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Praxis Core Resources

Review Praxis Core FAQs>, Study Resources> and Test Taking Tips> to help prepare you for the Praxis Core exams.

FAQs

  • What is the Praxis Core?
    • The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests your academic ability in three subtests: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Mastery in these areas is essential for all teacher candidates. These tests measure the skills and knowledge of candidates entering teacher preparation programs.
  • How much does the Praxis Core cost?
    • The Praxis Core Combined (5752) consists of all three tests and costs $150. If you register for the subtests individually, the cost is $90per test ($180 for two subtests, $270 for all three subtests).
    • If you need to take all three subtests, the Praxis Core Combined (5752) is the cheapest option. If you do not pass all three sections of the test, but pass one or two subtests, you can register to retake the subtest(s) that you did not pass individually rather than retaking the combined test.
  • How long is the Praxis Core?
    • Praxis Core Reading (5713) – 85 minutes to answer 56 selected-response questions.
    • Praxis Core Writing (5723) – 40 minutes to answer 40 selected-response questions and 60 minutes to answer two essay prompts (30 minutes for each).
    • Praxis Core Mathematics (5733) – 85 minutes to answer 56 selected-response questions.
  • What do I need to score to pass the Praxis Core subtests? 
    • The state of Tennessee requires the following scores on each Praxis Core subtest:
      • Reading – 156
      • Writing – 162
      • Mathematics – 150
  • Additional information regarding the Praxis Core exam can be found on the ETS website.

Study Resources

Helpful Websites

ETS offers a free online test prep resource called Khan Academy. You can create a free account here>. ETS also offers several test prep e-books and modules for purchase. You can explore those options here>.

Teacherstestprep.com> also has free Praxis resources as well as additional resources available for purchase. With the creation of a free account, you will have access to free practice tests for each Praxis Core subtest.

Additionally, the Office of Teacher Education has created a list of YouTube videos that can be used as a study resource to help you prepare for the Praxis Core.

YouTube Resources

Library Resources

There are study resources available to University of Memphis students through the library's database search system.

  • Go to the University Libraries webpage> and click on the "Search Databases" tab.
  • Then, type in "Testing & Education Reference Center" in the search box.
  • On the next page, click on "Testing & Education Reference Center."
  • Click on career at the top of the page (above "What type of student are you?") and select "teacher".
  • From here, you can access online practice exams and test prep e-books. You must create an account to use these materials.

Tips for Taking the Praxis Core

  • Studying is crucial to success. At least four weeks prior to your test date, take a practice test for each of the three tested subjects: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
  • Review your scores for each practice test and review the questions you answered incorrectly. Understanding why your answers were wrong will help you to better understand the test material.
  • Review the tests' topics covered listed in ETS's Praxis Study Companion. Click each test subject to see the Praxis Study Companion: Reading>, Writing>, and Mathematics>.
  • Should you guess if you do not know the answer? Yes!
    • Your scores are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There are no penalties for incorrect answers; therefore, it is to your advantage to answer every question.
  • Make sure to be aware of how much time you have remaining on each test to ensure that you have time to answer each question.
  • Eliminate incorrect answers first so that you have a greater chance of selecting the correct response.
  • Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before the exam. Being well rested will improve your memory recall, which can increase your test scores!