Most states use Praxis® tests offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) as part of their teacher and educator certification requirements. These standardized tests span a wide range of content in order to assess educators’ preparedness to teach specific subjects and grade levels. Some states and institutions even require them for entrance to teacher preparation programs.

This free guide is designed to help current and future teachers navigate the Praxis® offerings to ensure they can both select and prepare for the tests that are the best matches for their career aims. Our guide to the praxis exam features information including: what subjects are covered, test formats, and resources for helping students find study guide materials

How many different Praxis® tests are there?

The Praxis® tests are constantly evolving. While there are currently over 100 different Praxis® tests, offerings are added, removed, or revised on a yearly basis – this is what can make finding a study guide difficult. For the most up-to-date listings of the required tests for certification in your state including the relevant cutoff scores and other required licensing credentials, be sure to consult the comprehensive resources on your state’s official Department of Education webpage.

How much does it cost to take a Praxis® test?

The Praxis® tests range in price from $90 to $210. Additional fees apply for things like extra score reports, score review requests, changing test centers, or registering by phone instead of online.

How are the Praxis® tests scored?

Each test is made up of some combination of selected and constructed response components. Selected response questions are scored electronically. Each question is marked as correct or incorrect with a blank response scored as incorrect.

Constructed response questions are scored by two or more specially trained ETS scorers using approved rating scales.

Test takers can normally request score reviews should they suspect any irregularities or improper results. There is currently a $65 fee for this service.

How are Praxis® tests administered?

The majority of the Praxis® tests are administered via computer, however there are some specific tests (like the Braille Proficiency test) that include analog or performance-based components. Paper tests are available to suit these needs or in cases where students qualify for specific accommodations.

When are the Praxis® tests given?

Some tests, like the Praxis® Core series, are available year-round. However, many of the Praxis® II subject tests are only offered during specific testing windows and at specific testing centers. Test takers must stay on top of the Praxis® testing calendar to be sure they do not miss an opportunity to take the particular tests they need.

Where can Praxis® tests be taken?

Praxis® tests are offered at accredited testing centers both nationwide and internationally.

In states, like Illinois, that do not include the Praxis® tests as part of their teacher preparation or licensure requirements, it is still possible to find testing centers that offer the tests. This is especially beneficial for students studying in states other than where they plan to teach, teachers looking to make a move to another state, or for teachers looking to take advantage of certification reciprocity agreements between states.

How long are the Praxis® test sessions?

Like with most standardized exams, the Praxis® tests are rigidly timed. Depending on the content, tests range from 50 minutes to a whopping 5.5 hours.

Each test session also includes approximately 30 minutes of tutorials and pre-test material. This is not scored content, but does add to the overall length of the test day experience.

Accommodations like extended time and extended breaks are available for those who apply and qualify. Naturally, these modifications can also lead to longer testing times.

What is a considered a good score on a Praxis® test?

Each state has their own cut scores for what is considered “passing” a specific Praxis® test. The latest passing scores guide can be found here on the ETS website.

Select tests are included in the Recognition of Excellence Award program, which is designed to draw attention to high-performing test takers in specific areas.

Can the Praxis® tests be retaken?

Praxis® tests can be retaken, but test takers must wait 21 days (not counting the initial test day) before the next attempt. Failing to wait will result in the retake scores being invalidated.

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There are three main categories of Praxis® tests:

Each category contains multiple tests, each focused on specific content, grade levels, and teaching qualifications. As such, the lengths, question types, and preparation strategies vary. In many instances, however, study guides and test prep materials can be available that are catered to your area of interest.

The Praxis® Core assessments are comprised of individual math, reading, and writing tests. They are offered collectively as a single 300-minute testing session or as individual subtests.

Some states and institutions only accept the Praxis® Core tests when they are taken in a single session. Others allow test takers to take the three independently or retake specific subtests in pursuit of passing scores.

That said, test takers must still wait the requisite 21 days before retaking any of the Praxis® Core tests.

Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics

Test Number – 5732

Test Duration – 85 Minutes

Content – The Praxis® Core math test assesses four major strands of mathematical content:

Question Types – 56 questions including including single answer, multiple answer, and numerical input

Additional Resources –

For those that struggle with math, the Praxis® Core mathematics test can be difficult. While most of the tested skills are at or around an advanced eighth grade math level, the test often includes some obscure specifics that most people wouldn’t encounter on a regular basis.

The best tip from actual test takers seems to be to memorize the required formulas. Unlike on other standardized tests, there are very few references and supports offered within the Praxis® Core mathematics test itself.

For some extra practice and strategies, check out these helpful download links:

Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading

Test number – 5712

Test duration – 85 minutes

Content – The Praxis® Core reading test assesses the test taker’s ability to read and analyze various types of text including news media, novels, nonfiction texts, and data displays (charts, graphs, tables, etc.). The test includes short texts that are either around 100 or 200 words. The longer the text, the more questions that will likely be asked about it.

Question types – 56 selected response questions

Additional resources –

Preparing for the Praxis® Core reading test is all about extracting information from text. While some of this information is clearly identifiable, the majority of the test deals with more complex analysis and interpretation. Being able to read between the lines is important!

Test takers need to brush up on analytical skills like identifying and evaluating author’s’ purposes, perspectives, stylistic choices, and persuasive techniques. Drawing conclusions, using context clues, and distinguishing between fact and opinion are also common focal points for test questions.

The links below provide helpful examples and study resources:

Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing

Test number – 5722

Test duration – 100 minutes

Content – The Praxis® Core writing test assesses a variety of writing skills including grammar, sentence structure, research skills, word usage, and other English writing conventions. Test takers are also tasked with writing two timed essays: one argumentative and one informative/explanatory.

Question types – 40 selected response questions (40 minutes) and two essay responses (30 minutes each)

Additional resources –

The Praxis® Core writing test is the only part of the Praxis® Core series of exams that is not entirely constructed response. That said, test takers often become so preoccupied with the two required essays that they forget to prepare adequately for the selected response portion of the test.

In actuality, honing the English language skills assessed in the selected response questions is one of the most effective ways to ensure your essays receive as many points as possible. Improving your grammar, syntax, and word choice will benefit your entire writing test performance.

For more help and advice, spend some time with these strong resources:

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The Praxis® Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) tests are some of the newest offerings in the Praxis® lineup. They evaluate how well prospective elementary level teachers can utilize their content knowledge in effective pedagogical ways.

Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching Tests

The Praxis® Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) tests are some of the newest offerings in the Praxis® lineup. They evaluate how well prospective elementary level teachers can utilize their content knowledge in effective pedagogical ways.

Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching Tests

Test number – 7801 (includes subtests 7802-7805)

Test duration – 5.5 total hours spread across four subtests:

Content –

What makes these particular tests unique compared to other Praxis® tests is that they blend the assessment of teachers’ content knowledge with their abilities to wield that knowledge to help elementary students learn.

To accomplish this, the multiple-choice questions in each of the four subtests combine grade-level appropriate content with the types of student-focused choices and assessments that are part of an elementary teacher’s daily life.

Question types – Each of the four subtests includes a different number of selected response questions:

There are no essays or constructed response questions included in any of these subtests.

How to start preparing

Elementary Education: Applied Content Knowledge for Teaching

Test number – 7901 (includes subtests 7902-7905)

Test duration – 5.5 total hours spread across four subtests:

Content – Much like the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching test, the Applied Content Knowledge for Teaching test assesses elementary teachers’ content knowledge through the lens of practical classroom application. The major difference between the two test series is that the Applied Content Knowledge for Teaching test includes several short, constructed-response questions.

Question types – Each of the four subtests include selected-response questions. The Reading, Language Arts test and Mathematics test each contain two short, constructed-response questions. There are no essays on any of the Applied Content Knowledge for Teaching tests – the longest constructed response is typically no more than four sentences.

How to start preparing:

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Each of the Praxis® II Subject Tests is designed to assess a teacher’s knowledge in a particular content area and/or the pedagogical skills required to teach content effectively. These tests are the ones most commonly used as criteria for certification and licensure for teaching specific courses and grade levels.

Most subject areas include multiple test options for the same content. Before registering or preparing for a particular Praxis® II Subject Test, be sure to check the requirements in your state at Certification Map or on your state’s official Department of Education webpage.

This guide outlines the current Praxis® II test offerings according to content areas and includes some free, helpful preparation advice and materials. However, the most comprehensive study materials available for the majority of the Praxis® tests come at a cost.

Before you purchase premium study materials (either print practice books, online study guides, or enroll tutoring services), check to see the content is aligned to the most recent incarnation of the test you are preparing for. Compare the advertised topics in these materials to the test’s Official Praxis® Study Companion to be sure.

Note: the test lengths listed in this guide do not include the extra 30 minutes of tutorials and practice problems included in most Praxis® testing sessions.

The umbrella of arts education is a broad one. Schools offer a wide range of courses including music, design, theatre, and other specific creative arts that require qualified, certificated teachers. To meet these diverse needs, the following Praxis® II subject tests tend to cover broad ranges of the relevant content to help ensure candidates have working knowledge in their fields.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resouces:

Teach.com’s guides to teaching opportunities for Music and Art teachers

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Many of the 21st century skills that appear in both the Common Core and individual state educational standards have roots in business and the social sciences. Pursuing a teaching certification in these fields may help you become more marketable as the push for the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs ramps up.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources

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There are a wide variety of instructional and support opportunities for educators in the ELA content area. It should come as no surprise that it is one of the most crowded categories of Praxis® II Subject Tests.

While many of the tests assess similar content, it is essential that test takers prepare for the specific test(s) required by their schools and/or states.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources:

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Mathematics is regularly atop the list of high need, teacher shortage areas. As a result, teachers with mathematics certifications are constantly in high demand. For teachers looking to improve their employment odds in the education field, becoming a highly qualified math teacher is certainly worth considering.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources

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Great teaching is about more than just content knowledge. Pedagogy, the ability to deliver quality instruction and meet the diverse needs of learners, is just as important. Thus, most states require some formal assessment of teachers’ abilities to effectively put their content into practice.

There are numerous Praxis® II Subject Tests that focus on pedagogy. The vast majority of these tests are tied to specific student grade and developmental levels.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources:

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Note: These videos skew towards the grades 7-12 test, but they contain helpful information for anyone looking to brush up on their pedagogical knowledge.

Teaching physical education and health is a much more complex career path than most people realize. Many states and school districts require physical education teachers to double as health educators as well. This doubles the amount of content (and potentially certification tests) necessary for success in the field.

Fast Facts:

The physiological, biological, and pedagogical, content on these tests can be quite dense and require ample preparation. Even those seeking to work with younger students must possess a strong understanding of material ranging from injuries and diseases to health policy and peer relationship issues.

Addtional Resources:

Science and STEM teachers are in increasing demand nationwide. Getting certified to teach in math, science, and technological fields is a way to turn teacher shortages into career opportunities. Unlike math, however, science certifications tend to be more specialized into specific subjects. The result is a much larger cadre of potential tests to take.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources:

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Teaching social studies involves the synthesis of several disciplines. Successful social studies teachers synthesize content knowledge in areas like geography, civics, economics, anthropology, sociology, and history with essential ELA skills including research, writing, and argumentation.

The relevant Praxis® II Subject Tests represent the required pedagogical and curricular diversity of the field.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources:

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Other than the STEM fields, special education is one of the most consistently in-demand areas in the education world. At the same time, it is easily one of the most complex.

Special education teachers must stay on top of a plethora of behavioral, psychological, and pedagogical trends to ensure they are employing best practices in educating particularly at-risk students. The steps general process to become a certified special education teacher reflect this complexity. Typically among these certification requirements is the passage of one or more special education exams aligned to state standards and developmentally appropriate practices.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources

The ‘T’ in STEM education continues to increase in both popularity and demand. More and more schools are adding courses like coding, networking, and digital media production into their lists of offerings. If this trend continues, teachers with the corresponding certifications will continue to find it easier to secure the teaching jobs of their dreams.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources

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World language education continues to find its way into students’ educational careers earlier and earlier. 

The Praxis® II world language tests assess how prepared teachers are to both utilize and teach specific world languages to students of all ages.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources

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There are several Praxis® II Subject Tests that apply to special educational roles that don’t fit neatly into larger departments or areas of study. However, since they are educational positions, they require certification and licensure just like any other teacher or educational professional. These tests help states assess and verify individuals’ qualifications to fill these niche roles.

Fast Facts:

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The Praxis® II Subject Tests include several general knowledge exams. These survey-type tests cover wide swaths of content, but do so with less depth than most of the previously listed tests do.

Fast Facts:

Additional Resources:

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Last Updated August 2020