Passing Praxis scores by state
The ETS Praxis test is a comprehensive series of tests designed to evaluate the subject matter knowledge and essential skills required for those pursuing a teaching career. One of the foundational assessments is the Praxis Core, which measures basic competencies in mathematics, writing, and reading.
Colleges and universities frequently use Praxis Core scores as a key indicator of readiness for entry into their teacher preparation programs. In numerous states, passing the Praxis exam is a mandatory step for securing a teaching license or certificate.
Three main types of Praxis tests
- Praxis Core: The Praxis Core exam evaluates fundamental skills in reading, writing, and math. Taking the Praxis Core is typically the first step before entering a teacher preparation program. Utilizing Praxis practice tests and reviewing Praxis practice questions can help candidates prepare effectively.
- Praxis Subject Assessments: These Praxis exams assess your knowledge in specific subjects such as Math, English, or Biology, and may also evaluate your teaching abilities. Completing Praxis practice questions tailored to your subject area is a recommended strategy for success on these assessments.
- Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT): The Praxis CKT exam focuses on both subject matter comprehension and effective teaching methods, primarily for those pursuing elementary education. Engaging with targeted Praxis practice tests can enhance your understanding of both content and pedagogy.
Additional Praxis exams are available that align with the specific grade level or teaching specialty you are pursuing. Always confirm which Praxis test is required for your state certification and chosen teacher preparation program.
How is the Praxis scored?
The exams are typically scored on a Praxis score scale ranging from 100 to 200. For each exam, every correctly selected response earns one raw point, and the total raw score is then converted into a scaled Praxis score. Constructed response questions that have more than one answer (i.e., “choose all that apply” questions) are worth more. If there are four correct answers to a question, then the question is worth four points.
The math section, which is an entirely selected-response test, is scored straightforwardly: your raw score is calculated by dividing the number of questions you answered correctly by the total number of questions, and the scaled score is this number (as a whole number, not a percent) plus 100. If you answered 38 questions on the Praxis Math correctly, your rounded scaled score would be:
((38 / 56) * 100) + 100 = 168
Exams with constructed response questions are scored differently: selected-response questions are worth 75% of the overall test, and constructed-response questions are worth 25%, so raw scores need to be multiplied by their respective weights.
This scoring process takes into account the varying difficulty of questions and ensures a more accurate reflection of performance.
Number of questions on the Praxis Core exam
The number of questions varies by exam, which can influence how Praxis scores are determined. For instance, the Praxis Elementary Education exam consists of 245 questions, while the Praxis Core exam includes 154 questions, featuring two essay components. Understanding the specific number and types of questions on your chosen exam will help you estimate the Praxis score you need to achieve your goals.
This chart outlines the breakdown of questions and the time allowed for each section of the Praxis Core:
Praxis Core section | Number of questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
Praxis Reading | 56 | 85 minutes |
Praxis Writing | 40 + 2 essay questions | 100 minutes |
Praxis Math | 56 | 90 minutes |
Are unofficial Praxis scores accurate?
At the end of the multiple-choice section of the exam, a raw score will appear. This is the unofficial score, projecting the number of questions answered correctly. This number is generally quite accurate and will not change unless there was a technical issue. This number is only for the multiple-choice questions, as the short answer and essay questions are graded manually. If the exam taken included short answer or essay questions, the score shown will only increase or decrease by a few points, so that number is a good indicator of the final score.
When to expect the Praxis score
The exams vary, which also affects the release date of the scores. You should receive an email when your scores are available to view on the ETS Praxis portal.
Below are a few examples of when scores could come out:
- Praxis Core (Reading/Math) will show an unofficial score when you finish, but your official score will come out 10 - 15 days later.
- Praxis Core (Writing) will only show the multiple-choice score when you finish, but your official total score will come out 10 - 15 days later.
- Subject Assessments will only show your multiple-choice score, but your official total score will be available 10 - 15 business days later.
- Essay responses will not show an unofficial score, but your official total score will come out 2 - 3 weeks later.
Be patient. Sometimes it will take a shorter or longer amount of time to receive your scores.
Passing Praxis Core exam scores and exceptions
The Praxis Core exam passing score requirements vary across the U.S., and understanding the passing Praxis scores by state is crucial for test preparation. The table below outlines the standard Praxis Core passing scores, alongside state-specific Praxis scores exceptions. This information will help you determine the required Praxis Core scores in your state and set clear goals for achieving a passing result.
Exam | Passing Score | State Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Math | 150 | Kentucky: 144 Maine: 147 Mississippi: 130 Nevada: 144 Pennsylvania: 142 Vermont: 146 |
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading | 156 | Kentucky: 150 Maine: 153 Nevada: 150 |
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing | 162 | Kentucky: 158 Maine: 156 Nevada: 156 North Dakota: 160 South Carolina: 158 |
Since each state sets its own standards, always verify your state’s Praxis Core requirements before you take the test. Being informed about the different passing Praxis scores by state will help you prepare effectively.
Some good tips for preparation and test day:
- Check the passing score requirements for your state
- Use the study guides and practice questions from ETS and trusted third-party study resources
- Eat a good breakfast
- Bring your ID and water for the exam
- Breathe
Conclusion
The Praxis exam is an essential requirement for obtaining a teaching license or certificate in most states, making it crucial to understand the passing Praxis scores by state. Before registering, review the specific Praxis test requirements for the state where you plan to teach, since every state sets its own score standards and expectations for various teaching positions.
Beginning your preparation early is key: using a Praxis practice test and working through Praxis practice questions can help you become familiar with the test format and provide insight into your readiness. Understanding what content will be included on your Praxis tests, such as the types of Praxis Reading passages or question formats, and knowing how your Praxis score will be calculated, are valuable steps in developing an effective study strategy. With thorough preparation using reliable Praxis practice test materials, you’ll be well-equipped to meet the requirements for your desired teaching job.
