Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the Praxis exam measures if prospective teachers possess the competency to excel in their teaching roles.

The Praxis test maintains high standards within the teaching profession by assessing candidates against a common benchmark. A well-prepared teacher positively impacts student learning outcomes. Many states and licensing bodies require passing Praxis exam scores as part of the teacher certification process. 

Adequate preparation increases the likelihood of performing well on the exam. It also boosts confidence and reduces anxiety during the exam. A strong Praxis exam score can boost your teaching credentials, opening doors to more opportunities and higher-paying positions.

In this article, we’ll provide all relevant information about Praxis teacher test preparation. From understanding the exam’s structure to exploring effective preparation resources, we will cover everything you need to know to succeed in your Praxis exam. 

What Is Praxis?

Praxis exams are a series of tests designed to evaluate the readiness of prospective educators to teach in a classroom. These tests are a requisite for teacher certification in the United States. Some states, like Virginia and Pennsylvania, have their own state-specific Praxis tests.

The Praxis exams are categorized into several types, each focusing on different educational expertise:

  • Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Praxis I): Assesses basic academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. It evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand and communicate effectively, which is essential for success in teaching.
  • Praxis Subject Assessments (Praxis II): Evaluate a candidate’s knowledge of specific subject areas. There are numerous subject assessments, like mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, and more.
  • Praxis Elementary Education (CKT): Designed for candidates seeking certification as elementary school teachers. It assesses knowledge and teaching skills in multiple subjects, including mathematics, science, reading and language arts, and social studies.
  • Praxis Special Education: Assess the candidate’s knowledge and skills related to teaching students with disabilities. There are various special education exams covering different age groups and specific disabilities. For example, the Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications (5543) and the Praxis Special ED: Preschool/Early Childhood (5691).

Praxis exams are rigorous assessments of one’s academic and practical capabilities. Given their challenging nature, most candidates opt to undergo thorough preparation. 

There are a variety of options to prepare for Praxis exams, and the choice often depends on the candidate’s preferences. For instance, taking specialized courses, joining study groups, practicing with sample exams, or seeking help from test prep experts.

Praxis Teacher Test Prep Resources

Prospective teachers preparing for their Praxis exam have a range of resources to choose from depending on their learning styles. 

These resources help equip them with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in their Praxis exams. Next, we’ll explore these resources and how you can utilize them to ace your Praxis exam.

praxis test prep

Practice Tests

Practice tests are simulated exam experiences that closely resemble the actual Praxis exam. They allow candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam format, types of questions, and time constraints.

There are several benefits to using practice tests to prepare for Praxis exams. For example: 

  • Time management: Practice tests allow for simulated exam conditions, helping to gauge the time needed for each section. They’ll help you allocate time appropriately during the actual exam.
  • Focused studying: Taking practice tests will highlight your strengths and weak areas. After identifying them, you can focus your study efforts on the specific topics you’ve not grasped properly.
  • Realistic preview of exam: Practice tests mimic the format, structure, and difficulty level of the actual exam, offering a realistic expectation of what to anticipate. You’ll know what to expect and the kind of environment around the exam.
  • Familiarization with exam software: Navigating the exam software before exam day helps you learn the tools and features provided by the exam software. Proficiency in the software reduces anxiety during the actual exam.
  • Confidence Boost: When you’re exposed to the exam content and format in advance, you’re confident about your preparation eliminating all stress related to taking exams.

Study.com provides free practice test for Praxis Core exams, in addition to additional test preparation services. The ETS, the company that administers the Praxis exam, also offers free resources.

Study Guides

Study guides are materials that outline the content and format of the exam, providing a strategic approach to studying.

Study guides are very effective for exam preparation due to the following reasons:

  • Summarize important exam topics: Study guides organize key exam topics to help in efficient revision where you focus on critical concepts and grasp the main ideas and themes of the subject.
  • Tips for effective exam preparation: Study guides suggest effective ways to approach various question types and manage anxiety during exams. These include study strategies, time management tips, and exam-taking techniques to enhance performance.
  • Quick reference during revision: When you need a rapid refresher before the exam, study guides allow for rapid review of essential concepts without needing to sift through extensive course materials.
  • Organizing study time: You must allocate time for each topic for comprehensive coverage before the exam. Study guides help create a study schedule by breaking down the study material into manageable sections.

ETS provides official study guides for each Praxis exam with a detailed outline of what to expect and what to study.

Online Prep

Online prep involves using digital platforms, courses, or educational websites that offer study materials, interactive lessons, and practice questions online.

Online prep has many benefits. For example:

  • Tailored learning: Online prep adapts to individual learning styles offering a personalized approach to studying.
  • Interactive learning environment: Online exam prep provides an interactive learning atmosphere through online forums, discussion groups, and live sessions with instructors or peers. Such groups encourage collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and the sharing of study strategies. For instance, The Learning Liaisons has a dedicated Facebook group for Praxis exam candidates.
  • Access to expertise: Through paid services, online prep offers direct interaction with subject matter experts for personalized assistance, clarifications, and guidance on complex topics.
  • Enhanced convenience: You can access study materials and resources from anywhere, at any time. Online prep helps facilitate learning for candidates with busy schedules or those juggling work, studies, and other commitments.
  • Diverse learning resources: Online prep offers a diverse range of multimedia resources, such as videos, interactive diagrams, infographics, and audiobooks, enhancing engagement and understanding.

The Learning Liaisons (TLL) offers comprehensive Praxis exam preparation online. You’ll get access to interactive lessons, practice exams, and personalized study plans.

One-on-one Tutoring

One-on-one tutoring involves personalized guidance and instruction from an experienced tutor, focusing on the specific needs and weaknesses of the individual student.

One-on-one tutoring offers an edge over other test-prep resources in the following ways:

  • Personalized attention and customized study plans: One-on-one exam preparation offers a personalized approach, where the tutor can tailor the study plan to your strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. The tutor can identify your learning needs and create a customized study plan that optimizes study time and resources.
  • Targeted focus on areas of difficulty: With one-on-one guidance, the tutor can pinpoint the areas where you are struggling. You can then spend more time on challenging concepts and less time on already mastered ones for a more effective study process.
  • Immediate clarification of doubts and questions: You can ask questions and seek clarification on the spot, helping you fully understand the material and prevent misunderstandings 
  • Enhanced accountability and motivation: Having dedicated sessions with the tutor encourages you to stay on track with your study plans and goals. The tutor provides continuous encouragement, guidance, and feedback, boosting your motivation to perform well in the exam.

The Learning Liaisons offers one-on-one online tutoring with experienced educators, tailoring sessions to meet individual needs for Praxis exam preparation.

In-Person Prep Classes

In-person prep classes involve attending physical classroom sessions or workshops conducted by experienced instructors to guide students through exam content and strategies.

Advantages of in-person prep classes include:

  • Structured and guided learning experience: You have a clear roadmap of what to cover and when helping you go through all essential topics logically.
  • Peer interaction and group study opportunities: One great thing about in-person exam prep is the chance to interact with peers and engage in group study sessions. You can discuss challenging topics and learn from each other.
  • Established study schedules for discipline and consistency: In-person prep often comes with set study schedules for consistency. A fixed study schedule helps you stay on track with your exam goals.
  • Real-time interaction with instructors for immediate clarification: Being in a physical classroom means you can ask questions and get immediate clarification from the instructors. If you’re confused about a concept, you can raise your hand and get the answer right away.

Many colleges, universities, or educational centers offer in-person Praxis exam preparation classes. Some organizations also specialize in offering in-person Praxis preparation classes. You can check with local institutions for options available in your region.

If you’re a prospective Praxis exam taker, you can select the most suitable combination of these resources based on your preferred learning style to adequately prepare.

The Learning Liaisons offers comprehensive study resources, personalized tutoring, and a convenient and flexible learning environment, giving you a competitive advantage in your exam preparation.

Understanding Praxis Exam Scores

The scoring system for Praxis exams involves both selected-response and constructed-response questions, each with its scoring scale.

A computer scores the selected response questions and assigns a score on a scale from 100 to 200. Each correct response is worth one raw point. The raw points are then scaled to the 100-200.

Constructed-response questions are manually graded on a scale of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest score and 1 being the lowest. 

For selected-response questions, each correct response contributes one raw point to the total raw score. There is no negative scoring for incorrect answers. The total raw score is the sum of all the correct answers in the selected response section.

After taking the exam, your score reports are available in your ETS account approximately 21 days after the exam date.

how to prepare

How to Reach Your Praxis Exam Goal

To achieve your desired results on the Praxis exam, follow these steps:

  1. Diagnose your strengths and weaknesses: Before diving into preparation, understand your current knowledge and skill levels. Evaluate the areas where you excel and identify the topics or question types that pose challenges. This assessment will provide a clear roadmap for tailoring your study plan to focus on areas that need improvement.
  2. Create a personalized practice plan: Based on your strengths and weaknesses, develop a personalized practice plan that allocates more time and resources to the areas you’ve identified as challenging. Break down the study material into manageable sections and set specific, achievable goals for each study session. Incorporate a mix of review, practice tests, and targeted study for a well-rounded approach to preparation.
  3. Practice with Praxis lessons and questions: Use Praxis study materials, lessons, and practice questions to structure your study sessions. Familiarize yourself with the exam format, types of questions, and content. Work through sample questions and lessons to understand the strategies required to approach each question type effectively. Regularly assess your progress to adapt your study plan as needed.
  4. Make progress as you go: Consistently monitor your progress throughout your preparation. Keep track of your practice test scores and the number of correct answers. Identify patterns of improvement and areas that still need work. Adjust your study plan accordingly to ensure continuous progress, and focus on refining your strategies as you approach your exam date.

Costs of a Praxis Exam

Understanding the costs associated with taking the Praxis exam is crucial for effective preparation. Consider these costs in the overall preparation and planning for the exam.

Praxis I

  • Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading $90
  • Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing $90
  • Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics $90
  • Core Academic Skills for Educators: Combined Test $150

Praxis II

  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood$156
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6 $156
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 $156
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: PreK-12 $156
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 $156

Elementary Education

  • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects $180
  • Elementary Education: Reading and Language Arts Subtest $64
  • Elementary Education: Mathematics Subtest $64
  • Elementary Education: Social Studies Subtest $64
  • Elementary Education: Science Subtest $64
  • Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle – Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science  $150
  • Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle – Mathematics $64
  • Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle – Social Studies $64
  • Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle – Science $64

Praxis Content Knowledge Test (CKT)

  • Elementary Education: Content Knowledge $130
  • Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching $209
  • Elementary Education: Reading and Language Arts $78
  • Elementary Education: Mathematics $78
  • Elementary Education: Science $64
  • Elementary Education: Social Studies $64

Other Service Fees

  • Change to test center or test date $40
  • Phone registration $35
  • Additional score reports $50 per report

Taking the Praxis Exam with Confidence

Passing a teacher certification exam, such as the Praxis exam, is a fundamental requirement in every state for individuals aspiring to become certified teachers. 

The Praxis exam evaluates a candidate’s grasp of academic and pedagogical concepts, ensuring they are well-prepared to educate students in a classroom.

You must pass the Praxis exam to obtain teacher certification in many states. A strong performance opens doors to a fulfilling career in teaching.

Thorough preparation equips you with the confidence needed to tackle the exam, resulting in a more composed and successful test-taking experience.

To embark on this journey with confidence, check out The Learning Liaisons and get access to a variety of Praxis exam preparation materials to help you perform your best on the exam.