The three main Praxis exam types are Praxis Core, Subject Assessments and CKT.
See full details on the (3) types of Praxis exam used for teacher certification in the U.S. with their structure, format, differences and how to pass each Praxis exam.
Table of Contents
Why these Praxis exam types?
- Praxis Core (or Praxis 1) tests basic academic skills and is taken before or during teacher preparation program.
- Praxis Subject Assessments (or Praxis 2) tests specific subject knowledge and is taken after coursework or before applying for state certification.
- Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) tests your knowledge and pedagogy and is taken by those seeking licensure in teaching elementary students.
What are the types of Praxis exams?
Except for Braille, all Praxis exam types are computer-delivered, and can be taken at a PRAXIS TEST CENTER or from home.
Each of the Praxis exam types verify your readiness for a teaching career.
1. Praxis Core
Praxis Core Academic Skills (Praxis I) has three test areas taken all at once or individually (as listed below).
Reading (5713): tests your comprehension, inference and analysis of written passages.
- SEE PRAXIS 5713 STUDY GUIDE
Writing (5723): tests your grammar, sentence correction and essay writing.
- SEE PRAXIS 5723 STUDY GUIDE
Math (5733): tests your arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data interpretation.
2. Praxis Subject Assessments
The Praxis Subject Assessments (Praxis II) tests your mastery of specific subject areas and your ability to teach them in K–12 classrooms.
There are over (90) Praxis subjects, each designed for the grade level to which it is required.
Some popular Praxis Subjects include
- Middle School Mathematics (5164)
- English Language Arts (5038)
- Social Studies (5081)
- Biology (5235)
SEE FULL LIST OF ALL PRAXIS SUBJECTS
3. Praxis CKT
Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) goes beyond your knowledge to pedagogy.
It tests your ability to turn your subject content knowledge into teachable instruction that are meaningful to young learners.
The Praxis CKT is for those seeking license in elementary school teaching.
Praxis CKT consists of four computer-delivered subtests:
- Reading and Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Source: ETS website.
How to choose the right Praxis exam to take?
Praxis Core checks your academic foundation, Subject Assessments confirm your subject mastery and CKT tests your knowledge application in real teaching context.
But consider the following when choosing which Praxis test to take.
- Your certification area: (e.g., elementary, secondary or special education)
- Your state’s licensure requirements
- Your university or teacher preparation program requirements
Each Praxis test is scored on a scale of 100–200 and the passing scores varies by state.
You view your score immediately after most computer-based exams.
Official results are available in your ETS Praxis account within 10–16 days.
FAQs on types of Praxis exams
Here are clear answers to some questions you may still have about Praxis exam types.
Which Praxis exam should I take first?
Start with Praxis Core, especially if your institution or state requires it for teacher program admission or initial licensure.
Are Praxis Subject Assessments harder than Praxis Core?
Yes, because they test in-depth subject mastery and pedagogy as opposed to the foundational nature of Praxis Core.
Can I take more than one Praxis exam type on the same day?
Yes, if testing schedules allow.
However, spacing them out will improve your focus and performance.
BEST OF LUCK.
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