Sep 25 / Dr. Jason Ampel

Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Overview

Introduction

The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) is a common requirement to obtain teacher certification. 

Do you need to take the PLT? Visit the Praxis Find Your State Requirements page or head over to your state's education department website. 

Need to take it? Don't panic. We at The Learning Liaisons have plenty of experience helping teaching candidates succeed. Our guide will provide a general overview of the PLT, advice on how to prepare, and give you an idea of what to expect on exam day. 

Deep breath. You've got this. 

Exam Structure and Format

The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) assess teaching candidates' understanding of educational practices, theories, and issues.  

As of 2024, there are five versions of the PLT: ·      


Educator candidates must take the PLT that matches their grade level and state requirements.  

The bulk of the 2-hour (120 minutes) computer-based exam is selected response (multiple choice) questions and, depending on the version, may have some constructive response (written) questions. Overall, the content areas covered are the same in all exams, with the questions tailored to suit the grade levels covered in that version of the PLT.

Break Down of Content Areas Covered in PLT 5621 - 5624

The Principles of Learning and Teaching exams 5621-5625 are 2 hours long, containing approximately 70 selected-response (multiple choice) and 4 constructed-response questions.

The selected-response questions cover 4 main content categories. The approximate breakdown of the questions and percentage of the test is as follows:

  •    Students as Learners: 21 questions, 22.5%. 
  •    Instructional Process: 21 questions, 22.5%.
  •    Assessment: 14 questions, 15%. 
  •    Professional Development, Leadership, and Community: 14 Questions, 15%.


The constructed-response focuses on the Analysis of Instructional Scenarios and makes up 25% of the exam. There are 4 subcategories, and they generally break down into the following:

  •    Students as Learners: 1-2 questions. 
  •    Instructional Process: 1-2 questions. 
  •    Assessment: 0-1 questions. 
  •    Professional Development: 0-1 questions. 

Break Down of Content Areas Covered in PLT 5625

The Principles of Learning and Teaching: PreK-12 (5625) is a 2-hour computer-based exam and contains 100 selected-response questions.  

The exam covers 4 main content categories. The approximate breakdown of the questions and percentage of the exam are as follows:

  •    Students as Learners: 31 questions, 31%. ·      
  •    Instructional Process: 30 questions, 30%. ·      
  •    Assessment: 20 questions, 20%. ·      
  •    Professional Development, Leadership, and Community: 19 Questions, 19%.

Scoring and Passing Criteria

  •    Scoring System: The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) uses a scale score of 100-200. Scores are calculated by taking the total correct answers (the raw score) and weighing it through a formula based on various factors, including difficulty. 


Passing scores are set by the state. Below is the most common passing score required for each exam. Note that your state's passing score might be higher or lower. 

  •    157: PLT Early Childhood (5621)
  •    160: PLT Grades K-6 (5622)
  •    160: PLT Grades 5-9 (5623)
  •    157: PLT Grades 7-12 (5624)
  •    157: PLT: PreK-12 (5625)


Receiving Scores: PLT scores are released based on when you booked your exam. Candidates can check by using the helpful Getting Your Praxis Scores.

A candidate's scores are delivered to the following areas:

  •    The candidate's Praxis account. 
  •    Requested institutions and agencies. 
  •    To the state's educational department IF the candidate lives in an automatic reporting state.


Reading Your Score Report: The score report will include the following information:

  •    Pass or Not Pass
  •    The candidate's score.
  •    Range of possible scores
  •    Potential raw points for each content category.
  •    The 50% range for that particular exam.
  •    Average performance ranges by the middle 50% of test takers. 
  •    Where the score was also reported. 


Retaking the Exam: 28 days between exams, including those who have canceled their scores.

Cost and Registration

All Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) versions cost $156 as of 2024. 

To register for the exam, visit the Praxis website, register, and select the exam that corresponds with your state's requirements.  

Preparation Strategies

Preparation is crucial to doing your best on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT). Researchers have long known that cramming is one of the worst ways to pass an exam. The only method it beats is not studying at all. 

Give your career dreams the support they deserve by utilizing effective preparation strategies in the run-up to the PLT.

Don't know where to start? No problem. We have plenty of advice to get you going in the right direction. 

Select Study Resources

Begin your journey to a successful PLT experience by selecting your study resources. There are many options to choose from. Pick those that will work with your learning style, budget, and meet your lifestyle needs. Also, read reviews and consult message boards to see if a particular study resource is right for you. 

Examples of where to find study resources for the PLT:

  •    University and local libraries.
  •    Online test preparation courses. 
  •    Praxis website.
  •    Online and in-person study groups.
  •    Webinars. 
  •    Video tutorials.
  •    Practice exams. 

Create a Study Plan

Creating a study plan gives you an organized pathway to strive for success. It is much like a runner preparing for a marathon. There is a structure to the training, with exercises, meal plans, and goals to get them ready for the big day. 

PLT study plan tips include:

  •    Review your schedule. Take a critical look at your life in the run-up to the PLT test day. How much time can you free up for studying? Those who can make a great deal of space each week can wait until about a month before the PLT to start preparing. Those who can only free up a few hours each week will need to begin a few months in advance to ensure they are confident with the material. 
  •    Book your study sessions. There is always something that needs doing instead of studying. Even if you swear off Netflix and take a timeout from social media, there will be shelves begging to be organized, a friend wanting to meet up for coffee, and impulses to take up hobbies you've never previously considered. However, if you book your study sessions, they will feel like obligations. It's like making an appointment with your boss. Having the time locked in on your schedule will help you commit to preparation. 
  •    Use various study methods. Contrary to popular belief, training a marathon isn't only about "going for a run." They put a lot of variety in their schedule to keep them engaged, and the various exercises help improve specific areas. The same is true for getting ready for the PLT. Changing up how you study will help you stay focused, keep you motivated, and boost different areas of your knowledge. Consider using flashcards, watching videos, listening to audio tutorials, taking practice tests, meeting up with a study group, and teaching the material to your dog. 
  •    Monitor and assess your progress. If you already know 2+2= 4, then studying it repeatedly is a waste of your time. Monitor and assess your progress so you spend your precious study sessions focusing on the areas that need the most attention.  
  •    Take practice tests. Practice tests and mini-quizzes are an excellent way to monitor and assess your progress. They show you where you are strong and what areas need more time. In addition, practice tests raise your confidence. The format becomes familiar and less intimidating. 

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress and anxiety are energy vampires. The more you can manage these emotions, the more optimal your brain will function and you'll just feel better. 

Alas, telling yourself not to stress or be anxious doesn't make these feelings magically disappear. Which is annoying and inconvenient. Thankfully, there are ways to improve the situation. 

  •    Make sleep a priority. A 2023 study found that sleep powerfully influences our mental health. Getting quality shut-eye is crucial to regulating depression and anxiety. Also, according to The American Heart Association, quality REM sleep will "enhance learning, memory and emotional well-being." So, add sleep to your toolbox to help you ace that PLT. 
  •    Hang out with pets (even if they're not yours). Feeling stressed? Pet a pet. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, petting a dog lowers stress and increases oxytocin. In addition, pets have been found to boost our brains. Don't have a pet? Find a fluffy friend to cuddle by visiting a friend, hanging out at a cat café, or spending some time at a local animal shelter giving a four-legged buddy a brush or walk. 
  •    Stretch out your tension. The American Institute of Stress recommends stretching as a stress management tool. They reviewed research that found stretching can reduce anxiety, depression, and pain. Theories of why stretching helps include increasing blood flow, reducing cortisol levels, and can help you feel more comfortable in your body, leading to better sleep.
  •    Play Tetris. Video games have often been dismissed as a fun way to waste time. However, researchers have found that playing the classic version of Tetris can help people reach "flow," a state that reduces anxiety and stress. If you are worried about losing too much time to the game, set an alarm to go off after X minutes so you can gain the benefits without falling behind in your day. 

Test Day Tips

Yes, we're sure you can think of thousands of other things you'd rather be doing than taking the PLT. But you can improve the experience and avoid nasty surprises by learning what to expect on test day. 

What to Expect on Test Day

Praxis wants you to do well on the PLT. To help candidates, they have made videos available that will walk you through the test day experience. It is also essential to read the Praxis Bulletin and review all rules and regulations. 

Before the Exam:

  •    Log in to your Praxis account and confirm the date, time, and location of your testing center.  
  •    Check that you have all essential documents, including an approved ID and a printed admission ticket. 
  •    Leave as many personal items as possible at home, including watches, jewelry, large hair accessories, and electronics. Those that must come with you to the testing center will have to be stored in a secure locker. For those with health aids, see the Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-Related Needs. 
  •    Review canceling scores, so you are prepared if your day does not go to plan. 
  •    Don't make plans directly after the exam. Check-in, security, and check-out all add time to the testing experience. So you could be delayed as much as an hour longer than you originally thought. 


Morning of Exam:

  •    Dress comfortably. Layers are best.
  •    Wear quiet, soft-soled shoes so you won't disturb other test takers.
  •    Feed yourself. Even something small, like a banana, will help your brain boot up and be ready to go.
  •    Ensure you have packed everything you need, especially your ID.
  •    Give yourself wiggle room, and head to the testing center early. Then you don't have to panic if traffic is bad or public transport is running behind schedule.
 
Arriving at the Test Center:

  •    Arrive 30 minutes before the exam time, as you have to go through check-in and security.
  •    Have ID and admission ticket ready.
  •    Follow the check-in procedures, including storing prohibited items and going through security.
  •    Mention any health issues or devices to check.
  •    You will be seated once all check-in and security matters are completed.


During the Exam:

  •    Review and sign the Confidentiality and Regulations Agreement.
  •    Listen and read all instructions. 
  •    Take advantage of any tutorials or practice so you are comfortable with your testing equipment.
  •    Don't use any scratch paper except what the testing center provides. 
  •    Pace yourself. Don't linger on tough questions. Instead, come back to them later. Also, there is no penalty for guessing. 
  •    If you need assistance, raise your hand. Don't get up unless you have permission from the testing administrator.  
  • Follow all sign-in and sign-out procedures, including for breaks and leaving the center.


Breaks During the Exam:

There are no scheduled breaks for the PLT. If you need a break, raise your hand and wait for further instruction from the testing administrator. Follow all the rules provided. 

Note that the test clock keeps running while you take a break. 

After the Exam:

  •    Listen and read all instructions.
  •    Return all scratch paper. 
  •    Remember to retrieve your stored items before leaving the test center.
  •    Follow all sign-out procedures before leaving the test center.

Additional Resources

Want more PLT resources? The following links will help:

FAQ

Why Does My Praxis of Principles of Learning and Teaching Have Extra Questions?

Praxis sometimes adds extra questions to an exam that do not count toward your score. These questions are being field-tested for future exams. Praxis does not indicate which questions are for marks and which are being field tested. Thus, always answer the questions as if they count.

How Much Time Do I Have to Finish the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam?

Candidates are given 2 hours to complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment. The time limit does not include the tutorial or sign-in, so always arrive at least 30 minutes early and be prepared to leave up to an hour later than your exam time.

What is a Passing Score for the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam?

The state sets the pass score for the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam. It also depends on which version of the PLT the candidate is taking. A 157-163 are common passing scores, but some allow lower scores and some states demand higher.

Conclusion

The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) is required to become a certified teacher in many states. Regulations frequently change. Always check your state's educational department's current requirements, including which version of the PLT to take. You are not alone. The Learning Liaisons has helped many candidates succeed. Contact us to find out how.