Praxis Core: A definitive guide to the test
Learn all about the test and how to prepare.
Author: Beneisha Williams
Learn all about the test and how to prepare.
Author: Beneisha Williams
If you are thinking about becoming a teacher you probably already know there are quite a few tests you will have to take. To become a certified teacher in most states, you’ll have to pass The Praxis Core Academic Skills test along with a handful of other standardized tests. These tests may cover the subject you want to teach or even core skills in other subjects, such as math or reading (even if you don’t plan to teach those subjects).
For many aspiring teachers, the thought of test-taking can be overwhelming. From registration, cost, and planning study time, it may seem like a lot to tackle. No worries! We’ve got you covered. We’ll discuss the Praxis Core test in detail — what it covers, who the test is for, and what resources are available to help you prepare.
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To become a certified teacher in most states, you’ll have to pass The Praxis Core Academic Skills test along with a handful of other standardized tests.
The Praxis Core is a fundamental skills test covering math, reading, and writing. The test is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS). Currently, the Praxis Core is required in 30+ states and used by several state education agencies.
The Praxis Core test helps colleges and universities evaluate your readiness level before entering an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). It's similar to the SAT or ACT. In fact, many teaching programs may accept scores on the SAT or ACT instead of the Praxis Core. (More on that below.)
Regardless of what subject you plan on teaching, you may need to take the Praxis Core when you apply to a teaching program. The test covers the following areas (1):
If you are an undergraduate student interested in becoming a teacher, you’ll likely need to take the Praxis Core test. If you’re a career changer who already has a degree, your Educator Prep Program may require you to take the Praxis Core as well. The purpose of Praxis Core is to evaluate and measure your knowledge and skill levels in areas that are deemed important for being able to lead a classroom successfully.
In some states, if you meet the required score for either the SAT or ACT, you do not need to take the Praxis Core. Ask your teaching program if you can substitute one of these tests.
To register for the Praxis Core test, you first need to check the state testing requirements for your current state or the state you are planning to teach in. After confirming the correct test. You can register:
If you need testing accommodations due to health or disability, ETS—that’s the organization that makes the Praxis and other academic tests—can help. For more information, visit the Praxis Accommodation Page.
For a single Praxis Core Test, the fee is $90 per test. For the combined test (Math, Reading, Writing), the cost is $150. (1) The fee for a single test or the combined test can be waived if you are a college undergrad and graduate student currently receiving financial aid. Visit the Fee Waivers Page to learn more about the waiver requirements.
We know application fees, testing, transcript costs, and applying to educator preparation programs can add up. Learn more about our Fee reimbursement program here.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, ETS Praxis offers two options for taking the test. You can currently take the test at an official testing center or at home via a remote testing proctor. Both the home and in-person tests cover the same information.
If you are planning to take the test on-site, be sure to register for your desired test date in advance. Also, arrive a few minutes early to ensure you aren’t rushing in right before the test start time. The testing center Administrator (TCA) will provide you with all the necessary test equipment.
If you are taking the test from home your process will be slightly different. Once you have registered for the test through ETS, you will receive an email with additional registration instructions from ProctorU, the company used by ETS to administer at-home testing. When you have completed the ProctorU registration process, you can then schedule your Praxis Core test.
Search the Praxis Location Page to find a testing center near you. (1) In order to qualify for at-home testing, you must live within the United States, U.S. Territory, or Canada and meet the in-home equipment requirements.
Some physical testing centers may require proof of vaccination to enter the testing facility. Please check with your testing center for official health and safety information before your test date.
The Praxis Core is broken down into three scores. Each section (Math, Reading, Writing) can receive a score between 100-200 points. Unlike most tests, points are not taken away for wrong answers. Because of this, we suggest you answer all questions and not leave any blank responses.
Currently, there is no “standard” passing test score for the Praxis Core. However, ETS does have qualifying scores for each area of the test.
Each state also has its own set of passing standards. Please visit the ETS state requirements site for more information on what is considered a passing score in your state.
When you register for your Praxis Core test, you can request that your scores get sent to your teaching program when they are available. You may also need to report your scores on your program application itself.
Programs may have different deadlines to receive test scores. Make sure to check your program’s deadline and schedule your test early enough that your scores will be available on time!
Before you begin to study for the Praxis Core test, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what your test will cover. Once you have this information, here are a few steps to prepare you for a successful testing experience.
Once you have successfully taken and passed the Praxis Core Exam, you can move forward with your teaching program application process.
Taking the Praxis Core Test is only one crucial part of the process of becoming a certified teacher, and we are here with tons of resources. From scholarships, fee reimbursement, and 1:1 coaching, get tailored advice for your certification process so that you can complete your journey with confidence.