How to Study for Praxis Exam in 2023

Praxis exams are a collection of assessments administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to evaluate your knowledge and skills as a prospective teacher.

Praxis includes a variety of tests tailored to specific teaching levels and subjects. They are part of the teacher certification process in many states.

The Praxis tests include the following:

•    Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests- Evaluate essential reading, writing, and mathematics academic skills.
•    The Praxis Subject Assessments- Focuses on specialized subject matter knowledge.
•    Praxis Performance Assessments- assess teaching skills in classroom settings.
  
  

Preparing for Praxis enables you to meet the certification requirements, understand the subject matter, build confidence, and improve your test-taking skills. 

Before preparing for Praxis exams, it's essential to know which test you must take. The tests you need depend on the state where you live or plan to teach.

You can take Praxis tests at home or at a testing center if you live in the United States, its territories, or in Canada, based on your address in your Praxis account. For home tests, you will be monitored online by a human proctor.

To find out which Praxis exams are required in your state, check the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website, where you can find the specific requirements for each state.

There are three types of Praxis exams, each serving a specific purpose. We will discuss each in this section:

•    Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core): These tests evaluate your fundamental reading, writing, and mathematics skills. You will analyze multiple documents and use a passage to answer questions.
  
  The Core Mathematics test has numerical questions. It also provides an on-screen calculator to help reduce errors in simple arithmetic so the questions focus on your mathematical reasoning.
  
  The Core Writing test evaluates your ability to write arguments and explanations. You'll have to complete two writing tasks for each type. In addition, there will be questions where you select answers to demonstrate your research skills and your ability to revise and improve the text.
  
  

•    Praxis Subject Assessments:  These exams are more subject-specific and are designed to delve deep into particular areas of knowledge.
  
  With over 90 exams available, they cover various subjects, from world languages to agriculture. The aim is to assess your expertise in a specific subject area, making you well-prepared to teach that subject.
  
  

•    Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments (CKT): Similar to subject assessments, CKTs also focus on a specific subject but emphasize specialized content relevant to teaching students in grades K-12. The CKT assessment has four parts: Reading and Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

These parts have selected-response questions, while the Mathematics test includes numeric-entry questions. You can take each part on its own or take them all together. You'll answer these questions on a computer.

The tests you need to take depend on the state you live in or intent to teach. The ETS website shows you the correct test requirements for your preferred state.

The costs for Praxis exams vary depending on the type of test you're taking. For the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests, you can save on test fees by selecting the combined Core test (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) when you register.

To qualify for the reduced price, take all three Core tests on the same test date. The Core Combined Test is $150.

For Praxis Subject Assessments, a selected-response test costs $130, while a constructed-response test (including both selected-response and constructed-response items) costs $156.

American Sign Language Proficiency Interview costs $165, Audiology costs $146, Reading for Virginia Educators tests $130, Speech-Language Pathology costs $146, and the World Language test $170.

If you're taking the Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Test, the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching test is $209, and the Elementary Education: Reading and Language Arts—CKT is priced at $78.

These fees may change over time, so checking the official Praxis website or registration materials for the most up-to-date information regarding test costs is advisable.

Studying for your Praxis exam requires time, effort, and dedication. You can increase your chances of achieving excellent scores with the right approach.

Give yourself enough time to prepare for the Praxis exam, but start early enough so that you remember what you've learned or lose interest. 

Begin your studies about two to three months before the test. Even if you're already familiar with the material, allocate at least a month to get familiar with the scoring, test regulations, and various question formats.

This section will share tips on studying for Praxis, from planning your time to the test day.

Scheduling your study time enables you to allocate enough hours to cover all the necessary material so you can study each section thoroughly without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Consistent study routines help your brain absorb and retain information effectively. Regular practice is crucial in mastering the content.

When planning, schedule your study time on a calendar or planner. Set specific hours each day or week dedicated to Praxis preparation.

It's better to begin early and distribute your study sessions evenly over time. This way, you avoid getting stressed before taking your exam.

The Praxis exam covers a wide range of topics and subject areas. You must dedicate time to study and understand the main concepts and specifics within each case.

Carefully read through your study materials. Take your time with the content to comprehend the material so you can give the most appropriate answer during exams.

Beginning your study preparation early is crucial. It allows you to cover all the necessary material systematically. You will have time to review, reinforce, and revisit challenging topics, which is helpful to remember.

As you review your study materials, highlight the parts that seem challenging to learn. Allocate more time and effort to those areas during your study. By focusing on your weaknesses, you can turn them into strengths.

Also, maintain a well-organized study schedule. Plan out what topics you'll study on which days, and allocate specific time slots for your study sessions so that you can track and cover all the material.

A tutor can significantly boost your preparation and increase your chances of success on the Praxis exam.

Tutors work with you to create a customized study plan that suits your learning style and preferences. They assess your current knowledge, set achievable goals, and help you stay on track throughout your preparation.

Tutors also offer one-on-one attention, which is more effective than a classroom study approach. You can ask questions, seek clarification, and discuss your concerns directly with your tutor. 

Also, you're more likely to stick to your study schedule and make steady progress when you have regular appointments with a tutor who monitors your progress.

Praxis tutors have extensive experience taking these exams and a strong understanding of the subject matter and will help you prepare better than when you're alone. They are well-equipped to provide expert guidance tailored to your specific needs. 

Tutors teach you test-taking strategies, such as time management and question-answering techniques so that you will be well prepared for the Praxis exam.

One of the best ways to get ready for the Praxis is to make sure you understand the format using a practice test. It evaluates your exam preparation, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the test format and time. 

You'll get to know the structure of the test, the types of questions, and the time constraints, which is essential for efficient time management during the actual exam.

Practicing with sample questions exposes you to the variety of content that may appear on the exam. This experience helps you become more comfortable discussing and responding to most topics you may encounter.

What's more, when you've practiced with Praxis-style questions, you're less likely to feel anxious or stressed on the day of the actual exam. The more you've seen and worked with similar questions, the more confident and composed you'll be.

Practice tests also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing your performance, you can pinpoint the areas that need further study and focus your efforts on where they will be most beneficial.

Practice tests serve as a benchmark to measure your progress. You can compare your initial scores with those from later practice tests to gauge how much you've improved. This can be highly motivating and reassuring as you see your performance grow.

The results of your practice tests can inform your study plan. You can allocate more time to those areas if you constantly need help with specific topics. Conversely, if you consistently excel in certain areas, you may choose to spend less time on them.

While studying for the Praxis is essential, excessive stress and worry can have a negative impact on your results. Stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a decrease in your performance. 

To strike a balance, ensure you get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and maintaining focus. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your mind.

Eating well is also crucial for maintaining energy levels. Take a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while avoiding excessive caffeine or sugary snacks, which can lead to energy crashes.

Regular physical activity can improve your overall well-being and boost concentration. You can engage in activities you enjoy, like walking, jogging, or even yoga. 

Remember to take short, regular breaks during your study sessions. This can help prevent mental fatigue and improve your ability to retain information.

Share your concerns with friends or family members. You can also benefit from collaborative learning, where you explain topics to each other and gain different perspectives. 

How you arrive at the exam location and your behavior can significantly impact your overall performance. Stress and anxiety can affect your concentration, so arriving early can help you avoid stress. 

To avoid last-minute strain and chaos, ensure you have all the required documents, such as your identification, admission ticket, and necessary supplies, well in advance. Double-check that you have everything the night before.

Plan your journey to the exam location. Consider traffic, public transportation schedules, and parking options. Give yourself extra time for unexpected delays.

Arrive 30 minutes earlier than your test time. If you arrive after your scheduled testing time, you will not be permitted to test and will forfeit your test fees. 

This extra time provides a cushion for unforeseen issues, such as long lines, security checks, or registration processes. You can take a few moments to relax, review key concepts, and transition into the test-taking mindset.

Do not use electronic devices like phones, tablets, or cameras at the test center. If you do, you'll be asked to leave, lose your test fee, and your scores will be canceled. 

Study guides are condensed and well-organized summaries of more extensive source materials, such as textbooks, lectures, or course materials. They focus on key concepts, main ideas, and essential information.

Study guides clarify more challenging concepts. They provide additional explanations, visual aids like flowcharts and comparison tables, and practice questions, making it easier to grasp and retain content.

Praxis study guides are tailored to match the content and format of the Praxis exam. They pull out the key concepts and explain the material in a way that's informative and relevant to how the information will be tested on the exam. 

Reviewing from Praxis study guides is an efficient way to reinforce your understanding of the exam. You can revisit and revise the essential points, making your study sessions more effective and time-efficient.

When using study guides, mark or highlight any concepts or sections you find challenging so you can allocate more study time.

Many study guides include practice questions or exercises. Use these to test your knowledge and gauge your readiness for the exam. Practicing with sample questions helps you become familiar with the test format.

Praxis tests and passing scores can differ from one state to another. Each state has its own set of requirements for teacher certification, and these may include specific Praxis exams and passing score thresholds. 

Check with your state's education institution or agency to guarantee that you are taking the correct Praxis exams and meeting your state's certification requirements. 

Praxis exams are typically scored on a 100-200 point scale, with 100 equaling 0% and 200 being the highest possible score. The score scale is consistent across Praxis exams, making comparing performance on different tests easy.

While passing scores can vary, a typical passing score for most Praxis exams falls in the 150-160 points range. Achieving a score within this range demonstrates that you have met the minimum requirements for certification in most states.

You can access your official scores by logging into your online ETS account. The Core writing test scores are accessible 20 days after the test day, and you can choose up to four recipients to receive your scores free of charge.

For the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core), Reading ( and Mathematics ) tests, the scores are available for 21 days after the test date. These score reports will be accessible in your online account for ten years from the date they were reported. Save a copy of the score report for your records. 

The Praxis exam is essential in your teaching career. It is a benchmark for assessing your readiness and competency. It is often a mandatory requirement for teacher certification in many states. 

Passing the Praxis exam demonstrates your knowledge and ability to effectively educate students, making it a significant step toward your teaching career.

When Studying for the Praxis Exam, prepare well in advance to allow for thorough coverage of all relevant material. Also, take practice tests to get familiar with the format and assess your readiness.

The Learning Liaisons offers Praxis-specific premium video guides, focussing on key concepts and test competencies. We also offer one-on-one tutoring to give you personalized instruction and support.  

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