What is the Exam?

The Praxis Subject Assessments (historically and widely known as Praxis II) are a series of rigorous examinations developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). These assessments are designed to measure the specific content knowledge and pedagogical skills required for beginning teachers.

Unlike the Praxis Core tests, which focus on basic academic skills, the Praxis Subject Assessments verify that a candidate possesses the depth of knowledge necessary to teach in their specific grade level or content area. Passing these exams is a critical milestone for licensure in most U.S. states and territories, serving as a quality-assurance measure to ensure that educators are fully prepared to lead a classroom.

Exam Format and Passing Score

Because there are over 90 unique Praxis Subject Assessments (ranging from Elementary Education and Mathematics to Music and World Languages), there is no single universal format or passing score.

• Question Types: Depending on the specific test, exams may consist of selected-response (multiple-choice) questions, constructed-response (essay/short answer) questions, or a combination of both.

• Time Limits: Test durations vary by subject, typically ranging from 1 to 4 hours.

• Number of Questions: The quantity of questions depends entirely on the specific content area and assessment design.

• Passing Scores: There is no national passing score. Each state or licensing agency independently sets its own minimum qualifying score. It is essential to check the specific requirements for your state and certification area on the official ETS website.

Core Exam Topics / Categories

While the exact content is subject-specific, most Praxis Subject Assessments are categorized into two primary components:

• Content Knowledge: A deep dive into the specific subject matter you intend to teach (e.g., historical concepts for Social Studies teachers, laboratory procedures for Science teachers, or literary analysis for English teachers).

• Pedagogical Knowledge: Many candidates are also required to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam, which covers:

• Students as Learners: Understanding human development and learning processes.

• Instructional Process: Effective planning, delivery, and management of lessons.

• Assessment: Designing and interpreting various forms of student evaluation.

• Professional Development: Legal and ethical responsibilities, leadership, and community collaboration.

• Instructional Scenarios: Applying theory to real-world classroom situations.

Career Opportunities

Obtaining a passing score on your required Praxis Subject Assessment is the gateway to a professional career in education. This certification demonstrates your competency to school districts and state boards, qualifying you for a variety of roles:

• K-12 Classroom Teacher: Eligible for lead teacher positions in public, private, and charter schools.

• Subject Specialist: Positions focusing on specific disciplines such as STEM, Arts, or Special Education.

• Department Lead: Experienced educators may use their credentials to advance into curriculum development or department head roles.

• Instructional Coach: Utilizing deep content expertise to mentor newer teachers and improve classroom pedagogy.