The Praxis Test: Everything You Need to Know
Practice Test & Study Guide

Everything you need to know — exam types, passing scores, registration, how to study, and what to do with your results.

Published Oct 11, 2021Updated Jul 12, 20267 min read

The Praxis Series

120+ teacher certification tests · published by ETS

What this page covers

Everything you need to prepare for the Praxis — what the tests are, how they’re scored, what registration costs, how to study effectively, and what to do after you get your results. If you’re starting Praxis prep, start here.

Preparing for the Praxis is one of the most important steps in your teacher certification journey. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, verified path from exam selection to passing score.

What Is The Praxis Test?

The Praxis Test is a collection of exams that each uniquely contribute to the teacher certification process. Praxis® tests cover a spectrum of assessments, from specific subjects like Art and Biology to the core skills of reading, writing, and math, along with the essential techniques of teaching (otherwise known as pedagogy).

The Praxis consists of dozens of specific tests, but they can be broken down into three primary categories:

Which Praxis Test(s) Do You Need To Take?

Depending on your state and the teaching field you’re eyeing, the Praxis you need can differ. Each state has its own set of exams it requires so its best to check which exams your specific state requires for teaching area. Wondering how this applies to your state? We’ve got you covered with a state-by-state breakdown of Praxis® requirements.

Here are three questions to ask yourself when trying to determine which test you need to take:

1. What state will you teach in?

   Each state’s Department of Education sets its own list of required Praxis tests and minimum passing scores. The same Praxis test code can have different cut scores in different states — and a few states don’t use Praxis at all. Confirming this first prevents you from paying for the wrong test.

2. What grade level and subject?

   Elementary candidates typically take Praxis 5901 (Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects) and a PLT for K–6. Secondary teachers take a single content-area Subject Assessment in their subject — Math 5161, English 5039, Social Studies 5081, and so on — plus a PLT for 5–9 or 7–12.

3. Where are you in your teacher prep program?

   Praxis Core (5752) is the gateway exam most candidates take to enter a teacher prep program. Subject Assessments and PLT exams come later, typically in the final year before licensure. Knowing where you are in the program tells you which test to study for next.

Find a Study Guide for Your Praxis Test.

Pick your exam and we'll match you with a full-length practice test and study guide aligned to your state's requirements.

How To Register For The Praxis

You can register for the Praxis® online at praxis.ets.org, by phone at 1-800-772-9476 (with a $35 fee), or by mail using the Test Authorization Voucher Request Form. Online is the fastest option; phone registration requires at least four days’ notice, and mail can take up to three weeks.

There are no formal prerequisites for Praxis exams — anyone can register. Your state and your teacher prep program will tell you which tests you need.

1. Confirm which Praxis tests your state requires

   Praxis requirements vary by state and license type. Use our State Requirements Tool or your state DoE checklist to confirm the exact tests and cut scores.

   Takes 5 Minutes

2. Create an ETS account

   Register at ets.org/praxis. You'll need a government-issued ID and your social security number.

   ets.org/praxis

3. Choose a test format

   Pick a Prometric test center or schedule an at-home session with online proctoring. At-home requires a wired connection + external webcam.

   Year-round availability

Before you can take any tests, you’ll of course need to register for the Praxis®. Praxis® Test registration can be tackled in a few different ways. Let’s walk through your options!

Online Registration

First, head to the Praxis® website. If you’re already registered, just log in; if not, setting up an account is pretty straightforward. Once you’re in, pick your test, settle on a date and location that works for you, and then pay with a credit card. And don’t forget to print out your admission ticket, in case test center personnel ask for it.

Phone Registration

Feel more at ease talking to someone? Just call Praxis® at 1-800-772-9476, though do note there’s an extra $35 fee for this service. Remember to call at least four days ahead of your desired test date and have your account info ready. Their hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM ET.

Mail Registration

Prefer the traditional mail route? Download the Test Authorization Voucher Request Form, fill it out, and send it off to ETS. This method takes a bit longer – up to three weeks – so it’s best not to leave it until too late. When you get your voucher and instructions back in the mail, you’ll be all set to finalize your registration.

How Hard Is the Praxis?

Pass rates vary widely by exam — some subject tests have first-attempt pass rates below 50%. The Praxis Core is generally considered moderate in difficulty for college graduates, while subject assessments can be significantly more challenging depending on content depth.

The most common reason candidates fail is underestimating how specific the content knowledge needs to be. Multiple-choice questions are written to test precise understanding, not general familiarity.

Praxis Scoring: What You Need to Pass

Direct Answer

Praxis scores range from 100–200, and passing scores vary by state, so check the ETS website for your specific requirement. You’ll get an unofficial score right after the test, with official scores arriving in your account within about three weeks.

Passing scores are set by each state, not ETS. Most states require a score between 155 and 175 on a 100–200 scale for Praxis Subject Assessments.

The Praxis Core has a range of 100–200, with passing thresholds typically around 156 (Reading), 162 (Writing), and 150 (Math), though these vary by state.

Because Praxis® scores are more varied and sometimes more complex than the grades we may have been used to in our own schooling, they can seem a bit intimidating on the surface. Let’s break these scores down so you know what you’ll need to do to pass your Praxis® test.

Scoring Essentials

Praxis® exams land on a scale between 100 and 200 points. Test writers mix things up with both selected-response (like your traditional multiple-choice questions) and constructed-response questions (think essays or short answers). For the multiple-choice questions, you get a point for each right answer. But when you hit those essay questions, they’re graded by folks who know their stuff – educators and experts in the subject area. Don’t leave any question blank – there’s no penalty for wrong answers, so your best guess is better than nothing.

Unofficial vs. Official Scores

Just as you finish up, for many Praxis® exams, you get an unofficial score. This is like a first glimpse of your performance – especially helpful for the reading and math tests. But don’t take this as the final word. Your official scores, which arrive in your account in about three weeks, are the ones that really count. They usually stick close to your initial, unofficial scores, so you get a pretty good idea of how you did as you step out of the test center.

Passing the Test

The tricky part about Praxis® is that there’s no universal ‘pass’ or ‘fail.’ Each state or educational agency sets its own benchmark for what’s considered a passing score. So what’s a thumbs-up in one state might not cut it in another. A smart move is to check out the ETS website to understand the passing scores required in your specific state or agency.

Interpreting Your Score Report

Your score report is more than just a number. It’s a detailed map of your performance, breaking down where you excelled and where you could use a bit more focus. You’ll see your numeric score, whether you passed or not, and the average range for each section. If you find yourself below the passing line, use this detailed breakdown to gear your study plan towards weaker areas.

Key Points to Remember

• Adapting to Variations: Remember that Praxis® exams can vary in form and number of questions, which means the passing score isn’t a fixed target.
• Score Cancellation: If you end your test feeling less confident, you do have the option to cancel your scores, but this should be a well-thought-out decision.
• Staying Informed: Keep up to date with the ETS website for the latest on test forms and score reports.

How to Study for the Praxis

Direct Answer

To study for the Praxis, focus on three things: personalized tutoring to tackle your weak areas, realistic practice tests to get comfortable with the format and timing, and a mix of study materials like guides, flashcards, and videos to reinforce the content from different angles.

Preparing for the Praxis®️ Test is no simple task. Still, a few simple strategies can equip you with the knowledge and confidence to pass the Praxis®️  with flying colors. Here are a few of our preferred approaches.

Preparing for the Praxis®️ Test involves a strategy that encompasses more than just memorizing facts. Here’s our preferred three-pronged approach to effective study:

In-Depth Tutoring

Personalized tutoring can play a vital role in your Praxis®️ prep. Tutors can help you address specific challenges you encounter while studying the material, providing tailored advice and strategies. They can also be instrumental in clarifying complex subjects and keeping your study plan on track.

Realistic Practice Tests

An integral part of preparing for the Praxis®️ is taking practice tests. These tests mimic the conditions of the actual exam, helping you adapt to its format and timing. Be sure to analyze your performance in these tests, as it helps you identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your study strategy.

Diverse Study Materials

A variety of study materials can enhance your learning experience. Alongside comprehensive guides that offer detailed reviews and practice questions, consider incorporating different types of learning tools. Flashcards, for instance, are great for quick revision, while instructional videos can provide a more visual understanding of concepts. 

Praxis FAQs