Are you planning to take the Praxis Elementary Education exam? You’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the structure of the test and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The Praxis Elementary Education exam gauges whether you have basic knowledge of social studies, math, and science, ensuring you’re prepared to instruct young students in these subjects. Despite the exam’s wide scope, try not to feel intimidated. Becoming familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence, and a suite of effective study tools should also set you up for success.
Whether you’re new to this test or gearing up for a retake, let’s dive into the details of the Praxis Elementary Education exam and explore strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam with confidence. Let’s get started!
Overview of the Praxis Elementary Education Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge and skills in subject areas that are essential for elementary school students. Let’s take a broad look at the Praxis Elementary Education test to help you prepare.
The Praxis Elementary Education exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions that cover various content areas. It is divided into three subtests:
- Praxis Elementary Education: Mathematics (5903)
- Praxis Elementary Education: Social Studies (5904)
- Praxis Elementary Education: Science (5905)
For more detail on the content categories and topics covered on the Praxis Elementary Education exam, check out the official Praxis Elementary Education preparation guide. By understanding the content breakdown of each subtest, you can assign priority to areas where you may need additional practice and review. Overall, a balanced approach to studying these sections should lead you to success in the Praxis Elementary Education exam.
Time Limit
Each subtest is timed separately. The Mathematics subtest has a time limit of 1 hour and 5 minutes, while the Social Studies and Science subtests each have a time limit of 1 hour. This means the overall Praxis Elementary Education (5901) exam takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete.
| Subtest |
Time Limit |
| Mathematics (5903) |
1 Hour 5 Minutes |
| Social Studies (5904) |
1 Hour |
| Science (5905) |
1 Hour |
Passing Score
To pass the Praxis Elementary Education exam, you must pass all three subtests. The minimum passing scores may vary, so you should check your local requirements by contacting your state education agency or using the Praxis website.
Number of Questions
The Praxis Elementary Education exam has a total of 165 multiple-choice questions spread across three subtests.
| Subtest |
Number Of Questions |
| Mathematics (5903) |
50 Questions |
| Social Studies (5904) |
60 Questions |
| Science (5905) |
65 Questions |
Cost
Each subtest of the Praxis Elementary Education exam costs $64. However, if you take all three at once, you will only pay $150 (as opposed to $192).
Check the Praxis Tests Information Bulletin to find out more about paying for your exam, including information on payment methods.
Registration Information
You can register for the Praxis Elementary Education exam year round. Start the registration process by visiting this page.
Use the Praxis Tests Information bulletin to learn about test day requirements, including instructions for the kind of ID you’ll need to provide (such as a driver’s license or passport).
Did you know? If you’re able to abide by the rules for online proctoring, you can even elect to take this exam at home. Learn more about the requirements for online proctoring in the Praxis Tests Information Bulletin.
Scoring and Results
If you take the test in person at a testing center, you should see your preliminary scores immediately after finishing. Within about two weeks, you’ll receive an email notifying you that the official score report has been posted online. Find out the exact day you can expect your scores by using this link.
In most states, your score report will be automatically sent to the state department of education. However, you should verify this is true for your state.
You can dig deeper into scores using our Praxis Elementary Education scoring guide.
Test Preparation Tips
Given its scope, preparing for the Praxis Elementary Education exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the Praxis Elementary Education exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize study topics and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to each subtest and content area. It’s important that you be prepared for all topics you may encounter on this exam.
- Give special attention to core skills in each subject area, such as key terms and techniques, math procedures, and scientific principles. These basic skills are like building blocks for the rest of your review.
- Mix it up! Don’t limit yourself to reading one exam prep resource. Broaden your knowledge with textbooks, online resources, and study guides.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Make regular use of sample questions and full-length practice tests for all three subtests to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. Review your performance afterward, identifying subjects and content areas where you may need improvement. Be sure that you understand the reasoning behind correct answers before moving on.
- If you’re unable to finish each subtest within the time limit, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official Praxis exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real Praxis Elementary Education exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- For each subject area, focus on main ideas and explore how concepts interrelate. Without these building blocks in place, you’ll struggle to retain details.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are ways to calm your nerves. Before and during the exam, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk.
- Be sure you get enough sleep the night before the exam. A lack of sleep can seriously affect your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. Be confident that you have the power to succeed on the Praxis Elementary Education exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
Before your Praxis Elementary Education exam, review all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the right location! Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.
If you’re taking the test at home, start the sign-in process well in advance of your appointment time. You will need to run a final equipment check (which is provided as a link in your confirmation email). The sign-in process itself will then take about 20 minutes.
Checking Required Documents
On the day of the exam, double-check that you have all you need before leaving home. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued photo ID that bears your legal name and signature. Examples of valid ID could include a driver’s license or passport.
- Admissions ticket: You should print out your admissions ticket and bring it with you to the exam site. While you are not strictly required to provide it, this ticket contains important logistical information. You will likely be asked to present it.
- Equipment and workspace: If you’re taking this exam at home, you must have access to a desktop or laptop computer. You also need a quiet, private, and well lit workspace that is free of prohibited items.
- Please note that you should not bring a calculator to this exam, even though it includes math content. You will be required to use an on-screen calculator, which you can practice using here.
Review the Praxis Tests Information bulletin to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the Praxis Elementary Education exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limits for each subtest and plan your time accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you understand how to mark selections properly on your screen. Praxis exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to use the on-screen calculator.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 3 hours and 5 minutes to answer all 165 multiple-choice questions.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the Praxis Elementary Education exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On test day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining focus are all essential to doing well on the Praxis Elementary Education exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Praxis Elementary Education exam evaluates aspiring educators’ knowledge of elementary-level math, social studies, and science. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content standards, and follow our prep tips, you can approach the Praxis Elementary Education exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More Praxis Elementary Education Resources!
