This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about the Praxis exam. It is organized into five sections: Praxis Overview, Praxis Registration, Studying for the Praxis, Praxis Testing Day, and Praxis Test Results.
If you have additional questions about our prep programs, please see our general FAQs page and our Info & Help Videos page.
What is the Praxis?
The Praxis Tests are a series of teacher credentialing tests used in many different states as a way for teacher candidates to demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to become a licensed educator. More information can be found on our Praxis page.
Who takes the Praxis? What does the Praxis qualify you for?
The Praxis is primarily required to be passed by teacher candidates for subject matter qualification. States each set their own testing requirements. It is important to verify which test you may need for licensure in your state. This can be done by checking with the state credential office, a credential analyst, or the official testing service.
What changes have been made to the Praxis?
The various Praxis exams are updated from time-to-time on a case-by-case basis. Often the testing service will have a new test number to reflect the updated exam.
Do California and Texas accept Praxis?
Although California and Texas are amongst the states that primarily use their own series of credentialing exams, there are circumstances in which Praxis and other exams may be accepted. For more information, please check with the respective state's credentialing office.
How do I get my Praxis waived?
Licensure requirements are set by each state - please contact your state credentialing office to see if they offer opportunities to waive the testing requirements.
How long is the Praxis good for?
A passing Praxis score on file with the official testing service will be available on the report for 10 years.
Where can I take the Praxis?
Computer-based and online-proctored testing are available by appointment during certain windows. For computer-based (in-person) testing, there are a variety of testing centers available. For more information about testing center locations, please visit Praxis Registration Info.
How often is the Praxis offered?
Computer-based testing is offered at testing centers year-round by appointment on a first-come, first-served basis during testing windows. Online-proctored testing is by appointment. For further information, please see Praxis Test Dates.
When should you take the Praxis?
Many candidates will have restrictions based on their organization’s timetable. In the absence of such requirements, candidates are advised to take the Praxis as early as is practical as the test can be re-taken if necessary and appointments may not always be available at convenient times. For more information, please see Praxis Test Dates.
What is the difference between Praxis 1 and Praxis 2?
Previously, the testing service used the terms 'Praxis 1' for the basic skills test and 'Praxis 2' for subject matter exams. Neither of these terms are used currently. Praxis Core is the current term for the basic skills exam and the subject matter exams no longer use the '2' name. It is important to note that all Praxis tests do have a test code number and it is that number that you can use to check that study materials and exams are the ones required for your state.
How much does the Praxis cost?
Praxis fees vary by test, but as an example, basic registration for a computer-based Praxis Core exam is $90 per subtest and there are three subtests. For further details, please see Praxis Testing Costs.
Is there a fee waiver for the Praxis?
To inquire about a fee waiver for the test itself, please contact the official testing service that administers the Praxis. If you are looking for financial assistance for our prep programs to study for the Praxis, please see Financial Assistance.
Do I have to pay to retake the Praxis?
Yes – there is no fee to change a registration, but regular fees apply to retaking the Praxis. For more details, please see Praxis Testing Costs.
How long do I have to wait to retake the Praxis?
You must wait 28 calendar days to retake the Praxis.
How do I cancel my Praxis?
To cancel a Praxis registration, please contact the official testing service.
How long should I study for Praxis?
The average amount of time an individual spends studying is around two months, but that varies widely, depending on several factors, such as your existing familiarity with the test content, and the amount of time you have available to study each day.
Which is the best Praxis test prep book?
There are many good Praxis study guides available from major educational publishers like Cliffs, Kaplan and others. If you plan to buy one, we recommend going to a physical bookstore so you can read through the various options and see which is best for you.
Our company doesn’t offer any physical books. Instead, our Praxis prep options let you learn test content and strategies directly from caring, experienced teachers. Options include live classes, one-on-one tutoring and self-paced online prep.
Is your Praxis prep up-to-date?
Yes – whenever the test is updated, we adjust our prep programs accordingly. If you have any questions about specific programs, please feel free to Contact Us.
Which Praxis is the hardest?
That depends on the individual – it just comes down to your comfort level with the subject matter.
Do you currently offer prep for the new Mathematics (5165) and Middle School Mathematics (5164) exams?
We do not yet offer programs for the new Praxis 5165 and 5164 Mathematics exams. We hope to have a 5165 program available in early 2024. In the meantime, our Praxis Mathematics (5161) program covers all the same domains as 5165, although there are some differences in content within the domains, and Discrete Mathematics (which is not in the new exam) is included as an additional section. Our Praxis Middle School Mathematics (5169) program likewise covers the same domains as 5169, although there are some differences in content, and Discrete Mathematics (which is not in the new exam) is included as an additional section. These programs may still be of use to students preparing for the new exams.
Is the Praxis difficult?
That depends on the individual. A good way to get a sense of the level of difficulty is to take a Praxis practice test.
How much time will I have on test day?
The length of the tests vary by exam. For more information, please see Praxis Exams.
Can I use a calculator on the Praxis?
For certain Praxis exams, calculators are permitted. For details, please see the testing service's Calculator Use page.
What score do you need to pass Praxis?
The required scaled score for a particular exam is set by each state's credentialing office. To get a sense of your likelihood of passing, you can take a free Praxis practice test and have the multiple-choice sections auto-graded.
How do I get a copy of my Praxis scores?
Official score reports become available online on a score release date (which varies by exam). Official score reports can be ordered from the testing service.
Where do I send my Praxis scores?
Praxis scores are sent to up to four institutions/agencies you specify when registering for the test. Check with your teacher preparation program for guidance about where to send your results.
How long until I get my Praxis results?
The amount of time it takes for your results depends on which test you are taking. For more details, please see Praxis Test Dates.
What happens if you fail the Praxis?
You may retake any section that you failed after a waiting period of 28 days.
How long do Praxis scores last?
Once you pass the Praxis, your score is valid for 10 years.
Our Core Plus Online Prep Programs feature:
