A quick summary of Praxis exams
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Are you interested in pursuing a teaching career in the U.S.? Praxis tests are a crucial step in the certification journey.
The Praxis exams are a series of standardized tests developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals who want to become teachers. With dozens of Praxis exams available, each with its own focus and audience, it can be confusing to understand which ones you need and how they differ.
This guide will help you understand the various Praxis tests by categorizing them, explaining their purposes, and highlighting commonly required tests.
Praxis Core academic skills for educators (Praxis Core)
The Praxis Core, also known as Praxis 1 or Praxis I, is typically the first series of exams prospective teachers take on their path to certification. This set of assessments evaluates essential academic skills in reading (5713), writing (5723), and mathematics (5733), which are foundational for all educators, regardless of their intended subject or grade level.
Completion of the Praxis Core exams is a common requirement for admission into teacher preparation programs or during the initial stages of the teacher certification process. Unlike subject-specific tests such as Praxis 5205 for elementary school writing, the Praxis Core is not limited to any particular content area or grade. Instead, it ensures that every candidate demonstrates proficiency in general academic skills necessary for effective teaching.
Praxis subject assessments (Praxis II)
The Praxis Subject Assessments, also widely known as Praxis II or Praxis 2, are essential components of the broader Praxis exam series for aspiring educators. These Praxis Subject Assessments focus specifically on a candidate’s mastery in individual content areas or teaching specialties, distinguishing them from the more general Praxis Core or Praxis I assessments.
Depending on your field of expertise, each Praxis test under the Praxis II series is tailored to evaluate specialized knowledge. Collectively, these exams fall into several major categories designed to match your specific teaching aspirations and certification requirements.
1. Elementary education exams
Teachers preparing for elementary education roles are typically required to pass multi-subject Praxis tests that evaluate their expertise across crucial content areas.
Praxis 5001 - Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects
The Praxis 5001 is a comprehensive assessment consisting of four subtests focused on essential areas:
Aspiring teachers can choose to complete all four subtests together or individually. In many states, candidates may also retake specific subtests if needed.
Praxis 5205 - Teaching Reading: Elementary
Praxis 5205 is a key requirement in numerous states, especially as state education policies evolve to emphasize better reading instruction practices. This exam centers on foundational reading competencies for elementary educators, such as phonics, comprehension, and evidence-based instructional strategies. Earning a passing score on the Praxis 5205 demonstrates that teachers possess the necessary qualifications for effective reading instruction at the elementary level.
2. Secondary and middle school subject tests
Secondary education candidates take Praxis tests related to the subjects they plan to teach:
5038 - English Language Arts: Content Knowledge
For middle and high school English teachers, covering literature, grammar, writing, and reading analysis.
5081 - Social Studies: Content Knowledge
Covers U.S. history, world history, government, geography, and economics.
5161 - Mathematics: Content Knowledge
Focuses on algebra, geometry, statistics, and calculus concepts for teaching math in grades 6 - 12.
5435 - General Science: Content Knowledge
Common for science teachers, including life science, physical science, and scientific inquiry.
There are also middle school-specific tests, such as:
- 5047 - Middle School English Language Arts
- 5169 - Middle School Mathematics
- 5440 - Middle School Science
- 5089 - Middle School Social Studies
These exams align with teaching grades 5 - 9.
3. Special education
Teachers pursuing special education licensure usually need one or more of these exams:
5355 - Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications
Covers characteristics of learners with disabilities, instructional strategies, and assessment.
5543 - Special Education: Mild to Moderate Applications
Focuses on working with students who need targeted interventions.
5691 - Special Education: Preschool/Early Childhood
Geared toward those working with young children with special needs.
4. ESOL and world languages
With the growing need for multilingual instruction, many states require:
5362 - English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Tests knowledge of language acquisition, linguistics, and instructional strategies for English learners.
5174 - French: World Language and 5195 - Spanish: World Language
These exams test listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in the target language.
5. Professional and pedagogical knowledge
Beyond subject matter expertise, many states require Praxis II tests that assess essential teaching skills and comprehensive professional knowledge:
Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching)
Several Praxis II PLT exams are available based on grade level:
These Praxis II assessments cover key areas such as classroom management, student development, instructional strategies, and educational assessment techniques.
5412 - Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision
The Praxis II Educational Leadership exam (5412) is required for those pursuing principal or administrative roles.
By passing Praxis II exams tailored to both your teaching skills and leadership ambitions, you’ll meet the professional requirements for teacher certification or advancement in many states.
Choosing the right Praxis exams
Which Praxis test you need to take depends on several key factors, including:
- The specific Praxis exam requirements set by your state’s certification agencies
- The grade level and subject area you intend to teach, which may require Praxis 2 or specific Praxis assessments
- Whether you’re preparing for a generalist teaching position or planning to specialize in a particular field
Most state departments of education clearly outline which Praxis exams you must complete for licensure. In addition to standard Praxis test requirements, some states may also require extra performance-based assessments or related professional coursework as part of their certification process. All Praxis exams can be taken at designated Praxis testing centers or at home with the proper remote proctoring set-up.
Conclusion
While the range of Praxis tests, including Praxis I and Praxis II exams, may seem overwhelming at first, understanding their specific categories and purposes can help clarify your next steps. Whether you’re beginning your teaching journey or pursuing additional certification, each Praxis test serves as a structured assessment of your readiness for the classroom. For those unsure where to start, review the requirements from your state’s licensing board or consult your teacher preparation program to determine which Praxis Core or subject-specific exams are necessary for your goals.
With effective preparation and a focused study plan, passing the Praxis exams becomes an achievable milestone on your path to becoming a certified educator.
