Prepare for New Mexico Teacher License Tests

Before earning a teaching license in New Mexico, you’ll need to show that you’re ready to teach your grade level and subject area. That may mean you need to pass certain tests or submit a special portfolio for review—or both! If that stresses you out, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

As of May 2024, testing requirements for new teachers changed. If you plan to teach elementary education or special education, you’ll need to take a Praxis exam in your teaching subject. For other subject areas, you may be able to submit a teaching portfolio instead of taking the Praxis. We’ll go over all of that on this page!

Jump to:

• Who needs to take the Praxis exam? 
• What’s the portfolio-based teaching assessment?
• Preparing for the Praxis 
• Getting your Praxis scores

If you’re planning to teach elementary education or special education, you’ll have some Praxis testing requirements.

Teaching the youngest and most vulnerable New Mexicans requires specialized knowledge and skills. It’s incredibly important and rewarding work! To make sure you are well prepared, these teaching licenses require these specific Praxis exams:

• Elementary Education: Praxis: Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205)
• Special Education: Praxis: Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355)

For all other subjects and grades, the Praxis exam is no longer required to become a licensed teacher in New Mexico. Instead, you’ll submit a portfolio of work from your teaching program. 
 

In a nutshell, a portfolio-based assessment is a collection of documents or “artifacts” that show off your teaching skills—such as lesson plans, student work or even video of you in action in the classroom.

Submitting a portfolio means you’ll be assessed on more than just answers to standardized test questions. You’ll get to show your creativity, personality and passion for your subject!

You’ll develop your portfolio as part of your teaching program. Your portfolio will likely include:

• A 1-2 page personal introduction, including your philosophy of teaching, why you want to teach, and any barriers you may have overcome along the way.
• Documents that show your skill at developing lesson plans and learning activities, assessing student work, and applying your knowledge of student learning styles and differences. 
• Evidence of your content knowledge—basically showing that if you aim to teach math, writing, or physical education, you know your content!
• Reflections on your own learning, growth, leadership and collaboration.

Want all the details? The New Mexico Public Education Department provides the full framework for the portfolio. But you can feel confident that your teaching program will guide you through this!

Remember to take care of yourself before your test:
 

• Verify your test location. Even if you think you know where your exam is being held, double-check that the test center schedule hasn’t changed. (You can also see if at-home testing is an option.) 
• Get plenty of sleep the night before.  
• Eat a decent breakfast the day of the test.
• Bring the required materials. You’ll need identification when you arrive for your test. Depending on your specific exam, you may also need other materials, like a calculator.
• Bring a water bottle.
• Show up early. If you’re late for your test, you won’t be allowed in. Hanging outside the testing center for 20 extra minutes is better than stressing yourself out minutes before you have to think critically for an exam.
• Dress in layers. Test centers can be chilly, and you’d rather be able to remove a jacket than be uncomfortable for the duration of your exam. 

When can I see my scores? 

You will receive your Praxis score on your account along with an email notification. If you haven’t received your score yet, you can also visit this website. It will ask you to select the exam you took and your test date.

How do I report my scores?

On the specified score report date, your Praxis test score will be automatically sent to the New Mexico-based institution or agency you selected during registration.

What if I need to retake the test?

If you need to retake the Praxis exam, don’t panic! It happens. You will need to wait 28 days before registering to retake the exam. You can take the Praxis until you get the score you want!