When Do You Take the Praxis?

If you are applying to teacher training programs or enrolled in a teacher training program, you may be wondering, “When do you take the Praxis?” The short answer is: it depends on your school.

You Need to Pass the Praxis to Teach

At the latest, if your state requires the Praxis core or any Praxis subject tests for your teaching license, you have to pass the test(s) before you begin teaching. (Side note, if you are doing an alternative certification program, there is occasionally a different timeline in some states. Check with your program.)

You May Take the Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Tests at Different Times

At the earliest, your school may require a passing Praxis score on the Praxis Core in order to apply. Often in this case, the answer to “When do you take the Praxis?” is different for Praxis Core versus Praxis Subject tests — you’d take the Praxis Core before applying and the Praxis Subject close to the end of your program.

Many schools have you take the Praxis Subject tests just before beginning student teaching. The mindset here is that by this point in the program, you have completed all the coursework to be successful. Your school might also allow you to take the Praxis Core at this point, too.

What if I have to take the Praxis Core for admission?

If your school does require the Praxis Core for admission, don’t worry. While you will need to study, the knowledge is general. With preparation, you should be able to pass without any coursework beyond the high school level. Brush up on your reading, writing, and math and you’ll be good to go. Of course, give yourself plenty of time before the admissions deadline in case you need to retake the test.