How hard is the Praxis exam?

The Praxis exams, a series of tests for teaching certification and specialization in the U.S., can be moderately challenging, especially for candidates who haven’t taken a standardized exam in a while.

There are two main categories of Praxis exams: the Praxis Core and the Praxis II, the latter of which is subject-specific. The Praxis Core exams are a comprehensive series of tests designed to evaluate competencies in mathematics, writing, and reading. In numerous states, passing the Praxis Core is a mandatory step for securing a teaching license or certificate. The Praxis II exams, also known as Praxis subject assessments, are used by teachers to specialize in certain subjects and age groups.

With a wide variety of Praxis exams available, relative difficulty levels can vary based on test and subject familiarity. The best way to approach these exams is through a detailed Praxis study plan and targeted preparation.

The main types of Praxis tests

The Praxis exams are a set of education certification tests developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a leader in standardized exams that also administers the GRE. Here are the most important Praxis exams and categories to know:

1. Praxis Core Reading: The Praxis Core Reading (5713) exam evaluates important competencies in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analysis. The test includes 56 multiple-choice or selected-response questions that must be answered in 85 minutes.
2. Praxis Core Writing: The Praxis Core Writing (5723) exam assesses fundamental writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills required of all instructors seeking teacher licensure and classroom teaching. It includes 40 multiple-choice questions and two essay prompts, all of which must be answered in 100 minutes.
3. Praxis Core Math: The Praxis Core Math (5733) test covers algebra, geometry, and core math concepts, as well as problem-solving skills and the ability to apply mathematical reasoning in an educational context. It’s a 56-question test that takes 90 minutes to complete.
4. Praxis Subject Assessments: These Praxis exams assess knowledge in subjects such as Math, English, or Biology, and may also assess teaching skills and pedagogical best practices for specific age groups. Using practice questions specific to your subject is a recommended strategy for success on these tests.

Furthermore, the Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) exam emphasizes both subject-matter understanding and effective teaching techniques, primarily for individuals aiming to enter elementary education.

Taking the Praxis Core is usually the initial step before starting a teacher preparation program (TPP), as many TPPs require students to pass all three Praxis Core tests before entering. There are also additional Praxis exams tailored to specific grade levels or teaching specialties. Always verify which Praxis test your state requires for certification and which your chosen program requires. Using Praxis practice tests and reviewing practice questions can enhance your preparation.

What makes the Praxis difficult?

The difficulty level of the Praxis exams will depend on a person’s experience with the material and comfort with standardized testing. Content-wise, the Praxis Core exams are designed to cover basic competencies in math, reading, and writing. The more specialized exams go into greater depth on specific topics and subject matter.

While the content of these exams may be approachable for someone with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, that does not mean there is no need to study. Part of acing these exams is being able to answer questions under time pressure and interpret them in light of the exam’s specific wording. The best way to familiarize yourself with ETS’s unique wording and the exam length is to take realistic, full-length practice exams in your areas of focus.

Here’s what makes the various exams challenging:

1. Praxis Core Reading: Long reading passages demand attention to detail. For some questions, more than one answer choice might be correct, so you must read each one carefully.
2. Praxis Core Writing: The essay portion, which asks students to write one argumentative essay and one informative/explanatory essay, can be difficult for test-takers who struggle to write under pressure. The best way to practice is by using timed prompts that match what you may see on the official test.
3. Praxis Core Math: The Praxis Math test is similar to the GRE Math section, particularly in questions on number comparisons, data interpretation, and statistics. For these, the challenge is not content, but whether your method is efficient enough to save time for trickier, multi-step algebra or geometry problems.
4. Praxis II tests: Difficulty level ranges from exam to exam. Here are some of the tests that teaching candidates find the hardest due to their breadth and depth:
   1. Mathematics (5165): Advanced secondary math
   2. Physics (5266)
   3. Chemistry (5246)
   4. Social Studies (5581)
   5. English Language Arts: Content and Analysis (5039)
   6. World language assessments
   7. Music assessments

For Praxis subject tests, a solid level of experience is needed to do well, as you’re tested on knowledge that’s built by developing expertise over time. These exams are recommended for students with educational or professional backgrounds in these areas. While you can prepare in advance, students with limited practical experience in the field they plan to teach will need to devote additional time to developing their skills.

Mistakes to avoid on the Praxis

For seasoned test-takers, education majors, and those with subject-specific knowledge, the Praxis Core and related tests may seem like a walk in the park. Avoid these common pitfalls that students face:

1. Relying too much on past knowledge and not on how information is presented on these tests
2. Not practicing with timed quizzes and full-length exams
3. Not studying using the official ETS testing blueprints
4. Not brushing up on math-heavy subjects
5. Not practicing with the on-screen four-function calculator that’s provided on the Core Math section
6. Not reading questions carefully
7. Skipping writing essays during your prep

Don’t underestimate these tests: failing any one of the three Praxis Core exams can leave you ineligible for a TPP, which will stall your progress to becoming a teacher. Avoid the need for costly retakes by dedicating yourself to preparation, whether you’re still in college, finishing a master’s, or entering teaching as a second career.

How is the Praxis scored?

Praxis scoring is another area that sometimes confuses test-takers. Praxis Core exams are reported as scaled scores ranging from 100 to 200. Your number of correct answers forms a raw score, which ETS then converts into a scaled score through an equating process.

Because of equating, there is no single fixed formula that turns a raw score into a scaled score: the conversion accounts for small differences in difficulty between test forms, so the same number of correct answers can map to slightly different scaled scores.

Exams that include constructed-response (essay) questions combine two parts: selected-response items and the essays, each weighted toward the final scaled score. Essays are graded separately and are usually given a numerical score between 1 and 6.

This approach helps ETS account for varying question difficulty and provide a fair, comparable measure of performance across test dates.

Passing Praxis Core exam scores by state

The Praxis Core exam passing score requirements vary across the U.S., and understanding the state-specific passing scores is crucial for test preparation. The table below outlines the standard Praxis Core passing scores, alongside state-specific exceptions. This information will help you determine the required Praxis Core scores in your state and set clear goals to achieve a passing score.

Since each state establishes its own standards, make sure to check your specific state’s Praxis Core requirements before taking the exam. Knowing the varying passing scores across states can help you prepare more effectively.

How should you prepare for your Praxis test day?

Basic preparation tips all future teachers should follow:

• Space out your preparation for the Praxis Core exams so you’re not overwhelmed
• Practice using full-length exams and simulate real test-taking conditions
• Spread your studying over several weeks to avoid cramming
• 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

Make sure you register for your tests well in advance of your teacher preparation program’s deadline, so you stay on track for certification.

Praxis retake policies

You may retake any Praxis test multiple times until you pass, but you must wait at least 28 days between attempts. For each attempt, you’ll need to re-register and pay the exam fee. The Praxis Core costs $150 when taken together and $90 per separate test, while the remaining Praxis exams vary in price. Some students may qualify for a free exam if they’ve failed the same one three times in a row.

Becoming a teacher: Where the Praxis fits in

While each state has slightly different requirements, becoming a licensed teacher in the U.S. generally follows these steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: All future teachers need to obtain a bachelor’s degree to qualify for certification. Although any major is acceptable, selecting a degree related to your intended teaching subject can better prepare you for certification exams and provide more relevant classroom experience.
2. Complete a teacher preparation program: TPPs, or educator preparation programs (EPPs), offer aspiring teachers thorough coursework, specialized subject training, and pedagogical development. These programs also include supervised teaching in K-12 classrooms, an essential requirement before earning certification.
3. Pass required teacher certification exams: All teaching candidates must pass certification exams to meet state licensure requirements. The Praxis Core is the most commonly used set of assessments across over 40 states.
4. Apply for a teaching license: After meeting the educational, training, and exam requirements, the final step is to request your state teaching license. The department of education in your state manages this process, which requires submitting various documents such as university transcripts, teacher exam results, and a background check.
5. Complete any state-specific certification requirements: Depending on your teaching location, you might need to complete additional state certification requirements.

The Praxis is important, but it’s just one part of your broader training requirements. With a willingness to learn and excitement about the field of education, you’ll be well on your way to working with students and changing lives in the classroom.

Conclusion

The Praxis exams can feel challenging, especially if you haven’t taken a standardized test recently, and because the series covers so many subjects, difficulty depends heavily on the specific test and your familiarity with the material. The most effective way to prepare is to build a comprehensive study plan and focus your efforts on targeted practice.

Start early: working through Praxis practice tests and practice questions helps you get comfortable with the format and gauge your readiness. Understanding what content each exam covers, such as the types of reading passages or question formats, and knowing how your score is calculated are valuable steps toward 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.