PRAXIS 2 Test
The Praxis 2 Test is required by many states for educators to take and pass as part of the teacher licensing process. Praxis 2 tests are subject-specific, meaning they focus on a particular school subject that the teacher plans to teach. There are more than 120 different tests available, including elementary education, foreign languages, social studies, English, reading, and special education. The ones you are required to take depend on your specific state’s licensing requirements.
The Praxis 2 test is available in three main types: subject assessments, principles of learning and teaching (PLT) tests, and teaching foundations tests. All three tests include multiple-choice and essay questions. The subject assessments test teachers on general and specific knowledge related to teaching that should be known by all teachers in order to effectively teach a class. The PLT Praxis 2 test is available in four grade levels and measures your general knowledge of pedagogy. Grade levels available are early childhood, grades K-6, grades 5-9, and grades 7-12. The teaching foundations tests measure your knowledge of English, math, science, and several other subjects.
To register for a Praxis 2 test, you have several options. You may register online or via mail or telephone. Computer-based testing is available continuously throughout the year by appointment. Paper-and-pencil testing for the Praxis 2 test can only be administered on certain pre-arranged dates throughout the year. A particular Praxis 2 test may be available in computer-based, pencil-and-paper format, or both. Due to the number of tests available, not all are available in both formats.
After your registration is confirmed, you will receive an admission ticket. You will need to bring this with you to the testing center on the day you take your Praxis 2 test. You will also need to bring a valid ID that includes both your signature and your photo. If you are a taking a pencil-and-paper test, you will also need to several sharpened No. 2 or HB pencils, erasers, and a black or blue pen. Some tests may allow calculators; if not, you will be given scratch paper. You will not be allowed to bring personal items into the testing area. You may or may not receive a secure storage space for them, so plan accordingly. In addition, if you bring a cell phone or any electronic device to the testing center, you will not be allowed to take the Praxis 2 test and will not be issued a refund.
Your Praxis 2 test score will be available online approximately one month after you take the test. If you used the Score by Phone option, you can receive your results about four days earlier, for an additional $30 fee. Your score report will indicate whether you passed or failed. You will know your final score, the range of scores, the number of points possible in each category, and whether or not you received a Recognition of Excellence (ROE) award. The ROE award is offered on 11 tests and recognizes individuals who scored in the top 15 percent. If you did not pass the Praxis 2 test or did not perform as well as you would have liked, you may retake it multiple times. There is no limit by the test administrator as to how many times you can take the paper-and-pencil version, but the state licensing board may set retesting restrictions. The computer-based version is limited to one Praxis 2 test every 30 days.
Last Updated: 04/09/2013