PraxisTests

PraxisTests is a suite of standardized assessments used for teacher licensure and certification in the United States. Developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the tests are administered at numerous testing centers and are designed to measure foundational skills, subject-specific knowledge, and pedagogical understanding required for teaching licensure.

The suite includes Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, which assesses reading, writing, and mathematics; Praxis II Subject Assessments for specific subject areas; and Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) assessments that evaluate classroom instruction and pedagogical planning.

Administration and scoring: Tests are predominantly computer-based, offered at wide networks of test centers and, in some cases, online formats. Score reports are issued electronically as scaled scores, with passing standards set by individual state education agencies and varying across jurisdictions.

Usage: Praxis results are commonly used by state boards of education to determine eligibility for initial licensure or credential upgrades. Requirements differ by state and by teaching level, with some jurisdictions demanding multiple Praxis exams and others using alternative assessments.

Preparation and reception: Official Praxis preparation materials and practice tests are provided by ETS, supplemented by third-party resources. The program has faced criticism related to cost, accessibility, and alignment with state standards, and several states have revised or replaced Praxis requirements.

See also: Praxis Series.