Test Scores

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) Test Information

Applicants to all Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education programs are required to take the three Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exams (Reading, Writing and Mathematics) instead of the GRE. We have gathered the most common questions relating to this change and answered them below.

• How long are my Praxis Core scores good (e.g., I took the Praxis Core 6 years ago, will you still accept them)?
  • PRAXIS test scores do not expire.
  • Scores are posted online on the score reporting release dates, approximately four weeks after the test date and are available for one year once posted. If you have not downloaded your score report by the time the window ends, you will be charged a service fee of $50 to obtain an additional copy of your scores. There is also a service fee of $50 to send score reports to an additional score recipient. Please consult The Praxis® Information Bulletin (PDF) for score report release dates for each test.
• I have questions about the Praxis Core test scores in regards to my program/application at UNH. Who do I contact?
  • If you just want to know if your Praxis Core test scores have been received by UNH, you can check your status online or contact the UNH Graduate School Admissions Office.
  • If you have specific questions about the your program and the Praxis Core requirement, contact Teresa Lengyel at the Education Department.
• I have questions about the Praxis Core exam itself (where to take, how to take, scores, etc.). Who do I contact?
  • Visit the ETS Praxis Core website
• What is the minimum Praxis Core score accepted? Do I need all three of the core exams?
  • Minimum qualifying scores in New Hampshire are available at the ETS Praxis website
  • To complete your application, you need to submit all three of the core scores (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics).
• Can I request a waiver of the Praxis Core?
  • No. Because the Praxis Core is required for certification, no exceptions can be made to this rule.
• Where and how do I have my scores sent?
  • Your scores should be sent to the UNH Graduate School Admissions Office. You can indicate this when you sign up for the test. Our recipient code is 3922.
  • We will accept an official copy of the scores if you bring it to our office in person for validation. We will make a copy of the scores for your Graduate School records. Self-reported scores, if emailed, faxed, or photocopied, will not be accepted.
  • Note that only scores taken since July 2016 will show up as eligible to be sent to us via recipient code 3922. Scores for tests taken prior to July 2016 can only be sent to our undergraduate education office. However, if you let our office know, we will contact the undergraduate education office directly for a copy.
• I have taken, or plan on taking, the GRE – can I use the GRE in place of the Praxis Core?
  • No. The Praxis Core exam is required for certification. No exceptions can be made to this rule.
• Why do you require the Praxis Core instead of the GRE?
  • The State of New Hampshire requires that all candidates seeking initial certification take and pass the Praxis Core exams. To reduce the testing burden on students, the Education Department and Graduate School decided to replace the GRE with the Praxis Core as the testing requirement for admissions.
• When did the Praxis Core test score become a requirement for applicants?
  • July 12, 2016.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Non-native English-speaking international applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency. Demonstration of a sufficient level of proficiency is a prerequisite for admission. Applicants from English speaking countries are exempt at the department and Graduate Office's discretion. Submitted scores that fall below our minimum requirements will be considered unacceptable and grounds for inactivating the application until a qualifying score can be provided. Please Note: Scores are waived for Permanent Residents but are required for refugees. International applicants who graduated as an undergrad from UNH can have the English Language Proficiency requirement waived by emailing our office and requesting it be waived.

Minimum score requirements* are as follows:

Currently available tests:

• TOEFL iBT: 80
• TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 59
• Duolingo English Test (English Proficiency Test): 105

Less common/discontinued tests (accepting unexpired scores):

• TOEFL ITP** (Institution Administered): On case-by-case basis
• TOEIC** (Test of English for International Communication): On case-by-case basis
• TOEFL (Computer-based): 213

*NOTE: International applicants with below-minimum scores may apply as a Bridge Master’s student.

**The ITP and TOEIC may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. The ITP is the standard English assessment test (paper-based) used to assess incoming students and the test must be taken at UNH to qualify. See the ESL Institute website for more details on taking the ITP. If you wish to use ITP or TOEIC scores as proof of your English language proficiency, you need to email the Graduate School at grad.school@unh.edu requesting approval to use them.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The University also offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program through the ESL Institute each summer and during the academic year. The Institute helps students who wish to develop their English language skills, learn more about American culture and prepare for study at an American university.

Test Score Waivers

Some departments allow waivers of their test score requirements. In those cases, applicants may request a waiver of test scores based on previous course work, a previous graduate degree in related area, work experience, or special circumstances. If you would like to request a test score waiver of the GMAT, GRE or any English Proficiency Test, please complete the GMAT/GRE/TOEFL Test Score Waiver form and submit it via email directly to the Graduate School at grad.school@unh.edu.

Once a request is received, the Graduate School will forward it to the appropriate department. All waiver requests require the approval of both the department and the Graduate School. When a decision is reached regarding the waiver request, the applicant's admissions record and checklist will be updated and can be viewed online by the applicant.