What is the Praxis?
First things first: Praxis isn’t a single exam; it’s a series of exams. The most popular Praxis exams are Reading, Mathematics, Writing, Principles of Learning and Teaching, and Elementary Content Knowledge and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. It is essential that you know which tests are required in the state(s) in which you plan to teach before registering for the tests and beginning your preparation. Understanding these requirements will guide your preparation. To learn which tests you need to take, contact your state’s department of education.
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About the Praxis Tests and their Differences
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
The Praxis Core is made up of three tests covering basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills. These tests are often required for undergraduates entering education programs. Some states also require them for non–education major applicants seeking jobs in the classroom. You will need to pass all three tests to be certified to teach in many Praxis states. As a result, it’s important to know where you need the most help so that you can focus your preparatory energies where they are most needed.
| Core Test | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 56 | 85 minutes |
| Mathematics | 56 | 85 minutes |
| Writing | 40, and two essays | 40 minutes for the questions, 60 minutes for the essays |
[ GOOD TO KNOW: What’s tested on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Test? ]
The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) tests are broken up by grade level: K-6, 5-9, and 7-12. Refer to the requirements for the state in which you plan to teach to determine which of these tests you will need to take.
Praxis Elementary Education: There are two Praxis Elementary Education tests…
- Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Elementary Education: Content Knowledge
Praxis Subject Assessments
There are literally dozens of subject assessments covered by the Praxis series, everything from Agriculture to Mandarin to Theater.
Computer-Delivered Praxis Testing
Aside from Braille Proficiency, all Praxis tests are now offered exclusively via computer-delivered formats.
Note: In the past, Praxis distinguished between computer-delivered tests (whose test numbers began with 5) and paper-based tests (whose test numbers began with 0). If you are using any Praxis materials or references more than a year or two old, you may see the same test referred to by both types of numbers, as paper-based testing persisted longer in some regions and on some tests. To make sure you are preparing for the most up-to-date test formats, visit www.ets.org/praxis.
About Praxis Scoring
A passing score on a Praxis test will vary depending on which state is requiring you to take the test. What’s more, your state may change the passing score on a particular test from year to year. You can find passing score information by state at ets.org/praxis/scores; however, for the most up-to-date information about score requirements, please contact the state licensing board, organization, institution, or teacher-training program that will receive your scores.
Registering for Praxis Tests
The easiest way to register for Praxis tests is online at www.ets.org/praxis/register. You may also register by mail, by submitting a Test Authorization Voucher Request Form (download the PDF at the website), or by phone, by calling 1-800-772-9476. There is a $35 fee if you use the phone registration service. If you are attempting to take a Praxis test outside of the United States, visit the registration website and follow the instructions you find there.
Depending on your method of registration, you either will be mailed a test admission ticket or will need to print out an e-ticket from the online registration site. Bring this ticket with you to the testing site—without it, you will not be allowed admission.
Whichever route you choose, be sure to check the test dates and locations and choose a location where you will feel the most comfortable. Also, look at up-to-date information about the state in which you plan to teach. A helpful list of relevant state addresses and websites appears in the appendix at the back of this book. If you are a test taker who requires accommodations for a disability or other health-related issue, you will need to provide documentation to support your request. You can find official information about the process of submitting a request for accommodations at ets.org/praxis/register/disabilities or by contacting ETS.
Educational Testing Service
The Praxis Series
P .O . Box 6051
Princeton, NJ 08541-6051
Telephone: (609) 772-9476
Fax: (609) 530-0581
Website: ets.org/praxis
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