Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam for Educational Testing Service (ETS) Latest Update

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exam, developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is an essential component for individuals seeking to enter the teaching profession in many states across the United States. The exam evaluates the basic academic skills in three critical areas: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. These are fundamental skills that teachers need in order to effectively communicate, analyze information, and solve problems in the classroom. In this article, we will explore the structure of the exam, its purpose, how to prepare, and recent developments surrounding the test.

Overview of the Praxis Core Exam

The Praxis Core exam was created to assess the academic proficiency of future educators. The test is a measure of whether candidates possess the skills necessary to succeed in a teacher preparation program and in their subsequent teaching careers. Many teacher preparation programs and state certification authorities use the Praxis Core exam as part of the process for licensure, as it provides a reliable gauge of a candidate’s readiness to enter the teaching profession.

The exam is made up of three subtests: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. These subtests focus on assessing candidates' abilities in key areas that are critical to teaching and learning.

Subtest 1: Praxis Core Reading

The Praxis Core Reading exam (Test Code: 5713) is designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to read, understand, and analyze written texts. This subtest consists of a series of reading comprehension questions that assess the ability to interpret and analyze passages. Candidates are asked to read various passages and answer questions based on their understanding of the text. The topics covered in the reading passages can vary widely, ranging from literary excerpts to informational texts.

The reading subtest measures several competencies, including the ability to:

• Identify main ideas and supporting details
• Interpret meaning from context
• Evaluate the author’s arguments and reasoning
• Understand the structure and organization of the text

In order to do well in this section, candidates must possess strong critical thinking skills and be able to draw inferences based on the text. Preparing for this subtest involves practicing reading a variety of texts, understanding different genres, and developing the ability to answer questions that assess both literal and inferential comprehension.

Subtest 2: Praxis Core Writing

The Praxis Core Writing exam (Test Code: 5723) measures a candidate's ability to produce well-organized, clear, and coherent writing. It is divided into two parts: a series of multiple-choice questions that assess grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, and two essay prompts that require candidates to write an argumentative essay and an informative/explanatory essay.

The multiple-choice section tests a candidate’s understanding of:

• Sentence structure
• Grammar and usage
• Punctuation
• Word choice
• Organization of ideas

The essay section evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate ideas effectively in writing. The argumentative essay task requires candidates to take a stance on a particular issue and provide logical reasoning and evidence to support their argument. The informative/explanatory essay asks candidates to explain a concept or provide information about a particular subject in a clear and structured manner.

Strong writing skills are essential for any educator, as teachers are expected to effectively communicate with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators. To prepare for this subtest, candidates should practice writing essays on a variety of topics, reviewing grammar and punctuation rules, and developing the ability to organize ideas logically.

Subtest 3: Praxis Core Mathematics

The Praxis Core Mathematics exam (Test Code: 5733) assesses a candidate’s understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving abilities. The topics covered include number and quantity, algebra, geometry, and statistics. The test consists of multiple-choice questions that measure both basic computational skills and the ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.

Key areas assessed in the mathematics subtest include:

• Number and quantity: Arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Algebra: Expressions, equations, inequalities, and word problems
• Geometry: Shapes, angles, and geometric principles
• Data analysis: Interpreting graphs, tables, and statistical information

An on-screen calculator is provided for use during the test, which helps candidates perform complex calculations more efficiently. The ability to solve math problems quickly and accurately is essential for teachers, as they often need to explain mathematical concepts to students in a clear and effective manner.

Candidates should prepare for the Praxis Core Mathematics exam by reviewing fundamental math concepts and practicing problem-solving strategies. It is important to become familiar with the types of questions asked and the format of the test.

Testing Format and Registration

The Praxis Core exam is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats, though the computer-based version is more widely available. The exam can be taken as individual subtests or as a combined test. If a candidate chooses to take the combined test, they will sit for all three subtests in a single session. This option is particularly convenient for candidates who wish to complete the entire exam in one sitting.

Candidates must register for the exam through the ETS Praxis website, where they can select a test center and schedule their exam date. The registration process requires candidates to provide basic personal information and pay the applicable exam fee. It is recommended that candidates register well in advance to secure their preferred test date and location.

Preparation Resources

ETS provides a wide range of preparation materials to help candidates succeed on the Praxis Core exam. These materials include official study guides, practice tests, and online preparation courses. ETS also offers test preparation workshops and webinars that provide additional support.

In addition to the official ETS materials, there are numerous third-party test prep books, websites, and courses available. Many of these resources provide practice questions, study tips, and strategies for taking the exam. Some candidates also benefit from joining study groups or working with a tutor to reinforce their understanding of key concepts.

Recent Developments

As of January 2025, some significant changes have occurred in the landscape of teacher certification. In New Jersey, for example, the state passed a new law eliminating the requirement for teachers to pass a basic reading, writing, and mathematics test, including the Praxis Core exam, to qualify for public school teaching. The law is aimed at addressing teacher shortages by removing perceived barriers to entering the profession. However, teachers are still required to pass specialized tests for their specific teaching areas, such as subject-specific content knowledge exams. This shift reflects broader trends in the field of education, where some states are reevaluating the role of standardized testing in teacher certification.

Conclusion

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam remains an important part of the teacher certification process in many states. It assesses the basic academic skills that all teachers must have in order to succeed in the classroom. By evaluating skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, the exam ensures that educators are equipped with the knowledge and abilities necessary to provide high-quality education to their students.

For those preparing for the exam, a strong understanding of the test format, content, and study materials is essential. With diligent preparation and practice, candidates can increase their chances of performing well on the Praxis Core exam and moving forward in their teaching careers. Whether candidates choose to take the exam as separate subtests or as a combined test, the Praxis Core serves as a valuable measure of academic readiness for aspiring educators.