WGU TEACHERS COLLEGE
Praxis Exam
Interested in Taking the Praxis Exam?
Get all the steps to prepare for test day.
Praxis Core Tests
Demonstrate your knowledge of reading, writing and mathematics for entry into teacher preparation programs.
Praxis Subject Tests
Apply your subject-specific content knowledge in these tests for licensure and certification.
Praxis CKT Tests
Showcase your understanding of Elementary Education subject matter and how to apply it in the classroom.
The Praxis Exam: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve been on the career path to become a teacher, chances are you’ve heard of the Praxis Exams. You may think that the Praxis test is only one exam, but in reality there are multiple test options for potential teachers to take. In addition to earning your teaching degree, taking the Praxis Exam is one of the most important parts of your teaching journey, as this exam determines whether or not you have what it takes to become a teacher. A passing score means you can become licensed to teach in your state.
Regardless of your field of study as a teacher, from social studies to math, a Praxis Exam will be a part of the certification process that will lead to your teaching license. The Praxis isn't subject specific and needs to be taken whether you're in elementary education or secondary education. However, there are different categories of the Praxis Exam, depending on your area of interest. For example, test takers focusing on reading, writing, and math are expected to take the Core Exam, while test takers focusing on theater, biology, or political science may need to take Praxis Subject Assessments.
There are also Principles of Learning and Teaching Exams that are directed toward the age range of students a teacher will be expected to lead, such as early childhood, junior high, and high school. Additionally, there’s the Content Knowledge for Teaching Exam, which is specific to elementary school teachers.
Testing requirements can differ by state, so it’s best to check with your licensure board to ensure you’re covering all the bases. In the meantime, you can use this guide to help you prepare for the Praxis Exam.
What is the Praxis Exam?
The Praxis Test, also known as the Praxis Exam, is a key teacher certification step for aspiring teachers to prove their competencies and knowledge in their area of academic focus. The main purpose of the Praxis Exam is to determine if future teachers are prepared to lead a classroom. Depending on the subject matter, teachers may be required to take more than one test to prove their content knowledge and skill set.
Praxis I and Praxis II
Historically, the Praxis I and Praxis II tests were very similar, both including reading, writing, and math sections. Today, the Praxis I test still measures teachers’ aptitude in those categories, but it also covers core academic skills. Praxis II, on the other hand, focuses on subject assessment. The Praxis II covers a wide range of subjects, measuring teaching skills based on those subjects in addition to general knowledge.
Do Substitute Teachers Need to Take the Praxis?
The short answer is, it depends. Some states require substitute teachers to obtain a teaching license while others will find a substitute teaching certification perfectly sufficient. There is a spectrum of requirements, depending on your hours of subbing experience and the school district you work in. Check with your state licensure board for detailed information.
How Do I Register for the Praxis Test?
Once you’ve determined which Praxis Exam you need to take, you must register for the test, which requires paperwork and documentation, such as school transcripts and proof of pre-admission test scores. You’ll also need to pay the test fee. Keep in mind that there are registration periods for your state’s Praxis Exam, especially if you’re taking an exam that’s specific to your subject matter area. Some states hold exams only at certain times throughout the year.
Who Should Take a Praxis Exam?
You should take a Praxis Exam if it is required of professionals in your desired career path. In many states, the Praxis exam is required to obtain teacher licensure. Each state is different, so you’ll need to refer to your state’s board of licensure to know your requirements. If you’re considering entering a Master of Arts in Teaching program, the Praxis Exam can act as a partial admission requirement. The Praxis I isn't subject specific, so the area of education and grade-level you are pursuing is irrelevant to the test itself. There are, however, different subject assessments for the Praxis II, that pertain to academic areas of interest. If your education focus is broad, you’ll take the Core Exam, which covers reading, writing, and math. On the other hand, say you’re passionate about social studies, physics, or theater. In this case, you’ll need to seek a Praxis Subject Assessment.
Who Is Eligible to Take the Praxis?
Technically, any student of education is eligible to take any Praxis Exam. Which Praxis Exams you must take and pass depend on state-level requirements. Some states require a minimum SAT score to qualify, while others don’t even require a degree in teacher education. As mentioned, you should check with your state licensure board to ensure you take the proper steps in becoming a fully qualified teacher.
How Much Does the Praxis Cost?
The cost of taking the Praxis Exam ranges from $90 to $210. Pricing for the exam depends on which test you take and if you’re testing a specific subject matter area. For instance, Praxis Core Exams typically cost $90 per test and $150 for a combined test. Both the Praxis Special Education: Mild to Moderate test costs and the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) for grades K–6 cost $146.
You’ll also encounter additional fees, such as $35 to register for the test by phone, or $40 to make changes to your registration.
Where Do I Take the Praxis?
The Praxis I/Praxis Core Exams have deadlines throughout the year, while other Praxis exams are scheduled through more limiting windows.
You should search for testing centers for your desired exam and test date on the Praxis testing service website, which includes online or “home testing” options.
In order to qualify for the home test option, you must live in the U.S. or a U.S. territory and meet specific requirements regarding equipment and environment.
How Do I Prepare to Take the Praxis?
The cost of taking the Praxis Exam ranges from $90 to $210. Pricing for the exam depends on which test you take and if you’re testing a specific subject matter area. For instance, Praxis Core Exams typically cost $90 per test and $150 for a combined test. Both the Praxis Special Education: Mild to Moderate test costs and the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) for grades K–6 cost $146.
You’ll also encounter additional fees, such as $35 to register for the test by phone, or $40 to make changes to your registration.
Use a study guide from the ETS Praxis website to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you can expect. This resource not only provides study guides for the core exams and general knowledge questions, it also has guides for the specific subject matter tests. You should also explore Magoosh, which is a software that offers customizable practice sessions and videos. Another good resource is books that you can get at your local library, such as the Praxis Official Guide or Praxis Core for Dummies.
You should not attempt the Praxis test until you have at least a couple of practice tests under your belt. Teachers Test Prep has free sample Praxis tests for each category, so you can practice taking your specific exam and see how you measure up. Test Preview and Magoosh are two more sources of Praxis Core sample exams at your disposal.
The Praxis Exam will work for future teachers of all different abilities. If you have a disability, medical requirements, restricted mobility, a need for frequent breaks, or another condition that would interfere with your ability to take the test, you have the option to apply for Testing Accommodations through Educational Testing Service (ETS). Simply visit ETS.org to access the Testing Accommodations Request form and ensure that nothing gets in the way of earning a passing score on your Praxis exam. Depending on the details of your application, the ETS may ask for documentation related to your claim.
Many accommodations can be made for those in need, including sign language interpreters, tests in braille or larger print, adjustable chairs, and beyond. Don’t wait too long to submit your Testing Accommodations Request form because it can take up to six weeks to process.
How is the Praxis Scored?
On most Praxis tests, each correct answer is worth one raw point and your total raw score is the sum of all correctly answered questions. In order to pass the Praxis Exam, you need to score between 100 and 200 points. Passing standards are different depending on the specific exam, the state you live in, and can change year-to-year.
Is the Praxis Test Hard?
No, the Praxis test is not hard. In theory, the teacher education you received prior to the test should render you perfectly capable of passing your Praxis exam. As long as you can prove that you are ready to lead a classroom and that you confidently know what you need to teach your students, the exam should be very manageable.
Next Steps: Enroll in a Teaching Program at WGU
You may already be enrolled in one of our teaching programs and well on your way to preparing for the Praxis Exam. If not, and you feel that helping students get the most out of their education is your calling, then you should get the most out of yours by enrolling in one of WGU’s nationally recognized online teaching degree programs. Not only is this a surefire way to be 100% prepared for the Praxis Exam, it’s also an incredibly affordable, flexible, student-centric way to earn your degree. Check out WGU’s online teaching degree programs and take the first step toward your future career today.
Online Degree Options for Aspiring Teachers
Education
Elementary Education – B.A.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers....
An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 68% of students finish this degree within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Elementary Reading Methods
- Language Arts Instruction
- Elementary Mathematics Methods
- Elementary Disciplinary Literacy
- Children’s Literature
This elementary education degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online teaching degree program helps you to be eligible for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) – B.A.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to dual licensure—elementary education teaching license and special education teaching license.
- Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 45 total courses in this program (46 for Washington residents).
(Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.) If your state offers a single K–12 special education teaching license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate) online teaching degree.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Elementary Reading Methods
- Elementary Mathematics Methods
- Elementary Social Studies Methods
- Elementary Science Methods
- Language Arts Instruction and Intervention
This special education teaching online degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 64% of students finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 28 total courses in this program (29 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Special Education (Mild to Moderate) – B.A.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring special education teachers. Leads to your teaching license in states that offer a single teaching license in K–12 special education.
- Time: 61% of students finish this program within 34 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program.
If your state requires—or if you're interested in—dual licensure in both elementary education and K–12 special education, consider the B.A. Special Education (K–12) program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
This online degree program includes a preclinical experience with face-to-face observation hours and a Student Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.
Education
Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 64% of students finish this high school math teaching degree within 25 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 21 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Algebra for Secondary Teaching
- Geometry for Secondary Teaching
- Statistics and Probability for Secondary Teaching
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Educational Psychology
This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This program differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.
Education
Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers and high school math teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 40 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Trigonometry and Precalculus
- Probability and Statistics I and II
- Calculus I, II, and III
- Abstract Algebra
- College Geometry
This online math teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online math teaching degree program helps students become eligible for math teaching certification.
Education
Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for...
An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school science teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 62% of students finish this secondary science teaching degree within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 18 total courses in this program (19 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Science Technology
- Science Methods
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Essential Practices for Supporting Diverse Learners
This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school chemistry teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 65% of students finish this online chemistry degree within 37 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program (40 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Biochemistry
This chemistry teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Earn a chemistry degree online and be eligible for a teaching certification.
Education
Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 63% of students finish this online English degree program within 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- English Pedagogy
- Reading Instruction and Interventions
- Disciplinary Literacy
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school earth science teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.
- Time: 63% of students earn this middle school teaching and high school teaching degree within 33 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- General Physics
- Physical Geology
- Earth Systems
- Astronomy
This geosciences teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This high school teaching degree program prepares you for teaching licensure in any of the 50 states.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school biology teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 61% of students earned this online biology degree within 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Zoology
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Health Sciences
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
This biology teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school physics teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.
- Time: 62% of students earn this online physics degree within 49 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program (40 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Educational Psychology
- Physics: Waves and Optics
- Space, Time and Motion
- Conceptual Physics
- Physics: Mechanics
This physics teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Graduates of this online teaching degree program will be eligible for teaching certification.
Education
Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to...
An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.
- Time: 64% of students finish similar programs in 22 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 30 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines in Special Education
- Management Strategies for Academic and Social Behavior
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Methods of Instruction and Intervention
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Praxis Exam
The practice test can be difficult, particularly if you’re not prepared or struggle with one of the more challenging subjects, like math. But most test takers (85%) pass the Praxis on their first try. In order to be adequately prepared, it may be a good idea to take a test preparation course or study available study companions.
The specifics of what is covered on the Praxis vary depending on what version of the test you are taking. The version you need to take is determined by the state you plan to teach in and the subject matter. The most common versions of the test are Mathematics, Reading, and Writing.
There are more than 90 versions of the Praxis depending on the specific subject matters being tested, and states may have slightly different requirements, but generally a score between 150-190 constitutes a passing grade.
Praxis is a series of standardized tests that are administered as part of aspiring teacher’s licensure requirements.
BACHELOR'S WITH LICENSURE
Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure) – B.A.
Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.
Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S.
Science Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.
Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – B.S.
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – B.S.
Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S.
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – B.S.
_____
MASTER'S WITH LICENSURE
Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.
Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.
Teaching, Mathematics (Middle Grades) – M.A.
Teaching, Mathematics (Secondary) – M.A.
Teaching, Science (Secondary) – M.A.
Teaching, Special Education (K-12) – M.A.
_____
GRADUATE DEGREES FOR LICENSED TEACHERS
Educational Leadership – M.S.
English Language Learning (PreK-12) Endorsement Preparation
Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.
Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.
Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
_____
Other Education Programs
Educational Studies – B.A.
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Network Engineering and Security – B.S.
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Health Information Management – B.S. (from the Leavitt School of Health)
Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration (from the School of Business)
User Experience Design – B.S. (from the School of Business)
____
MASTER'S DEGREES
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Information Technology Management – M.S.
MBA Information Technology Management (from the School of Business)
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Accounting – B.S. Business Administration
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Healthcare Administration – B.S.
Human Resource Management – B.S. Business Administration
Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration
Supply Chain and Operations Management – B.S.
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree (from the School of Technology)
Health Information Management – B.S. (from the Leavitt School of Health)
_____
MASTER'S DEGREES
Human Resource Management – M.S.
Management and Leadership – M.S.
Master of Business Administration
MBA Information Technology Management
Master of Healthcare Administration (from the Leavitt School of Health)
Data Analytics – M.S. (from the School of Technology)
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Nursing (RN to BSN online) – B.S.
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S. (Available in select states)
Health Information Management – B.S.
Health and Human Services – B.S.
Healthcare Administration – B.S. (from the School of Business)
____
MASTER'S DEGREES
Nursing – Education (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN) – M.S. (Available in select states)
Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN) – M.S. (Available in select states)
Nursing – Education (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Nursing – Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Master of Healthcare Administration
MBA Healthcare Management (from the School of Business)
____
CERTIFICATES
Nursing – Education, Post-Master's Certificate
Nursing – Leadership and Management, Post-Master's Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner— Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner— Post-Master's Certificate
