What Is the Praxis Test & How To Prepare for It

What Is the Praxis Test and How To Prepare for It

The Praxis Exam is a test designed to assess core competencies for teaching. The Praxis Exam allows teachers to prove their professional readiness and is an important step in the teacher certification process.

Learning more about the Praxis Exams can help aspiring teachers prepare for the test and achieve passing scores.

About the Praxis Test

The word praxis means practice. The Praxis Exam assesses teaching skills and subject knowledge that teachers will need to be successful in their everyday practice. The Praxis Exam is designed and facilitated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Praxis tests are often administered as students are applying to teacher preparation programs and some state requirements include sections of the Praxis Exam in their licensure requirements.

Praxis Test Format

The Praxis is a comprehensive computer-based exam with several different subtests and answer formats. The subsections of the Praxis Core test range from 40 to 56 questions and will take between 85 and 150 minutes to complete. Question formats used in the Praxis Exams include:

• constructed response questions
• selected-response questions
• multiple-choice questions
• numerical entry questions

Praxis Core Tests

The Praxis Core (Praxis I), is a combined test often used to evaluate candidates for teacher education programs and is also required by many states as part of the teacher certification process.

The Praxis Core consists of three sections:

• reading
• writing
• mathematics

The Praxis Core provides an indication of a teacher candidate's core academic skills and general competencies.

Praxis Subject Tests

The Praxis Subject Assessment, sometimes referred to as the Praxis II, is a more specific evaluation of a candidate's subject-specific knowledge. There are over 90 Praxis Subject Assessments covering specific subject areas, grade levels, or aspects of teaching such as:

• social science
• art
• biology
• language arts
• English
• world languages
• chemistry
• music
• early childhood education

Praxis Content Knowledge Tests

The Praxis Content Knowledge Test (CKT) is designed for educators seeking to work in elementary education.

The main sections on the Praxis Content Knowledge Test are:

• language arts and reading
• mathematics
• social studies
• science

Teachers seeking a general teaching license that qualifies them to become an elementary school teacher will take this test to demonstrate an understanding of the multiple subject areas they will teach young students.

Passing Score

The Praxis Test is scored on a range between 100 and 200. The exact score needed to pass or obtain a teaching license may vary based on the state or organization.

Passing scores on the Praxis Core range from 150 to 162 depending on the state and section of the test. Test takers who do not meet the required test scores can retake the test at a later date.

How To Prepare for the Praxis Test

Effective test preparation involves multiple stages of planning and studying. Candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree in education will likely have had some test preparation as part of their training. Students can apply principles of learning to their own study process in order to maximize their readiness.

Study Guides

Students can find many helpful study guides for each section of the Praxis Exam. Using a study guide will help you understand the test requirements and ensure that you focus on relevant topics during your study.

Finding other test takers who can serve as study companions is a great way to boost your motivation and maintain accountability.

Practice Tests

Practice tests are one of the best forms of test prep. It is important to replicate as many features of the real test as possible. Even at home, test takers should try to take practice tests at a similar time of day and in a similar setting to the real test.

Individuals who replicate many features of the test-taking environment in their test preparation may experience less anxiety on test day.

Test Day

Test takers will need to select a test date offered by an approved test center. It's normal to experience some anxiety before taking a test. Test takers should remember to breathe deeply and trust in their extensive preparation to boost their confidence.