Praxis I And II: What To Expect In Teacher Certification Exams

by | Feb 15, 2024 | careers, Education, Guest Blog, Latest News, teaching

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If you want to become a certified teacher in the United States, you’ll likely need to take one or both of the Praxis exams: Praxis I and Praxis II. These standardized tests are an important part of the teacher certification process across most states. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and pass with flying colors.

Preparing For Praxis I

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, also known as Praxis I, measures your skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

  • Reading Section: This section measures your skills in reading comprehension and language use. You’ll have 85 minutes to answer the 56 selected-response questions. The questions are based on passages from both literature and nonfiction works. It’s best to brush up on your close reading skills before test day. 
  • Writing Section: This 60-minute section tests your grasp of standard written English conventions. It consists of 40 selected-response questions and two essay prompts. You’ll need to study proper essay structure and practice crafting solid five-paragraph essays to excel in this section.
  • Mathematics Section: You’ll have 85 minutes to answer 60 selected-response questions in this section. The questions cover number operations, algebra, geometry, data interpretation, and measurement. As calculators aren’t allowed during the exam, practicing solving problems without one is crucial.

Praxis I is designed to assess the academic skills needed for teaching. You’ll need to pass this exam before moving on to a Praxis II subject assessment. With diligent preparation, you can confidently tackle the Praxis I and move one step closer to your teaching career.

Choose The Official Study Companion

You can start your preparation by utilizing the official Praxis Core Study Companion, published by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that develops the exams. This study guide is designed to align with the Praxis Core and include full-length practice tests. Engaging in timed practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the exam.

Enroll In A Prep Course

If you want to further enhance your preparation, consider enrolling in a Praxis prep course. These courses, available both online and in person, offer structured lessons, hands-on practice, and personalized study plans and support from seasoned instructors.  

This approach is beneficial because you receive guidance tailored to your specific strengths and weaknesses, making it easier to tackle challenging areas. Plus, the group discussions provide an opportunity to learn from others who are preparing for the same exam. 

Getting Ready For Praxis II Subject Assessments

Praxis II tests measure your content knowledge in the specific subject area you plan to teach. There are over 100 exams tailored for teaching everything from art to physics to English language arts. Most states require you to pass one or more Praxis II exams for certification.

  • Choose The Right Tests: Determine which Praxis II exams are required for the state and grade level you want to teach. Each state sets its own testing requirements for teacher certification. Also, consider adding supplemental tests to broaden your credentials. The more subjects you can teach, the more marketable you become.
  • Review The Exam At A Glance: Download the free ‘Exam at a Glance’ for each Praxis II test you’ll take. This handy ETS document outlines the exam format, number of questions, timing, and topics covered. Use the at-a-glance info to focus your study plan.
  • Find Targeted Study Resources: Look for Praxis II-specific study guides, flashcards, and practice questions in the subjects you’re testing in. Taking practice exams in Literature or Physics, for example, allows you to apply your content knowledge and prep for the real deal. Consider taking a test prep course for intensive study and practice.

With the right mindset and preparation, you can effectively manage the Praxis II exams.

Prepping For Test Day

Whether taking Praxis I Core or Praxis II assessments, smart prep is vital to passing your teacher certification exams. Here are some useful tips for getting ready for test day:

  • Know The Logistics: Confirm the test date, time, location, and what items are prohibited vs allowed in the testing room. Arrive early so you can get settled before the exam starts.
  • Get Plenty Of Rest: No eleventh-hour cramming! The night before, wind down and get a full night’s sleep to be well-rested for peak performance.
  • Wear Comfortable Clothes: You’ll be seated at a computer workstation for hours, so choose comfortable clothes and shoes.
  • Use The Restroom Beforehand: Take bathroom breaks before the exam since you can’t leave during a testing section. 
  • Relax And Breathe: Feeling anxious before a standardized test is normal. When you start tensing up, take deep breaths and visualize yourself staying calm and confident.

Passing your teacher certification exams requires not just knowledge but also a well-planned strategy. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to acing your Praxis exams.

Final Thoughts

With thorough preparation using suitable study resources, you’ll feel ready to succeed on your Praxis I and Praxis II exams. Passing these assessments is a significant milestone on your journey to becoming a certified teacher. Trust your abilities and preparation—you’ve got this!