Student teacher working with student in classroom.

Standardized Test Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

For full admission to the undergraduate Teacher Education Program, students must submit qualifying test scores at the time of application. Passing scores on any one of the following tests are acceptable: ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core. The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) will accept the highest score on each section of the same test; mixing scores from multiple assessments is acceptable.

  • If you have already taken the ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core and have met the minimum score below, you should submit that score with your application. 
  • If you took the ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core and did not meet the minimum score required, contact an admissions representative before retesting to discuss your options. 
  • If you have not taken an ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core, contact an admissions representative to make an informed decision about which test is right for you.

ACT (Institution code: 2572)

Date Taken English Math
If taken on or after 8/28/89 23 23
If taken before 8/28/89 20 23

SAT (Institution code: 2520)

Date Taken Reading Math
If taken on or after 3/1/16 610 570
If taken between 4/1/95 & 2/28/16 560 540
If taken before 4/1/95 480 520

The NJDOE will accept the highest score on each section of the SAT, regardless of test date.

Praxis Core (Core Academic Skills for Educators)

Testing Section Code Score
Reading 5713 156
Writing 5723 162
Math 5733 150

Test-takers interested in taking all 3 sections at once register using exam code 5752

If the Praxis was taken prior to June 2014 (PPST/Praxis I), the cut scores are:

  • Reading: 175
  • Writing: 173
  • Math: 174
Graduate Requirements

For full admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching Program, students must submit qualifying test scores at the time of application to the Graduate School. Passing scores on any one of the following tests are acceptable: ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core (see above for qualifying scores) or GRE. The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) will accept the highest score on each section of the same test; mixing scores from multiple assessments is not an option.

GRE (Institution code: 2520)

Date Taken Verbal Quantitative
Taken on or after 8/1/11 155 156
Taken before 8/1/11 530 720
Important: Basic Skills Requirement

 
The Basic Skills Requirement is still required by the New Jersey Department of Education for Teacher Education Program students

In 2023, the NJ State Legislature passed a law to waive the Basic Skills requirement for individuals seeking a Certificate of Eligibility. The Basic Skills requirement includes a passing score on tests of reading, writing, and mathematics (most typically the Praxis Core, SAT, and/or ACT). The new law applies only to individuals seeking a Certificate of Eligibility – i.e., individuals who wish to complete an Alternate Route program. The law does not apply to individuals who wish to complete a University-based traditional teacher preparation program that leads to a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing. To understand what the law means for current and prospective Montclair students, it is important to note that at Montclair we offer two main teacher preparation pathways:

  • Traditional route: This is the Teacher Education Program, and is for undergraduates and graduate students who wish to take all of their coursework and become certified before becoming a classroom teacher. Applicants to this pathway must meet the State’s Basic Skills requirement (click here for State details). Completers receive a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing.
  • Alternate route: Montclair offers several Alternate Route options for graduate students who wish to teach while taking requisite coursework for certification. Participants must hold a Certificate of Eligibility prior to entering an Alternate route program. Certificate of Eligibility applicants may be able to use the new law, or the Limited CE option, to waive the Basic Skills requirement but should understand the full terms of that exception (click here for State details). Applicants should note that the current Basic Skills requirement remains in effect for Alternate Route candidates until the law is implemented.

Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to appropriate program for complete admissions requirements and program details:

Questions about Teacher Education?

Please email TEadmissions@montclair.edu with any questions and allow up to 24 hours for a response.