The Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) is a three-part exam that measures the foundational reading, writing, and math skills required to enter most teacher preparation programs in the United States. It consists of 152 multiple-choice questions and 2 essay questions across three subtests, Reading (5713), Writing (5723), and Mathematics (5733), and takes 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Passing scores for each subtest range from 130 to 162, depending on your state.
This page covers everything you need to know about the exam structure, subtests, scoring, and how to prepare.
Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) At a Glance
| Exam Code | 5752 |
| Subtests | Reading (5713), Writing (5723), Mathematics (5733) |
| Total Questions | 152 multiple-choice + 2 essays |
| Reading (5713) | 56 multiple-choice — 85 minutes |
| Writing (5723) | 40 multiple-choice + 2 essays — 100 minutes |
| Mathematics (5733) | 56 multiple-choice — 90 minutes |
| Total Time | 4 hours 35 minutes |
| Passing Score | 130–162 per subtest (varies by state) |
| Exam Fee | $150 combined / $90 per individual subtest |
| Can Take Subtests Separately? | Yes |
| Calculator Allowed? | On-screen four-function calculator provided for math only — no personal calculators permitted |
What Is the Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) Exam?
The Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) is a three-subtest exam covering Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. It is required by most states as a prerequisite for entry into a teacher preparation program and must be passed before you can earn your teaching certificate.
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge and academic skills in reading. Let’s look at the Praxis Core Academic Skills overview to help you better prepare.
The Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) exam consists of 152 multiple-choice questions and 2 essay questions, spanning across three subtests:
- Reading (5713)
- Writing (5723)
- Mathematics (5733)
For more detail on the content categories and topics covered on the Praxis 5752 exam, check out the Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) study companions:
- Praxis Core Reading (5713) Study Companion
- Praxis Core Writing (5723) Study Companion
- Praxis Core Mathematics (5733) Study Companion
By understanding the breakdown of each section, you can prioritize your studying and allocate more time to areas where you may need additional practice and improvement. A balanced approach to studying all sections will lead you to success in the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam.
How much time do I have to take the Praxis Core exam?
The combined Praxis Core exam takes 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete. If you take subtests individually, Reading is 85 minutes, Writing is 100 minutes, and Mathematics is 90 minutes.
What score do I need to pass the Praxis Core exam?
To pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills, you need to pass each of the three subtests. The passing scores for each subtest range from 130 to 162, depending on your state’s requirement. There are a few states that have different score requirements, so check the Praxis ETS website to determine the score requirement for your state.
How many questions are on the Praxis Core exam?
The Praxis Core contains 152 multiple-choice questions and 2 essay questions across three subtests. Reading has 56 questions, Writing has 40 multiple-choice questions plus 2 essays, and Mathematics has 56 questions.
| Subtest | # of Questions | Format | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (5713) | 56 | Mutiple choice | 85 minutes |
| Writing (5723) | 40 multiple-choice + 2 essays | Multiple choice + CRQ | 100 minutes |
| Mathematics (5733) | 56 | Multiple choice + numeric entry | 90 minutes |
How much does the Praxis Core exam cost?
The Praxis 5752 exam costs $150. Each subtest costs $90 if you need to take any of the subtests separately. Check the Praxis website to find more information on how to pay for your exam.
How do I register for the Praxis Core exam?
You can register for the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam online using your Praxis ETS account. Before you register make sure you check with your state to determine which exams you need to take. You can also check the Praxis ID requirements to ensure you have proper identification at registration.
How Is the Praxis Core Scored?
The Praxis Core is scored separately by subtest; you must pass all three to pass the overall exam. Passing one subtest does not carry over if you fail another; each subtest is evaluated independently against your state's required cutoff.
How scoring works
Each correct answer counts as one raw point. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should always answer every question, even if you're unsure. Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score between 100 and 200 to account for slight differences in difficulty across test versions. Each essay response in the Writing subtest is scored holistically on a scale of 1 to 6, meaning the entire essay is scored as a whole and not in parts. This score is combined with your selected-response score to produce your final Writing subtest scaled score.
When you get your scores
Unofficial scores for Reading and Mathematics are available immediately after you finish the exam. Writing scores take longer because the essays require human scoring. Your Writing score will be available on the ETS website after 3 weeks.
What your score report shows
Your score report includes your scaled score for each subtest, your pass/fail status, and a breakdown of your performance by content category. If you did not pass a subtest, the category breakdown is the most useful part of your report; it tells you exactly where you lost points, so you can focus your studying before you retake.
Retaking a subtest
If you fail one or more subtests, you only need to retake the subtests you did not pass, not the entire combined exam. You must wait 28 days between attempts on the same subtest. There is no limit on the number of retakes.
For a deeper breakdown of how the Praxis Core is scored, visit our Praxis Core scoring guide
In conclusion, the Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate aspiring educators’ knowledge and proficiency in math, reading, and writing skills needed to be a successful teacher. By understanding the exam structure, content breakdown, and test preparation tips, you can confidently approach the exam and increase your chances of success.
Who Needs to Take the Praxis Core?
The Praxis Core is required for anyone applying to a state-approved teacher preparation program in most U.S. states. It is a prerequisite exam — meaning you typically need to pass it before you can begin your teacher prep program, not after. Think of it as the entry gate into the teacher certification process, not the exit.
Specifically, you likely need the Praxis Core if:
- Your state requires it for admission into an educator preparation program
- Your university or college requires it as part of their education program application
- Your state requires it as part of the teacher certification process before student teaching
Important: Requirements vary by state and change frequently. For example, New Jersey eliminated its Praxis Core requirement effective January 1, 2025. Always confirm current requirements with your state's Department of Education or your educator prep program before registering.
Who may NOT need the Praxis Core:
- Candidates in states that have waived or eliminated the requirement — check your state's DOE website to confirm
- Candidates pursuing certain alternative certification pathways — some programs have different prerequisite requirements
- Candidates who already hold a teaching certificate in another state — reciprocity agreements vary by state
Praxis Core vs. Praxis Subject Assessments — what's the difference?
This is one of the most common points of confusion. The Praxis Core tests foundational academic skills in Reading, Writing, and Math — it's not subject-specific. The Praxis Subject Assessments test your knowledge of the specific content area you plan to teach, such as Elementary Education, Biology, or Mathematics. Most candidates need both — the Core to get into their prep program and the Subject Assessment to earn their teaching certificate.
How Hard Is the Praxis Core?
The Praxis Core is a moderate-difficulty exam, but don't underestimate it; many candidates do, and they end up retaking it. The National Council on Teacher Quality found that only 46% of aspiring elementary school teachers pass the Praxis the first time. Here's what you need to know about where candidates actually struggle:
- The Writing section is the hardest for most candidates, especially the essays. The Praxis Core Writing essays give you only 30 minutes each, with minimal planning time. This takes a good deal of practice. The multiple-choice grammar questions are also more demanding than most candidates expect; they test precise knowledge of grammar rules rather than just general writing ability.
- The Math section catches career changers off guard. The Praxis Core Math is tough for many candidates, particularly career changers for whom it has been a while since they used concepts like the Pythagorean Theorem, area of a circle, or probability word problems. The content itself is foundational, but if you haven't used it in years, it requires dedicated review. The good news is that an on-screen four-function calculator is provided.
- The Reading section is the most manageable. Compared to other general academic skills exams, the Reading portion of the Praxis Core is relatively straightforward and less challenging than Reading on the SAT or ACT. That said, the passages require careful reading under time pressure, and questions about inference and author purpose trip up candidates who read too quickly.
- Difficulty is also personal. A candidate's performance on the Praxis Core will vary based on individual strengths and weaknesses. For example, an aspiring mathematics teacher may breeze through the Praxis Math but struggle with the Reading and Writing sections. Take a practice test first to identify your weak spots before you start studying.
The best approach: take a free diagnostic practice test, identify your weakest subtest, and spend the most time there. Take a free Praxis Core practice test to find out where you stand before test day.
How to Prepare for the Praxis Core Exam?
The Praxis Core covers three distinct skill sets: Reading, Writing, and Math and most candidates aren't equally strong in all three. The most effective preparation strategy starts with finding out where you actually stand before you start studying.
- Step 1: Take a diagnostic practice test first. Before you open a study guide, take a full-length or subtest-specific practice test. Your score breakdown will show you exactly which content categories need the most work. Studying without knowing your weak spots wastes time on material you already know.
Take a Free Praxis Core Practice Test
- Step 2: Prioritize your weakest subtest. Most candidates have one subtest that's significantly harder than the others. Focus the majority of your initial study time there. Once you've built a foundation in your weak area, shift to maintaining your stronger areas with lighter review.
- Step 3: Practice writing essays under timed conditions. The two essays are the most commonly underestimated part of the exam. You get 30 minutes per essay, no more. Practicing in real time is the only way to get comfortable with the pace. Don't just outline essays; write full drafts from scratch within the time limit.
- Step 4: Brush up on Math fundamentals; don't rely on the calculator. An on-screen four-function calculator is provided for the math subtest, but it won't save you on algebra, geometry, or probability questions that require conceptual understanding. Review core formulas and practice solving problems without the calculator so you're not dependent on it for every question.
- Step 5: Take a full-length practice test under real conditions. In the final week before your exam, take a full combined practice test, all three subtests back to back, under timed conditions. The Praxis Core is 4 hours and 35 minutes. Stamina and pacing matter. You need to experience the full length before test day, not just individual subtests in isolation.
More Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) Resources!
- Start your test prep with our free Praxis 5752 practice test.
- Got questions about your scores? We got you covered in our Praxis 5752 scoring guide!
- Looking for some study help? Check out our Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) study guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) exam consists of 152 multiple-choice questions and 2 essay questions, spanning across three subtests:
- Reading (5713)
- Writing (5723)
- Mathematics (5733)
The Praxis Core Academic Skills (5752) exam lasts for 4 hours and 35 minutes.
To pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills, you need to pass each of the three subtests. The passing scores for each subtest range from 130 to 162, depending on your state’s requirement. Some states have different score requirements, so check the Praxis ETS website to find your state's requirements.
Most tests don’t offer a scheduled break. However, you can take a short, unscheduled break. If you choose to take an unscheduled break, your test clock will not stop so be sure to keep these breaks short.
The Praxis Core is required for anyone applying to a state-approved teacher preparation program in most U.S. states. It tests foundational academic skills in Reading, Writing, and Math, and is typically required before you can begin your teacher prep program. Requirements vary by state and change frequently; always confirm with your state's Department of Education or your educator prep program before registering.
Yes. You can take all three subtests together as the combined Praxis Core (5752) for $150, or you can take each subtest individually for $90 each. Taking them separately gives you more flexibility. If you fail one subtest, you only need to retake that specific subtest rather than the entire exam
An on-screen four-function calculator is provided for the Mathematics subtest only. You cannot bring your own calculator into the testing center. No calculator is available for the Reading or Writing subtests.
There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the Praxis Core or any individual subtest. You must wait 28 days between attempts on the same subtest. If you fail one subtest, you only need to retake that subtest, not all three.
The Praxis Core tests foundational academic skills in Reading, Writing, and Math; it is not subject-specific and is required for entry into most teacher prep programs. The Praxis Subject Assessments test your knowledge of the specific content area you plan to teach, such as Elementary Education, Biology, or Mathematics, and are required to earn your teaching certificate. Most candidates need both the Core to get into their prep program and the Subject Assessment to earn their license.