PRAXIS Test Guide

The Praxis Series of exams are administered by Educational Testing Service and are used by individual states to grant teaching licenses to qualified candidates. Praxis exams are required for licensure in 40 states. The Praxis Series includes two distinct exams:

• Praxis I (Pre-Professional Skills Test, or PPST) – Measures basic academic knowledge
• Praxis II – Measures subject-specific knowledge and teaching skills

Requirements for teaching candidates vary by state. Students should check with their state department of education to ensure they are aware of the most up-to-date requirements at test time.

Praxis I – PPST

The Praxis I evaluates a student’s basic reading, writing and math skills. Students typically take this exam early in their college career, often in their freshman or sophomore year.

Students can elect to take either the computer-based or paper-based exam, depending on their state’s requirements. With the exception of the writing essay, all questions are multiple choice. Calculators are not permitted.

The computerized PPST is comprised of three separate tests: reading, math and writing. The reading and math tests each include 46 questions to be answered in 75 minutes. The writing test is separated into two sections. The first writing section includes 44 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 38 minutes. The writing essay section includes one essay to be completed in 30 minutes.

Test takers have the option to complete each test separately in two-hour segments on different days, or to complete the entire Praxis I at once in a four-and-a-half hour block with a 15 minute break offered midway through.

The paper-based PPST includes the same three tests of reading, math and writing. The reading and math tests each include 40 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. Just as in the computerized test, the writing exam is divided into two sections. The first writing section includes 38 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 30 minutes. The writing essay section includes one essay to be written within 30 minutes.

For both paper and computerized tests, the questions cover the following topics:

• Reading – Literal comprehension and critical and inferential comprehension
• Math – Basic operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability
• Writing – Grammar, word choice, mechanics and structure

During registration, students can select their preferred format and testing location. Students should note that both formats are not available at all testing centers. The Praxis I is administered at Prometric Test Centers as well as many colleges and universities. Students may register online through Educational Testing Service for the paper test, or over the phone with Prometric Candidate Services (800.853.6773) for the computerized test. Students may also contact a test center directly to register. Computerized tests are scheduled by appointment, while paper-based tests are held on pre-scheduled dates throughout the year.

Students taking all three exam components of the computer-based PPST at once are charged a fee of $130. If students elect to take the exams separately, the fees are $80 for one test or $120 for two tests. Each test of the paper-based exam costs $40.

Praxis II: Subject Assessments

The Praxis II exams test a candidate’s general and K-12 subject-specific knowledge and teaching skills. Students need to complete the Praxis II prior to applying for state licensure. Many students take the exam while still in their senior year of college.

There are 120 paper-and-pencil exams in the Praxis II series, including:

Subject Assessments, such as

• Art
• Business Education
• Driver Education
• Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
• English
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Foreign Languages, including French, German, Latin and Spanish
• Gifted Education
• Government/Political Science
• Health Education
• History
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Reading
• Sciences
• Special Education
• Technology Education
• Theatre
• Principles of Learning and Teaching Tests
• Early Childhood
• Grades K-6
• Grades 5-9
• Grades 7-12
• Teaching Foundation Tests
• English
• Math
• Science
• Multiple Subjects

Praxis II tests may last one, two or four hours, depending on the exam. Each test includes questions that are either multiple choice or essay. The number of questions varies with each exam. Students may take up to three exams in a single day.

Test candidates can register for the Praxis II online through Educational Testing Service. Praxis II exams are administered at test locations on several dates throughout the year. Test fees range from $65 to $95.

Praxis Series Scores

Scores are available online approximately three weeks after the test date for the computerized tests, and approximately four weeks for the paper test. Score reports generally arrive in the mail a week to 10 days after online scores are made available. For a $30 fee, students may receive their scores over the phone earlier. Educational Testing Service provides a schedule online that indicates when phone scores are available for each testing date.

Are you a teaching student ready to start preparing for the Praxis Series exams? There are lots of great preparation programs available to you. Check out our PRAXIS Test Directory to get started today!

Source: Educational Testing Service; ets.org