Praxis^® Study Guides & Test Info

What Is the Praxis Test?

The Praxis exam is one of the key steps to becoming a licensed educator in more than 40 states and U.S. territories. However, the Praxis isn't just one test. The most common exams are the Praxis Core Tests, Praxis II Subject Assessments, and the Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) Tests. Each state or agency sets the testing requirements when becoming a licensed educator, so check with your local agency to find out specific testing requirements and fees. Use the Praxis State Requirements guide to find out what you'll need to get certified in your state.

Praxis Core Tests

The Praxis Core test consists of three subject areas: reading, writing, and mathematics. This test is generally administered early in the college career and is designed to measure the skills and content knowledge of candidates entering teacher preparation programs. Some states may require these Praxis Core tests as part of the licensure process. The Praxis Core test can be taken at approved testing centers or through remote at-home testing.

The structure of the exam offers some flexibility and allows the candidate to take the three subjects separately or in one combined sitting. If taken in one sitting, the session is approximately five hours. If the subjects are taken separately, each session is approximately two hours.

The Core Reading test contains 56 questions and has a testing time of approximately 85 minutes. The question structure includes document analysis and integration along with some alternate response types. The Praxis Core Writing test has two sections comprising 40 selected-response questions and two essay questions. The essays assess both explanatory and argumentative writing abilities and have a testing time of 60 minutes. The selected-response questions address strategies for research and for improving text and have a testing time of 40 minutes. Finally, the Praxis Core Math test is 56 questions and has a testing time of 90 minutes. The questions consist of numeric-entry and selected-response questions. An on-screen calculator is provided for the Mathematics test.

Praxis II Subject Assessments

The Praxis II Subject Assessments, or the Praxis 2, consist of these groups of tests: Subject Assessments and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Tests. Praxis 2 Subject Assessments include over 90 different subjects, including:

• Agriculture (5701)
• Computer Science (5652)
• Economics (5911)
• Geography (5921)
• Library Media Specialist (5311)
• and many others!

The Subject Assessments measure both general and subject-specific knowledge and teaching skills. You can expect to see both selected-response and essay questions. There are bundling options to take multiple related subjects in one sitting. For example, you can take the Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects, which consists of Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.

The PLT Tests measure general teaching knowledge at one of the four grade-level ranges:

1. Early Childhood
2. K-6
3. 5-9
4. 7-12

Selected-response questions and essay questions can be expected. The essay questions will have prompts based on information provided in the case studies.

Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) Tests

The Praxis CKT tests are specifically designed for teachers specializing in elementary education.

There are four CKT tests:

• Reading and Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

These Praxis tests cover two areas:

1. Your ability to do the work of the student curriculum. For the Reading and Language Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies CKT tests approximately 20% of the questions will measure the content knowledge needed to do the work of the student curriculum.
2. Your ability to teach the student curriculum. The remaining 80% of the questions measure specialized content knowledge necessary to teach the student curriculum.

Praxis Test Preparation

Preparing for the Praxis involves a number of steps and they start months in advance. Below, we'll cover everything you'll need to know to get ready for your test day.

Phase 1: Get Registered

Praxis registration can be done online, by mail, or by phone. Note: If you're taking the American Sign Language (ASLPI) test, you must register by mail.

Register Online

1. Log in to your ETS account or create an account.
2. Confirm your account information. ETS uses your email address on file to communicate important information.
3. Select Register for a Test on your account home page.
4. Select the test(s) you want to take using the Search and Select Tests page.
5. Choose a date and time for your test(s) on the Schedule Tests page.
6. Follow the site directions to complete your registration and pay for your test. ETS accepts credit/debit card, eCheck, or Paypal. Note: eChecks must be drawn from a United States financial institution using only U.S. Dollars.
7. If you registered for a test center appointment, print your admission ticket from your Praxis account. You will bring this with you on testing day. Helpful hint: you may want to print the file as a PDF to save to your computer as a backup.

Register by Mail

1. Complete the Test Authorization Voucher Request Form and mail it to ETS. Use the code lists to complete the form.
2. When your request is processed, a voucher number and registration instructions will be sent back to you via mail service. Allow three weeks for delivery.
3. Your ticket will not be mailed to you. You must print your ticket from your Praxis account and bring it with you for any test center appointments.

Register by Phone

You may only use this service if you have previously created a Praxis account online and are using a U.S. testing center. There is a $35 surcharge to use this service. Call ETS at least four days prior to your test date.

Phone number: 1-800-772-9476

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. ET

Payment methods accepted: Credit/debit card, eCheck, or PayPal.

Phase 2: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Preparing for the Praxis can lay the groundwork for a smooth, successful testing experience. First and foremost, find out the requirements for your state. Once you know which tests will be required, you can develop your preparation strategy and study plans. An effective strategy to prepare for taking a Praxis Test should include the following:

1. Learn what is on the test and how it is scored.
2. Evaluate how well you have learned the content Note: It is important to be honest with yourself in this step.
3. Find your study materials
4. Plan and organize your time - this may be the most important step of all
5. Develop your study plan
6. Practice explaining key concepts in your own words. It may be helpful to explain these key concepts to a friend or family member with minimal knowledge of the Praxis to assess your efficacy.

Phase 3: Test Day

You've made it this far, finish strong! Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before your test. Have a filling breakfast and make sure to hydrate.

Test Center Testing

Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. You should plan to be at the Praxis testing center for up to an hour longer than the actual duration of the test. This includes check-in, the collection of background information, and testing tutorials.

Your list of things to remember for test day is short but important:

• Admission ticket
• Photo ID
• A calculator, if needed and/or allowed for your test

Scratch paper and writing utensils are provided by the test center. Personal items other than ID documents aren't allowed in the testing room or permitted during breaks. This includes phones, watches, or any other electronic, recording, listening, scanning, or photographic devices. All jewelry with the exception of wedding or engagement bands is prohibited. All clothing and personal items are subject to inspection. Note: ETS and test centers assume no responsibility for personal items you choose to bring to the test center.

Praxis test accommodations are available with a request placed in advance. Procedures for requesting accommodations can be found in the Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs.

When you arrive, an administrator or supervisor will check you in and assign your seat.

At-Home Testing

Checking in for your at-home test will take approximately 20 minutes. Praxis online test is proctored, and your space will need to be prepared accordingly.

Follow these steps for a smooth process.

1. 15 minutes prior to your appointment time, click the 'At Home Check-In' link in your confirmation email, or on the home page of your account. You have up to 12 minutes after your scheduled time to begin your check-in. We do not recommend waiting. If you miss the cut-off time your test will be canceled, and your fee will not be refunded.
2. Select 'Start Session.'
3. Complete the authentication steps. You will need to show the proctor your ID, be sure to have that within reach. The name on your ID must match the name on your account.
4. The proctor will review the exam rules and request access to your computer screen for monitoring purposes.
5. The proctor will ask you to use your computer's camera to show a 360-degree view of your environment, including your tabletop.
6. The proctor will launch the ETS Test Browser and enter the ETS ID and password to access the test.

During the test, the proctor will monitor you and your computer screen. Make sure you can always be seen on camera by the proctor. Suspicious movements could invalidate your test. If you need to contact the proctor for any reason during your test, speak to get their attention and/or use the LogMeIn chat. The blue owl will bounce up and down if the proctor is attempting to chat with you during the test.

If you lose your internet connection, you will automatically be reconnected to the proctor when your connection is restored. If your exam can be reopened, your proctor will do so for you. If you aren't able to reconnect and speak to the proctor, call ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678 for assistance.

Praxis Study Guide Materials

When it comes to the Praxis exams, there are plenty of praxis resources to help you through it. Take advantage of the practice tests, study guides, and other materials that are readily available to you. These resources can help you understand the content that's found on Praxis exams, get you ready for the test day, and help you identify areas of strength and areas where there are knowledge gaps.

Expert Contributor

Daniel Bal

Daniel Bal, M.S. Ed. has over 12 years of experience as a high school English teacher. As an educator, he has developed and executed curriculum that revolves around the creative process and the practical application of reading and writing. He continues to focus on helping the educational community by working as a content developer and academic researcher. Daniel earned his M.S. in Secondary English Education at Duquesne University and his B.A. in English and Philosophy from Penn State University.