Manual.

Effective September 1, 2015, passing one or more Praxis^® Subject Assessments will be required for those seeking an initial endorsement on a Nebraska certificate. See the Test Requirements page for additional information.

Important Information

Nebraska law requires a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to apply for an educator or administrative certificate. ETS does not require your SSN for its own purposes. Failure to provide your SSN will delay processing of your certification application in Nebraska.

Always select the Nebraska Department of Education (state code 7643) as a score recipient when you register to take a Praxis test, especially if you are testing at a location outside of Nebraska.

Who Must Take the Tests?

Basic Skills Test Requirement — Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators

Effective September 1, 2014, the Nebraska Department of Education requires passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing and Mathematics) for admission into a Nebraska teacher education preparation program and for other applicants requesting a Nebraska Initial, Standard or Professional certificate.

The Nebraska Department of Education will also accept the discontinued Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST^®) with Nebraska’s required passing scores.

Praxis Content Testing Requirement

Effective September 1, 2015, those applying for an initial endorsement to be placed on a Nebraska teaching or administrative certificate for the first time must provide evidence they have passed the required Praxis Subject Assessments for their endorsement area(s). See the Nebraska required Praxis Subject Assessments for additional information.

See also:

• About the Praxis Tests
• The Praxis^® Information Bulletin
• Prepare for a Test
• Test Centers and Dates
• Register for a Test
• Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs