Praxis Exam Review
In the past few decades, there’s been a heightened focus on how well our schools are educating our nation’s children. As a result of this, there has been a renewed emphasis on standardized testing to make sure our kids are learning. There has also been a renewed emphasis on testing teacher candidates to make sure they have the knowledge and skills they need in order to teach children in classrooms. One of the tests that many states require prospective teachers to take is the Praxis exam. If you’re hoping to teach in one of these states, you need to know what the Praxis test is and what it does. In addition, some colleges and universities offering teacher education also require their students to take the Praxis test. You can take the Praxis test at testing centers all over America, and also at many colleges and universities. Currently the cost to take the test is $145. It’s generally taken on a computer, but if you prefer, you may take a pencil and paper version of the test. And you’ll need to plan to be there for a while, as it takes about four and a half hours to complete the entire Praxis test.
There are four parts to the exam. The mathematics portion of the test will take 75 minutes to complete, and will have 46 questions. This is a test of basic math skills that a competent high school graduate should possess. You’ll be tested on math, long division, multiplication, some basic algebra and geometry, but no calculus or trigonometry. The reading portion of the Praxis also has 46 questions and a 75 minute time limit. You’ll be given several short written passages and then asked questions about them in order to measure your reading comprehension, ability to dissect arguments, and reasoning abilities. The next section of the Praxis is a writing section, which is 30 minutes long, and has 45 questions. Like the previous sections, all questions are multiple choice. You’ll demonstrate your understanding and recognition of grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, etc. The last part of the Praxis is also a writing test-it’s an essay. You’ll have 30 minutes to show that you not only recognize proper English and grammar, but can use them well, and can construct proper sentences and reason logically. If you’re in a state or college that requires the Praxis test, it’s strongly recommended that you get a good prep course before taking it, as failure can be a real hindrance to your teaching career.
For additional information, we recommend you check out these free Praxis test resources:
Praxis Study Guide
Praxis Writing Practice
Praxis Reading Practice
Praxis Math Practice
Praxis Test Information
Praxis Practice Questions
Commercial Resources for Praxis Test Preparation (provided for information only, no endorsement implied)
Praxis Test Study Guide from Morrison Media
Praxis Test Flashcards from Morrison Media
