What is the difference between Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Assessments?

Praxis Core Academic Skills tests (reading, writing, and math) measure foundational academic skills required for admission to teacher preparation programs. Praxis Subject Assessments test content-area knowledge in a specific teaching subject — for example, Biology, Middle School Math, or English Language Arts — and are typically required for initial state licensure after completing a preparation program.

How are Praxis scores converted from raw to scaled scores?

ETS converts the number of questions answered correctly (raw score) to a scaled score using a statistical process called equating, which adjusts for slight differences in difficulty across test forms. Scaled scores on most Praxis exams range from 100 to 200. This ensures that a score of, for example, 160 means the same level of performance regardless of which form of the test you took.

What happens if you fail the Praxis Core?

If you do not pass a Praxis Core test, you must wait at least 21 days before retaking that specific test. There is no limit on the total number of retakes, though each attempt requires a separate registration fee. Many candidates use their score report to identify weak content categories and focus their next study period accordingly. Some states and programs also accept alternative assessments in place of Praxis Core if a candidate demonstrates consistent difficulty passing.

Can you use a calculator on the Praxis Core Math exam?

Yes, a four-function on-screen calculator is available for some questions on the Praxis Core Mathematics test (5733), but not all. ETS designates which items are calculator-active and which are calculator-inactive. You cannot bring your own calculator. Because roughly half the questions are calculator-inactive, it is important to practice mental math, estimation, and working with fractions and percentages by hand during your preparation.

Praxis Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)

Download a free Praxis practice test PDF with ETS Praxis exam questions. Print and study offline for Praxis Core Academic Skills and Praxis Subject Assessments for teacher licensing.

PRAXIS - Praxis Teacher CertificationMay 4, 20266 min read

The Praxis exams, developed by ETS, are among the most widely used teacher licensing assessments in the United States. Whether you are preparing for the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators or a Praxis Subject Assessment in your content area, targeted practice with realistic exam questions is one of the most effective ways to build confidence and identify gaps before test day. This free Praxis practice test PDF gives you printable questions you can work through at your own pace, away from a screen.

Downloading and printing a practice test lets you simulate the focused, distraction-free conditions of an actual Praxis session. Use this PDF to time yourself on individual sections, annotate questions as you work, and review explanations after scoring. Pair it with online practice on PracticeTestGeeks for a complete preparation strategy.

📄Download Free Praxis Practice Test PDF

Praxis Exam Fast Facts

Praxis Core Reading Strategies

The Praxis Core Reading test (5712) assesses your ability to read and interpret a range of texts — from academic passages to practical documents. Questions focus on three broad areas: key ideas and details, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas. You will encounter both single and paired passages drawn from literature, history, social studies, and science.

Strong readers approach each passage by first reading for the main idea before attacking the questions. Pay close attention to the author's purpose and tone. Questions that ask you to infer meaning require you to go beyond what is explicitly stated while staying grounded in the text. Practice identifying signal words that indicate contrast, cause-and-effect, or sequence, as these often anchor the correct answer on inference items.

When preparing for the reading section, practice active reading strategies: summarize each paragraph in one sentence, note transitions, and track how the author builds an argument. Time yourself — you will have 85 minutes for 56 questions, leaving roughly 90 seconds per item. Skipping and returning to difficult questions can preserve time for items where you are more confident.

Praxis Core Writing and Essay

The Praxis Core Writing test (5723) is divided into two parts: a multiple-choice section covering usage, sentence correction, and revision in context, and a constructed-response section requiring two essays — an argumentative essay and an informative/explanatory essay. Total testing time is 100 minutes.

On the multiple-choice portion, common error types include subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, misplaced modifiers, parallel structure violations, and comma splices. Reading each answer choice aloud mentally can help you catch errors your eye might skip. For revision-in-context questions, always read the full paragraph before selecting an answer — local edits can create new problems when viewed in isolation.

For the essays, a clear thesis in the first paragraph and well-developed body paragraphs are essential. The argumentative essay rewards specific evidence and logical organization. The informative essay rewards clarity and precise vocabulary. Aim for at least three body paragraphs in each essay. Practice writing complete essays within the time limit — 30 minutes per essay is a reasonable target — so that pacing feels natural on test day.

Praxis Core Mathematics

The Praxis Core Math test (5733) covers four content categories: number and quantity, algebra and functions, geometry, and statistics and probability. You have 85 minutes to answer 56 questions. An on-screen four-function calculator is available for a portion of the test, but many items are designed to be completed without it.

Number and quantity items include operations with integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, as well as ratio and proportion problems. Algebra and functions questions cover linear equations, systems of equations, inequalities, and interpreting graphs and tables. Geometry items test area, perimeter, volume, the Pythagorean theorem, and coordinate geometry. Statistics and probability items ask you to interpret data displays, calculate measures of central tendency, and reason about basic probability.

Key Math Study Tips

Focus early on any content area where you have not had formal coursework recently — statistics in particular surprises many test-takers who have not reviewed data interpretation since high school. Practice mental estimation to check whether an answer is reasonable before committing, especially on calculator-restricted items. Review the properties of lines, angles, and triangles, as these appear consistently across Praxis Core Math administrations.

Praxis Subject Assessment Preparation

Praxis Subject Assessments cover more than 90 disciplines, from Elementary Education (5001/5002/5003) to Biology (5235), English Language Arts (5038), and Mathematics (5165). Each test has its own format, content categories, and passing score requirements set by your state or institution.

Begin your subject assessment preparation by downloading the official test framework from ETS. The framework lists every content category and the approximate percentage of questions from each area, giving you a blueprint for where to invest study time. Candidates who align their study plan to the official framework consistently outperform those who study broadly without prioritization.

Use the practice test PDF alongside state-specific score requirements. Many states publish cut scores for each Praxis Subject Assessment on their department of education website. Knowing your target score in advance lets you gauge whether your current performance leaves a comfortable margin or requires intensive review in specific categories. Combine printed practice with timed online sessions to prepare for both the paper-and-pencil feel and the computer-delivered testing environment.

Consistent, structured practice is the single greatest predictor of Praxis success. Use this PDF to build familiarity with question formats and identify content gaps early, then move to online timed sessions as your test date approaches. For additional full-length tests, score reports, and detailed answer explanations, visit our praxis practice test page where you can track your progress across every Core and Subject Assessment section.