The Praxis is a suite of exams that includes the Praxis Core tests, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) exams. Each state differs in its Praxis state requirements and therefore, Alabama Praxis requirements will likely vary from other states. Alabama Praxis test requirements include the Praxis Subject Assessment, or Alabama Praxis 2. This is the only type of Praxis exam Alabama requires, but the Praxis Core may be utilized by some teacher preparation programs. Read on to learn more about the different Praxis exams.
The Praxis Core is not a required exam in Alabama, and therefore, does not have any state-specific qualifying scores. However, some teacher preparation programs may utilize this exam for entry into the program. The Praxis Core is designed to test students' basic knowledge of math, reading, and writing. The exam has 3 subtests in each of these respective subject areas and can be taken all in one sitting or across 3 separate test dates as 3 separate subtests. Students who complete the test all at once have 5 hours to finish, while taking the subtests separately gives students 2 hours at each testing session. All 3 subtests contain selected-response questions, but the subtest for the Praxis Core writing also includes 2 essay questions.
The required exams for the Praxis II in Alabama depend on a student's specific certification area. There are over 90 Praxis Subject Assessments available, but Alabama does not require them all. These exams are designed to test students' specific content knowledge and skills for their certification area. For example, in Alabama, an elementary school teacher must pass the 5901 Elementary Triple Subject Bundle test (which replaced the Praxis II Elementary Education Multiple Subjects 5001, as of September 1, 2020), while a high school math teacher needs to pass the exam for Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge 5161. Students can find the qualifying scores for each exam on the ETS website, but a few examples include:
| Exam Title | Exam Code | Passing Score in AL |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten Education | 5531 | 155 |
| Health Education | 5551 | 154 |
| Latin | 5601 | 152 |
| Middle School Mathematics | 5169 | 165 |
| Geography | 5921 | 153 |
| Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications | 5354 | 153 |
| Computer Science | 5652 | 149 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | 5122 | 153 |
Prior to September 1, 2018, Alabama required all licensure types to pass one Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam. After September 1, 2018, the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) was required in its place. However, Praxis scores in Alabama are valid for 10 years and the PLT is still used for the fields of Computer Science, Gifted Education, Health Science, and Technical Education. PLT Praxis exam are part of the Praxis Subject Assessments and measure students' pedagogical knowledge in different grade level ranges. In Alabama, some teachers who meet the required fields and grade levels will need to meet the following scores:
| Exam Title | Exam Code | Passing Score in AL |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K through 6 | 5622 | 160 |
| Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7 through 12 | 5624 | 157 |
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Create AccountAfter prospective teachers have determined which Praxis exams they need for certification in Alabama, they must sign up for the Praxis exam. Registration can be completed in several different ways with one of the most convenient ways being online. Online registration can be completed through one's Praxis account and requires teachers to print their admissions ticket for the exam if they choose to test at a test center. Aspiring teachers can also register through the mail, but this method can be the most time-consuming. Test-takers who register through the mail must be sure to allow at least 3 weeks for the delivery of a voucher after registration and will still need to print their admission ticket. Finally, those who already have a Praxis account and are planning to test in the United States can pay an additional $35 to register via phone. Phone registration takes place Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7:45 pm Eastern Time. At the time of registration, prospective teachers select the Praxis test dates and locations, as well as pay the required fee. Learn more about registration below.
For many of the Praxis Subject Assessments, taking the Praxis online test at home is an option. These at-home exams are the exact same as in-person exams and are proctored online. Prospective teachers can choose to take their exam(s) 7 days a week anytime between 10 am and 1 am Eastern Time. Those who choose to test at home must meet the various equipment and environment requirements outlined by the ETS. For equipment, test-takers must use a desktop or laptop which allows for downloading the required ETS Secure Test Browser and that has access to a speaker, microphone, and camera. Environment requirements include working at a tabletop with a standard chair and only having a whiteboard or transparent sheet for note-taking. Test-takers must also ensure they will have complete privacy during the exam and are appropriately dressed.
Some prospective teachers may choose to take their Praxis exam in-person at a test center. These Praxis testing centers are available throughout the United States and even abroad at international locations. For those wanting to test in Alabama, there are several testing sites available in different cities throughout the state. There are even out-of-state test sites that may be close for some students. For instance, there is one Praxis Testing Center in Mobile, AL, but there are an additional 20 testing centers found within 200 miles of the city. Test-takers can search for a test location using the ETS website and select the location that is most convenient for them at the time of registration. Depending on the testing location, available dates and times may vary for each Praxis exam. However, the Praxis exams are offered on a rolling basis. Test-takers can check with their specific test center for protocols and rules for test day.
During registration, prospective teachers must pay the necessary fee(s) associated with their required exam(s). The Praxis test cost range from $50 to $209, depending on the exam. Some test-takers may need to change their test date or location, which will result in an additional $40 fee. Additional test score reports cost $50 each and a score review costs $65 for either selected-response tests or constructed-response tests. Some states have an additional surcharge, but Alabama is not one of them.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountAlthough prospective teachers are permitted to retake Praxis test multiple times if they do not pass, aspiring teachers should aim to pass the exam as quickly as possible. This requires extensive preparation to understand the format, the content, and the Praxis scoring system. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help students prepare for the exam, some of which are discussed in greater detail below.
Test-takers can use an array of practice tests to prepare for their exams. Some practice tests are available for free, while others are fee-based. Regardless of the type of practice test a candidate chooses, it's important to use Praxis practice exam that align with the specific test they are taking. Taking practice exams can help prospective teachers gauge how well they will do on the actual exams and discover their level of content knowledge.
Using a detailed Alabama Praxis study guide can give aspiring teachers an understanding of the specific format of the exam as well as a detailed overview of the content of the exam and study tips. Test-takers may use study guides to figure out areas of strength and weakness to know how to plan study time.
Alabama Praxis score requirements vary by exam. While Praxis Core scores in Alabama are not required, prospective teachers must meet the qualifying Praxis scores Alabama has for their certification area. Alabama Praxis scores will be posted on the test report date based off of teachers' test dates after 5 pm Eastern Time. Scores for exams with selected-response questions may be returned more quickly, as these exams are scored by the computer. Constructed-response exams take longer because human scorers manually score the exam. Alabama Praxis test scores are automatically sent to the Alabama State Department of Education if teachers take the exam in Alabama. Those who take an exam out-of-state must select the Alabama State Department of Education (state code 7020) to receive their Praxis score report. The state does not accept paper score reports and scores are valid in the state for 10 years from the test date.
Nicole McCaig, M.A. is an elementary school teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching and mentoring novice teachers. She has successfully passed the Praxis and holds a New Jersey Standard Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education K-5. Nicole graduated with an M.A. in Teaching from Monmouth University. She is dedicated to contributing to e-learning platforms and serving schools in disadvantaged areas, as she believes that quality education should be accessible to all.
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The Praxis Core is not required in Alabama, but some teacher preparation programs may require it. Alabama does require the Alabama Praxis II or Praxis Subject Assessments.
The Alabama Praxis score requirements vary by specific exam. Each state is responsible for determining which exams are required and the qualifying scores for each. Students can use the ETS website to see Alabama test and score requirements.
As part of the Alabama Praxis score requirements, Praxis scores are valid in Alabama for 10 years from when the test was taken.
