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. |
| 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. |
| 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.
