Praxis Steps 2026: New Modular Teacher Licensure Testing Explained

Praxis Steps is a new way to complete some teacher-licensure tests

Praxis Steps is ETS's modular testing model for selected Praxis assessments. Instead of always taking or retaking an entire test, candidates in participating states can use smaller content-area modules called Steps. The first rollout is tied to the new Elementary Education Fundamentals tests. ETS says Praxis Steps launched September 1, 2026 for tests 8002 through 8005 where a state has adopted the new assessments and enabled the modular option.

The important limitation is state adoption. Praxis Steps is not automatically available to every candidate in every state. Your certifying state or agency decides which Praxis tests it accepts and whether a Steps-enabled version applies to your licensure route.

Three practical pathways

Which tests are involved first?

The 2026 rollout centers on Elementary Education Fundamentals. The current series includes Reading and Language Arts (8002), Mathematics (8003), Social Studies (8004), Science (8005), and Teaching Reading (8006). ETS test pages state that Steps are enabled in September 2026 for 8002-8005 in adopting states, while individual Steps for 8006 are planned for 2027. Because state adoption can differ, verify the exact test codes on your state's Praxis requirements page before paying.

What does a Step represent?

A Step is a focused portion of a larger assessment aligned to a content category. The modular structure is meant to let candidates demonstrate mastery in smaller pieces. This does not mean standards are lower. ETS describes Praxis Steps as a different testing pathway that retains licensure standards while allowing more flexible sequencing and more granular performance information.

Why this matters for retakes

Traditional retesting can require repeating an entire assessment even when a candidate's weakness is concentrated in one content area. A Steps-enabled route can allow a candidate to focus study and retesting on the needed Step, if that candidate's state has adopted the model and the applicable score-banking rules permit it. Always follow the state requirement shown in your Praxis account rather than assuming a national retake rule applies everywhere.

Scores can be banked across Steps

ETS describes the model as allowing candidates to progress one Step at a time and bank their results, or take a full test and then use targeted retakes. The official state requirement remains the controlling standard. A candidate should not infer that passing one Step alone grants a license or completes every state requirement.

How to check whether you can use Praxis Steps

1. Open the official Praxis state-requirements page.
2. Select the state or agency where you seek certification.
3. Find your certification area and required test code.
4. Confirm whether the new Elementary Education Fundamentals test is accepted.
5. Look for Steps-enabled information for that specific test.
6. Only then choose a full-test or modular registration path.

September 2026 score timing for the first rollout

ETS says candidates who took an Elementary Education Fundamentals 8002-8005 full test or individual Step on September 1-5, 2026 received an official score-report date of September 11 after 5 p.m. ET. For these tests or Steps taken after September 6, ETS says scores are available within seven calendar days after the test date. Other Praxis tests can follow different score-reporting schedules.

How to prepare differently for a Step

Do not shrink preparation into memorizing only a few sample questions. Start with the official Study Companion for the exact test code, identify the content category that maps to your Step, and practice application as well as recall. The new Elementary Education Fundamentals tests include classroom-context questions, so strong preparation should connect subject knowledge with the kinds of decisions a beginning teacher makes in instruction.

Do not confuse Praxis Steps with a new national license

Praxis Steps is a test-delivery and retake capability, not a national teaching license. States and licensing agencies still establish certification requirements and qualifying scores. ETS develops and delivers assessments, but it does not decide every state's operational passing score.

Praxis Steps FAQ

When did Praxis Steps launch?

ETS says the modular option launched September 1, 2026 with participating Elementary Education Fundamentals tests in adopting states.

Can I take one Step instead of the full test?

Where your state has adopted the Steps-enabled test, ETS provides modular pathways that can include testing one Step at a time.

Can I retake only the part I did not pass?

Targeted retakes are a central feature of Praxis Steps, subject to the requirements of the adopting state and the specific test.

Does every state use Praxis Steps?

No. Check the official state requirements for your licensure jurisdiction.

Next, use the Elementary Education Fundamentals guide and Praxis passing-scores-by-state guide.