Praxis I Test Overview

Praxis tests are standardized tests that many states use in their teacher licensure and certification processes. There are two main types of Praxis tests: Praxis I (sometimes referred to as Praxis 1) and Praxis II.  Praxis I, or Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), is utilized in the admissions process for teacher education programs.  Praxis I measures basic academic skills.  The Praxis II tests cover a wide variety of specific content areas.   The Praxis II tests are often required before student teaching begins.

Praxis I Test Format

The Praxis I test is comprised of three separate tests.  The Praxis I Reading Test assess your reading comprehension and ability to evaluate written passages.  The Praxis I mathematics test measures your knowledge of basic mathematical concepts typical of an educated adult.  The Praxis I writing test measures your written communication skills and use of grammar.

The Praxis I tests are multiple-choice tests with essays for the writing test.  The Praxis I tests may be taken as a computer-based test (CBT) or as a paper-based test (PBT).  With either format, you can choose to take each of the three tests separately (on separate days) or as a combined test.  The tables below show the format of the tests.

Praxis I Test Format (Computer-based)

 

Section	Time Limit	Number of Questions	Summary
Praxis I Reading	75 minutes	46 questions	You will be asked to read a variety of long (200 word) and short (100 word) passages.  Answer 2- 7 questions from each passage about main ideas, details, vocabulary etc.  You will also be presented with brief statements that have a single question.
Praxis I Mathematics	75 minutes	46 questions	Covers basic mathematical concepts such as problem solving and data sufficiency that are typical for an educated adult.  You will be tested on: number and operations, algebra, geometry and measurement and data analysis and probability.  The problems may require you to integrate several skills.
Praxis I Writing (Multiple Choice)	38 minutes	44 questions	Assesses your grammar and language usage skills.  Evaluates your understanding of usage and sentence corrections.  You will be tested on mechanics, structural and grammatical relationships, and word choice. You will write a personal essay to support an opinion on a topic.  You will not be required to have any specialized knowledge of the topic.
Praxis I Writing (Essay)	30 minutes	1 essay	You will write a personal essay to support an opinion on a topic.  You will not be required to have any specialized knowledge of the topic.

 

 

Praxis I Test Format (Paper-based)

 

Section	Time Limit	Number of Questions	Summary
Praxis I Reading	60 minutes	40 questions	You will be asked to read a variety of long (200 word) and short (100 word) passages.  Answer 2- 7 questions from each passage about main ideas, details, vocabulary etc.  You will also be presented with brief statements that have a single question.
Praxis I Mathematics	60	40 questions	Covers basic mathematical concepts such as problem solving and data sufficiency that are typical for an educated adult.  You will be tested on: number and operations, algebra, geometry and measurement and data analysis and probability.  The problems may require you to integrate several skills.
Praxis I Writing (Multiple Choice)	30 minutes	38 questions	Assesses your grammar and language usage skills.  Evaluates your understanding of usage and sentence corrections.  You will be tested on mechanics, structural and grammatical relationships, and word choice. You will write a personal essay to support an opinion on a topic.  You will not be required to have any specialized knowledge of the topic.
Praxis I Writing (Essay)	30 minutes	1 essay	You will write a personal essay to support an opinion on a topic.  You will not be required to have any specialized knowledge of the topic.

To improve your scores, please try our Free Praxis I Practice Tests.