PRAXIS Practice Test

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Praxis Study Guide 2026โ€“2026 โ€” Praxis Core and Subject Assessment Prep

A Praxis study guide for 2026โ€“2026 must cover two distinct exam families: the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (reading, writing, and mathematics) and the Praxis Subject Assessments (content-area exams for specific teaching fields). The Praxis Core tests foundational academic skills all teacher candidates need; the Praxis Subject Assessments verify content knowledge in your specific teaching area (English, math, science, social studies, special education, etc.). Passing scores are set by individual states and vary. This guide covers what to study, how to build a study schedule, which content areas are highest-yield, and how to use practice tests strategically to maximize your Praxis score.

Praxis Core Academic Skills โ€” What to Study

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam has 3 separately scored tests: Reading (5712), Writing (5722), and Mathematics (5733). You can take them individually or combined. Each is computer-delivered at a Praxis testing center. Here is what each test covers and where to focus your study effort. Practice with the free PRAXIS practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (550+ questions with answer explanations).

Praxis Core Reading (5712): 56 questions, 85 minutes. Tests comprehension of single and paired literary and informational texts. The 2 major categories are Key Ideas and Details (approximately 35โ€“40% of questions) and Craft, Structure, and Language Skills (approximately 30โ€“35%). High-yield skills: identifying main idea and author's purpose, understanding how text evidence supports claims, inferencing from context, and vocabulary in context. Reading comprehension improves slowly โ€” start here first if you are weak.

Praxis Core Writing (5722): Part 1 is 40 selected-response questions (40 minutes) covering grammatical relationships, structural relationships, and word choice. Part 2 is 2 essay tasks (30 minutes each). For selected-response: focus on subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, parallel structure, and comma usage โ€” these account for approximately 60% of grammar questions. For essays: the Argumentative Essay requires a clear thesis with evidence from your own knowledge; the Informative Essay responds to a provided reading and requires summarizing the source's argument.

Praxis Core Mathematics (5733): 56 questions, 85 minutes. Calculator allowed for some sections (an on-screen calculator is provided for most questions). The 4 content categories: Number and Quantity (approximately 30%), Algebra and Functions (approximately 30%), Geometry and Measurement (approximately 20%), and Statistics and Probability (approximately 20%). High-yield topics: fractions and percentages, linear equations, interpreting graphs, area and perimeter, and basic probability. Most teacher candidates find math the most challenging Praxis Core component โ€” budget more study time here if you have not used algebra recently.

PRAXIS: upcoming dates and official changes
  • Updated Oct 17, 2026: Exam fee (Core Combined (5752)) is now $150 for all three Core tests (previously $150 for all three Core tests).
  • Updated Oct 17, 2026: Exam fee (Subject Assessments (selected-response)) is now $130 per selected-response Subject Assessment (previously $130 per selected-response Subject Assessment).
  • Updated Oct 17, 2026: Passing score is now Set by each state or agency, not ETS (previously Set by each state or agency, not ETS).

Facts verified Oct 17, 2026 against ETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

Facts verified Oct 17, 2026 against ETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

PRAXIS Exam at a Glance

ItemDetailOfficial source
Passing scoreSet by each state or agency, not ETSETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests
Exam fee (Core Combined (5752))$150 for all three Core testsETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests
Exam fee (Subject Assessments (selected-response))$130 per selected-response Subject AssessmentETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests
Retake fee$40 rescheduling feeETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests
Retake policyWait at least 28 days before retaking the same testETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests
Delivery (Core and Elementary Education)Computer-based, at a test center or at homeETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests
Score release (Core Reading (5713) and Mathematics (5733))Within 7 calendar daysETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests
Score release (Core Writing (5723))20 business daysETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests

Facts verified Oct 17, 2026 against ETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

Free PRAXIS Study Tools

Interactive PRAXIS resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

Praxis Subject Assessment โ€” How to Prepare for Your Content Area

There are more than 90 Praxis Subject Assessment exams covering every major teaching field. Unlike the Praxis Core, which has standardized content across all test-takers, Subject Assessments are highly specific to your field. Here is how to approach preparation.

Step 1 โ€” Obtain the official ETS test content outline: ETS (Educational Testing Service) publishes a detailed Test Content Outline (sometimes called a Study Companion) for every Praxis Subject Assessment. This document lists every topic that can be tested, with approximate weightings. It is free at ets.org. This is your study blueprint โ€” every study session should map to the content outline. Do not study from generic sources without first reading ETS's official outline.

Step 2 โ€” Identify your strongest and weakest content areas: Use the content outline to self-assess. For your weakest areas, budget 60โ€“70% of your study time. For areas where you already have strong subject knowledge, focus primarily on the question format rather than content review.

Step 3 โ€” Use official ETS practice tests: ETS sells official practice tests for most Subject Assessments. These are the most accurate representation of actual exam format and difficulty. Third-party prep materials vary in quality โ€” for Subject Assessments, official materials are always the priority.

Commonly tested Subject Assessments and their focus areas:

Take a full-length Praxis practice test to benchmark where you stand before committing to a study schedule. Use our full Praxis practice tests library organized by subject area to target your specific exam, and review our Praxis test video answers for worked explanations of complex questions.

Praxis Study Guide Preparation Checklist

Confirm which specific Praxis exam(s) your state requires for your teaching license โ€” check your state department of education website, not just ETS
Download the official ETS Study Companion / Test Content Outline for your specific Praxis test โ€” this is the authoritative blueprint for what is tested
Take a full-length diagnostic practice test first to identify your weakest content areas before planning your study schedule
For Praxis Core Math: if you have not used algebra recently, start 3โ€“4 months before your exam โ€” math concepts take time to rebuild, not just review
For Praxis Core Writing: practice the Argumentative Essay under timed conditions (30 minutes) at least 5โ€“6 times โ€” essay writing under time pressure is a learnable skill
For Subject Assessments: focus 60โ€“70% of your study time on your 2โ€“3 weakest content areas from the Test Content Outline, not on areas where you already have strong knowledge
Schedule your exam at least 6 weeks before your teaching license application deadline โ€” Praxis scores are released 2โ€“3 weeks after test day, and license applications require official score submissions
Register at ets.org/praxis and check available test dates and locations well in advance โ€” popular test centers fill up, especially during fall semester
Start Free Praxis Practice Test

Pros

  • Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
  • Increases job market competitiveness
  • Provides structured learning goals
  • Networking opportunities with other certified professionals

Cons

  • Study materials can be expensive
  • Exam anxiety can affect performance
  • Requires dedicated preparation time
  • Retake fees apply if you don't pass

Pros and Cons at a Glance

ProsCons
Validates your knowledge and skills objectivelyStudy materials can be expensive
Increases job market competitivenessExam anxiety can affect performance
Provides structured learning goalsRequires dedicated preparation time
Networking opportunities with other certified professionalsRetake fees apply if you don't pass

Sample PRAXIS Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free PRAXIS practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

  1. A scientific article describes a study with a sample size of 12 people. What should a critical reader note about this study?

    • A. The study is highly reliable because it involved real people.
    • B. The small sample size limits how broadly the results can be generalized.
    • C. The study is invalid because it should have used animals.
    • D. Small samples are always more accurate than large ones.

    Answer: B. The small sample size limits how broadly the results can be generalized.

    Small sample sizes reduce statistical power and limit the generalizability of findings to broader populations.

  2. Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

    • A. Neither the teachers nor the principal were available.
    • B. Either the students or the teacher are responsible.
    • C. Neither the students nor the teacher was available.
    • D. Both the teacher and the principal is absent.

    Answer: C. Neither the students nor the teacher was available.

    With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the closer subject. 'Teacher' is singular, so 'was' is correct.

  3. Which sentence corrects the subject-verb agreement error? "The list of approved textbooks were posted online."

    • A. The list of approved textbooks was posted online.
    • B. The list of approved textbooks were posted online.
    • C. The lists of approved textbook were posted online.
    • D. The list of approved textbooks are posted online.

    Answer: A. The list of approved textbooks was posted online.

    The subject "list" is singular, so it takes the singular verb "was."

  4. Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement?

    • A. Neither the teacher nor the students was ready.
    • B. Neither the teacher nor the students were ready.
    • C. Neither the teacher nor the students is ready.
    • D. Neither the teacher or the students were ready.

    Answer: B. Neither the teacher nor the students were ready.

    With "neither/nor," the verb agrees with the nearer subject, "students," which is plural.

Take the full PRAXIS practice test

Praxis Study Guide Questions and Answers

How long should you study for the Praxis exam?

For Praxis Core (all 3 tests), most candidates study 8โ€“12 weeks at 10โ€“15 hours per week. For individual Praxis Subject Assessments, candidates with a strong content background may be ready in 4โ€“6 weeks; those with weaker content knowledge in the subject area may need 8โ€“12 weeks. The most important variable is your diagnostic practice test score โ€” take a full-length practice exam first, then calculate how many points you need to gain and how long that will realistically take given your study capacity per week.

What is the best Praxis study guide?

The best starting point for Praxis preparation is the official ETS Study Companion (Test Content Outline) for your specific exam, which is free at ets.org. ETS also sells official practice tests โ€” these are the most accurate representation of the actual exam. For Praxis Core, third-party prep resources from Mometrix and Kaplan are widely used and generally well-reviewed. For Praxis Subject Assessments, the quality of third-party materials varies significantly by subject area โ€” always use official ETS materials as your primary resource and third-party books as supplemental.

What is a passing score on the Praxis exam?

Praxis passing scores are set by each state's department of education and vary by state and specific exam. For Praxis Core, most states that require it set passing scores in the range of 150โ€“168 depending on the section (Reading, Writing, Mathematics). For Praxis Subject Assessments, passing scores vary significantly by subject and state. ETS does not set passing scores โ€” your state does. Always verify your state's current required passing score at your state's department of education website before scheduling your exam.

How many times can you take the Praxis exam?

ETS allows unlimited retakes of Praxis exams, subject to a 21-day waiting period between attempts. Some states limit the number of retakes or require a remediation period after multiple failures โ€” check your state's policy. Most states allow at least 3 attempts before requiring additional remediation coursework. Praxis scores are valid for 10 years from the test date. If you fail, review your score report carefully โ€” ETS provides a score breakdown by content category that identifies your weakest areas, which should guide your retake preparation.

Does every state require the Praxis exam?

No โ€” not all states require the Praxis. Many states use their own teacher certification exams instead: California uses CBEST and CSET; Florida uses FTCE; Texas uses TExES; New York uses NYSTCE (edTPA + Content Specialty Tests). Approximately 30โ€“35 states use Praxis exams for some or all teacher certification requirements. Always check your specific state's department of education to determine which exams are required for your license type, grade level, and teaching subject.

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

Praxis Core Academic Skills tests foundational academic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics) that all teachers need regardless of their subject area. It is essentially a literacy and numeracy competency exam. Praxis Subject Assessments test content knowledge in a specific teaching area โ€” for example, mathematics, English language arts, biology, early childhood education, or special education. Most states require passing both Praxis Core and one or more Subject Assessments for a teaching license. Some states waive Praxis Core for candidates with a qualifying SAT, ACT, or GRE score.

How much does the PRAXIS cost?

The Praxis Core Combined test (5752), covering Reading, Writing and Mathematics, costs $150 in the 2026โ€“27 testing year. (Verified Oct 17, 2026 against ETS (Educational Testing Service) โ€“ The Praxis Tests.)
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