The primary difference between Praxis I and II exams is the content and purpose of each exam. As of 2014, the Praxis I was replaced with the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core), but these exams cover similar topics and some may now refer to the Praxis Core as the Praxis I. Praxis II refers to the Praxis Subject Assessments. The Praxis 1 and 2 difference is that Praxis 1 covers basic skills in math, reading, and writing for those entering a teacher preparation program, while Praxis 2 comprises over 90 exams that cover a wide range of specific subject areas. We will cover each in detail below.
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Create AccountThe Praxis I exam was used through the 2013-2014 school year and was replaced by the Praxis Core on September 1, 2014. It was also called the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and was one, longer exam that covered topics in math, reading, and writing. Students could take a computer-based or paper-based exam and had to answer 127 questions that were divided evenly across the 3 subject areas. Students who took the exam on paper had 3 hours to complete the exam, while those who chose the computer-based test could choose between taking the exam in one sitting in 4.5 hours or break it up into 2 different 2-hour sessions.
The Praxis Core exam still tests students' basic knowledge in math, reading, and writing, but is offered in a slightly different format. The Praxis Core is a computer-based exam that can be taken at home or in person at a Praxis testing center. The exam is broken up into 3 different subtests for each subject area. The Praxis Core Math has 56 questions that must be completed in 90 minutes and the Praxis Core Reading also has 56 questions that must be completed in 85 minutes.
The Praxis Core Writing has 2 separate sections. The first section consists of 40 questions that must be completed in 40 minutes and a section with 2 essay questions that must be completed in 60 minutes. Although the Praxis Core covers the same subject areas as the Praxis I, the exams have some differences in content. For instance, the Praxis Core math section places a greater emphasis on linear equations and the reading section requires students to read and analyze multiple passages. The Praxis writing essay in the writing subtest is also unique from the Praxis I. The use of the Praxis Core for entrance to teacher preparation programs and/or teacher certification is one of the biggest differences between Praxis I and II. Other differences between Praxis 1 and 2 will be discussed below.
The following states require teacher candidates to take the Praxis Core and meet Praxis passing scores set forth in order to be a licensed or certified teacher within the state:
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Create AccountPraxis II exams are used to test teachers' content knowledge and teaching skills in specific subject areas. As mentioned, the Praxis II consists of over 90 individual exams, some of which cover broader areas, such as special education, while others cover very specific subject areas, such as agriculture. The Praxis II is divided into these various subject assessments, as well as the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Test. PLT Praxis test is designed to test students' pedagogical knowledge for early childhood, grades K through 6, grades 5 through 9, or grades 7 through 12. Each state sets its own requirements for which exam students need to become certified educators in a given subject area or grade level, as well as the individual passing scores for each exam. Some examples of Praxis II Subject Assessments include:
The following states utilize the Praxis II Subject Assessments in their teacher certification process. However, the specific exams and number of exams required varies by state.
Amanda Carpenter, M.S. is an ESL Teacher with 5 years of experience teaching English to students in China. She has also worked as a 5th Grade Teacher in Alabama. Amanda completed an M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction at Western Governors University.
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The Praxis I was an exam that was discontinued after 2014 and replaced by the Praxis Core, but this exam covers the same subject areas as the Praxis Core and some may refer to the Praxis Core as the Praxis I.
The Praxis 1 exam covers basic and necessary skills for teachers in the subject areas of mathematics, reading, and writing.
The specific Praxis exams that students are required to take depends on several different factors, including the state in which they wish to teach and the specific subject area and/or grade level they wish to teach.
