How to Study for the Praxis: Complete Strategy Guide | LearnByTeaching.ai
The Praxis exams are the licensure tests for aspiring teachers in the United States, with different tests for basic academic skills (Praxis Core) and subject-specific content knowledge (Praxis Subject Assessments). A targeted study strategy is important because different states require different tests and passing scores, meaning your first step is identifying exactly which Praxis exams you need and what score thresholds your state demands.
Exam Overview
Format
Computer-based test with multiple-choice questions and constructed-response (essay) questions; Praxis Core tests basic academic skills; Subject Assessments test content knowledge in specific teaching areas
Duration
Varies by test — Praxis Core: 5 hours total (Reading: 85 min, Writing: 100 min, Math: 90 min); Subject Assessments: 1-4 hours depending on subject
Scoring
Scaled scores; ranges vary by test (e.g., Praxis Core Reading: 100-200; most Subject Assessments: 100-200)
Passing Score
Varies by state and test — each state sets its own passing scores; Praxis Core Reading passing scores range from 142-170 depending on state
| Section | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Praxis Core — Reading | 33% of Core | 56 questions testing reading comprehension, inference, author's purpose, vocabulary in context, and analytical reasoning with texts |
| Praxis Core — Writing | 33% of Core | 40 multiple-choice questions on grammar, usage, and mechanics, plus 2 essays (argumentative and source-based) |
| Praxis Core — Mathematics | 33% of Core | 56 questions covering number and quantity, algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis |
| Praxis Subject Assessments | Varies | Subject-specific tests (Math 5165, English 5039, Biology 5236, etc.) testing content knowledge at the level you would teach plus one level above |
Study Phases
Diagnostic and Planning
Week 1Goals
- Confirm which specific Praxis tests your state requires
- Take diagnostic practice tests to establish baseline scores
- Identify strongest and weakest areas
- Create a targeted study plan based on diagnostic results
Daily Schedule
3-4 hours: Take diagnostic tests, review results, organize study materials
Resources
- ETS Official Praxis website (state requirements lookup)
- ETS free practice tests
- Praxis study companion for your specific test(s)
Techniques
Content Review
Weeks 2-4Goals
- Review content for all required tests systematically
- For Core Math: master algebra, geometry, and data analysis fundamentals
- For Core Writing: review grammar rules and essay structure
- For Subject Assessments: review content area knowledge
Daily Schedule
2-3 hours: 1.5 hours of content review, 30 min of practice questions, 30 min of review and note-taking
Resources
- ETS Study Companion for your specific test
- Khan Academy for Core Math review
- Mometrix Praxis Study Guides
- 240Tutoring Praxis prep
Techniques
Practice and Refinement
Weeks 5-6Goals
- Complete 3-4 full practice tests under timed conditions
- Refine essay writing for Core Writing
- Strengthen constructed-response skills for Subject Assessments
- Build confidence with time management
Daily Schedule
2-3 hours: 1.5 hours of timed practice test sections, 30 min of detailed review, 30 min of targeted topic review
Resources
- ETS Official Praxis Practice Tests
- Cirrus Test Prep practice exams
- Mometrix practice tests
- Core Writing essay prompts for practice
Techniques
Section Strategies
Praxis Core — Reading
33% of Core
Praxis Core — Reading
33% of CoreTime Allocation
85 minutes for 56 questions. Approximately 1.5 minutes per question.
Key Topics
Study Approach
Practice active reading — identify the main idea and author's purpose for every passage before answering questions. For vocabulary questions, use context clues rather than guessing based on the word alone. Practice with a variety of text types (academic, literary, informational).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Choosing answers that are true but not the best answer to the question
- ✗Not reading all answer choices before selecting
- ✗Overthinking inference questions — the answer should be directly supported by the text
- ✗Running out of time on the final passages
Praxis Core — Writing
33% of Core
Praxis Core — Writing
33% of CoreTime Allocation
100 minutes total: 40 minutes for multiple-choice, 30 minutes per essay. Plan each essay for 5 minutes before writing.
Key Topics
Study Approach
For multiple-choice questions, review the most commonly tested grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, pronoun reference, parallel structure, comma usage). For essays, practice writing organized 4-5 paragraph responses with clear thesis statements, supporting evidence, and conclusions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not recognizing subtle grammar errors (misplaced modifiers, pronoun ambiguity)
- ✗Writing essays without a clear thesis statement
- ✗Rushing through constructed-response essays without planning
- ✗Not proofreading essays for basic errors
Praxis Core — Mathematics
33% of Core
Praxis Core — Mathematics
33% of CoreTime Allocation
90 minutes for 56 questions. Approximately 1.5 minutes per question. Use the on-screen calculator for complex calculations.
Key Topics
Study Approach
The Praxis Core Math is at an introductory college level but covers a broad range of topics. Focus on the fundamentals — many students underestimate this section. Use Khan Academy for targeted review of weak areas. Practice with the on-screen calculator provided during the test.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Underestimating the math section and not preparing adequately
- ✗Weak algebra fundamentals (solving equations, working with inequalities)
- ✗Not reading data interpretation questions carefully
- ✗Making careless arithmetic errors under time pressure
Praxis Subject Assessments
Varies by subject
Praxis Subject Assessments
Varies by subjectTime Allocation
Varies by test (1-4 hours). Allocate time proportionally based on number of questions and constructed-response requirements.
Key Topics
Study Approach
Review content at the level you would teach plus one level above. Use the ETS Study Companion for your specific test — it lists every topic that may appear. Practice constructed-response questions, as these require clear, organized written explanations that demonstrate both content knowledge and teaching awareness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not checking which specific Subject Assessment your state requires
- ✗Studying at too low a level (the exam tests beyond the grade level you will teach)
- ✗Rushing through constructed-response questions without planning your response
- ✗Not using the ETS free study materials available for each test
Score Improvement Tactics
- Complete a comprehensive content review for your specific test(s)
- Master fundamental concepts in your weakest area (Reading, Writing, or Math)
- Complete at least 300 practice questions with detailed review
- Take 2+ full practice tests to build familiarity with the format
Est. 80h of study
- Focus on the specific question types where you lose the most points
- Practice timed sections to improve speed and accuracy
- For Core Writing, practice essay structure with 2-3 timed essays
- Review the most commonly tested content areas
Est. 50h of study
- Drill your top 3 most-missed question types
- Perfect time management with timed practice sections
- Strengthen constructed-response writing skills
- Take 1-2 final practice tests to build confidence
Est. 30h of study
Test Day Tips
- 1
Verify your test center location, reporting time, and required identification documents the day before — showing up without proper ID means you cannot take the test.
- 2
For Core Reading, read the questions before reading the passage — knowing what to look for makes your reading more efficient and focused.
- 3
On Core Math, use the on-screen calculator for any computation that involves more than simple arithmetic — careless errors are the biggest point killer on this section.
- 4
For essay questions on Core Writing, spend the first 5 minutes planning your response with a quick outline — a well-organized essay with a clear thesis scores significantly higher than a disorganized stream of consciousness.
- 5
On constructed-response questions for Subject Assessments, address every part of the prompt explicitly — partial credit depends on covering all requested components.
- 6
If you finish a section early, review flagged questions and check your essay for basic grammar and spelling errors — these small corrections can add up to meaningful score improvements.
- 7
Stay hydrated and take advantage of any scheduled breaks — the Praxis Core is 5 hours across three tests, and mental fatigue in the final section is common.
Pro Tips
Your first step before any studying is to check the ETS website for your state's exact requirements — different states require different tests and different passing scores, and studying for the wrong test wastes all your preparation time.
ETS provides free study companions and practice tests for every Praxis test on their website. These official resources are the closest match to the actual exam and should be your first study materials before purchasing anything else.
For Core Math, Khan Academy is an excellent free resource. Identify your weak areas from a diagnostic test, then use Khan Academy's practice exercises for targeted improvement — this is more effective than general math review.
Teach a concept from your Subject Assessment area to a friend as if they are a student at the grade level you want to teach. This practice directly mirrors what the Praxis tests — not just content knowledge, but the ability to explain and apply concepts in an educational context.
If you are taking multiple Praxis tests, space them out rather than cramming them all into one testing window. This allows focused preparation for each test and prevents burnout from trying to review too many content areas simultaneously.
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