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 a Praxis II® subject content test 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 Praxis I® PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Tests) with Nebraska’s required passing scores.

NCLB Qualified Teacher Designation

To be designated as NCLB Qualified in Nebraska, you must pass the appropriate Praxis II subject content test for the No Child Left Behind (NLCB) qualified teacher designation at the elementary and elementary special education level of instruction. See the NCLB Qualified Teacher page for additional information.

Praxis II 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 II subject content test for their endorsement area(s). See the Nebraska Praxis II subject content testing requirements for additional information.

See also:

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