For applicants for an initial teacher professional certificate not requiring a bachelor's degree, the examinations validated for use in this program are the Core Academic Skills for Educators, PRAXIS II, and Principles of Learning and Teaching. The Core Academic Skills for Educators program has three major components which test the applicant in three basic skill areas: reading, writing, and mathematics.
The Educational Testing Service schedules the Core Academic Skills for Educators, PRAXIS II and Principles of Learning and Teaching at sites across Maine and the nation. The applicant registers for the examinations directly with the Educational Testing Service.
Applicants for initial teacher professional certification not requiring a bachelor's degree must achieve the qualifying score the qualifying examinations as set forth below.
Subject | Scale Scores |
Reading Test #5712 | 153 |
Writing Test #5722 | 156 |
Mathematics Test #5732 | 147 |
Applicants for initial professional teacher certification must achieve a composite score of 456 on the three sections of the Core Academic Skills for Educators, with no single score on any section being more than three points lower than the required score above.
*Applicants for certificates not requiring bachelor's degrees may use passing scores on either the Pre-Professional Skills Test/PPST or the Core Academic Skills for Educators until 8-31-18. As of 9-1-18, all applicants must meet passing scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators exams.
Endorsement Certificate | Grade Level | PRAXIS II Test Code | PRAXIS II | Minimum Score |
All Career & Technical Education | 9-12 | 5511 | Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge | 150 |
Applicants who have not achieved Maine's qualifying scores on the required qualifying examinations are eligible for an initial conditional certificate, provided they have met all other requirements for a conditional certificate in accordance with Chapter 115 Part I and Chapter 115 Part II.
A conditional certificate issued under this subsection may not be suspended or revoked by the Commissioner due to the holder's failure to attain qualifying scores during the term of the conditional certificate.
Individuals with disabilities that prevent them from taking the examination(s) under standard conditions may request special accommodations directly through the Educational Testing Service. The documentation requirements and accommodation request procedures are described in the registration bulletin for the specific examinations.
Applicants receiving an initial Native Language endorsement under Chapter 115 Part II Section 5.1 Pathway 2 will not be required to take the Core Academic Skills for Educators or the Principles of Learning and Teaching examination.
Applicants for an initial Native Language endorsement will not be required to take a PRAXIS II examination until the appropriate examination is available. Applicants receiving a provisional or professional certificate with a Native Language endorsement prior to a minimum score being set will not need to meet the passing score
05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 13, § 4