Retaking the Praxis Test

Retaking the Praxis test is no big deal. It is pretty common and nothing to worry about! You may choose to retake the test if you did not pass the first time taking it, or if you want to improve your score. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to take the Praxis the first time with enough time to spare in case you need to retake the test.

When can I retake the Praxis?

This is the official retake policy from ETS, the organization in charge of the Praxis. They write, “If you feel you did not perform to your potential, you may retake a Praxis test once every 21 days, not including your initial test date. (Note: If you take a combined test, such as the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Test or the PA Grades 4–8 Core Assessment, you cannot retake a subtest until after the 21-day period.)
This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. If you violate this restriction, the scores from your retest will not be reported and your test fees will not be refunded.”

All that means is that you need to wait 21 days before retaking the test. You also have the option of cancelling the scores from your first test.

Photo by Juhan Sonin

What should I do to make sure I score well?

First of all, you already have one test-taking experience under your belt. That will really help you prepare for a retake! Take some time to reflect: What sections did you find difficult? What was easy? This will help you plan your studying priorities.

Next, take some time to review our blog posts on the topics you found challenging. There are lots of posts on the Praxis Core Reading, Praxis Core Writing, and Praxis Core Math. Look around and read up on your focus areas. ETS also has practice tests and study guides available for each of the Praxis tests.

If you’d like to take your studying to the next level and really make your retake your best effort, check out our Praxis test prep!

You’ll do great! Happy studying. 🙂

Author

Allison White

Allison is an Early Childhood Educator who has been a teacher since 2010. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2010 with a degree in Psychology, focused in Child Development. She began her teaching career as a 2nd grade teacher in Washington, D.C. After moving to Denver, Colorado she discovered a passion for Early Childhood Special Education. She earned a Master’s in the subject from University of Colorado Denver in 2015. She spent Spring 2016 teaching pre-service early childhood educators at the undergraduate level. Now she and her husband are on a big adventure travelling around the western United States in an RV!

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Comments

73 responses to “Retaking the Praxis Test”

Richard McCarthy

July 23, 2016

It’s my understanding that a person can retake a test for no additional cost. is that rue?

Allison White

July 23, 2016

Richard,
Unfortunately, you do still need to pay to retake the Praxis.

Reply
1. Jasmine Ross
  
  August 7, 2018
  
  Is it the full amount that needs to be paid or a reduced amount?
  
  Reply
  1. Magoosh Test Prep Expert
    
    August 9, 2018
    
    Hi Jasmine,
    
    If you retake the Praxis, you will have pay the full registration fee.
    
    Reply
  2. Amanda
    
    July 11, 2019
    
    I am still waiting for my official score. But it looks like math may have been my downfall. Would I be able to just take the math section again? Or would I have to take the entire praxis core reading and writing again too?
    
    Reply
    1. Magoosh Test Prep Expert
      
      July 15, 2019
      
      Hi Amanda!
      
      You can take just the math subtest if you need to. 🙂 If you’re referring to the Praxis Core, I believe Math is 5732. You can read more about it here: ETS Core Academic Skills: Mathematics

Lauren

July 29, 2016

If I took the Praxis Core, and only failed the math portion, do I have to retake the entire test?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

August 1, 2016

No you don’t. 🙂 PRaxis Core Writing, Praxis Core Reading, and Praxis Core Math are treated as separate exams by ETS. That means you can schedule each exam separately. So you’ll only need to retake Core Math, and you can keep the Core Writing and Core Reading scores that you have.

Reply

Angela

August 7, 2016

If I took the computer version of the test but need to retake a portion of the core, can I take the paper version sooner?

Allison White

August 9, 2016

Hi Angela! In most cases, the computer version is readily accessible and will be faster than finding a paper version of the test portion you need to retake. Good luck!

Reply

Dana

September 6, 2016

Hi, I just took the Elementary Ed Social Studies subtest today and unfortunately did not pass ): Although I have to wait 21 days to retake it again, can I still register and pick what day I want to take it today?

Allison White

September 23, 2016

Hi Dana,

Sorry I’m just seeing this! You should be able to register, but be wary of doing so before your official scores come back. Hope that helps. 🙂 Good luck with the re-take!

Reply

Jorge Brito

September 22, 2016

Can you retake the test in less than 21 days?

Allison White

September 23, 2016

Hi Jorge,

Unfortunately, no. If you try, you may risk having your retest scores cancelled and not reported AND losing your test fee!

Here is the official re-take policy from ETS:

“Test Retake Policy
If you feel you did not perform to your potential, you may retake a Praxis test once every 21 days, not including your initial test date. (Note: If you take a combined test, such as the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Test or the PA Grades 4–8 Core Assessment, you cannot retake a subtest until after the 21-day period.)

This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. If you violate this restriction, the scores from your retest will not be reported and your test fees will not be refunded.”

Good luck with the re-take!

Reply

Shelia Smith

October 25, 2016

If I took the Praxis core exam and can longer get my scores from ETS, but I have a copy of my scores, will I have to re-take the parts that I passed?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

October 25, 2016

You should be able to get score reports from ETS. However, Praxis scores that are more than a year old can’t be viewed online and need to instead be special ordered at $50 per score report. You can find details on that on ETS’s official “getting your scores” web page.

Unless the state where you’re applying for your license says that your Praxis scores are too old, you should still be able to get your older score reports for a fee as described above, instead of actually retaking the Praxis Core.

Reply

G Maine

November 10, 2016

I’m currently waiting for my official score reports to be available for the Praxis 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (will not be available until ~Nov. 26th based on the testing window I was in and the 10-16 days it takes to get official scores posted). When I took my test, my raw scores came up, but the number from 100-200 did not. I only was able to see how many questions I got right for each subject.

Initially, didn’t understand the system of computation for scores and was very unsure or how I did based on the amount of guessing I did. Using David’s information (from https://magoosh.com/praxis/2016/unofficial-scores-on-the-praxis-core-what-you-need-to-know/) I was able to calculate my scores and believe I passed each subject, but I’m not sure. I also read that I’m not the only one who experienced not seeing the 100-200 score on my computer (definitely reassuring as my advisor told me I was mistaken and I didn’t look hard enough).

I need to have passing scores ASAP to my advisor (for a post-baccalaureate program I am completing) and the last day I can send the university scores is about 12/25 so I would need to retake any subjects I failed in early December.

I want to sign up now so I do not get myself in a pickle if test sessions fill up too close to the date. I also don’t want to wait until Nov. 26th to sign up. If I retake the entire 5001 test, will my new scores for each subject cancel out my old scores? I am just worried that if I passed a subject(s) the first time, I may not pass the second time and I’d be doing myself a huge disservice. Is it if you pass it at all you are all set?

PLEASE HELP!

Allison White

November 12, 2016

Hi there!

Ok, let me see if I can help! First, I’d talk to my advisor and see if they have any flexibility with the date (probably not, but it may give you a little wiggle room). If not, given what you’ve said and the time crunch you’re in, I’d recommend that you go ahead and register for a test in early December.

If your test results come back and you passed, great! You can cancel your test registration if you do so three full days before the test (more info here: https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/refund_policies/). The downside is that ETS would only refund 50% of the test fee. That’s obviously not ideal, but it may be worth it for peace of mind.

If your results come back in late November and you did not pass the first time around, you’re already set to retake the test.

With that plan, it doesn’t seem like you’d get into a situation where you passed and were also retaking the test.

I hope that helps! Good luck. 🙂

Reply
1. G Maine
  
  November 17, 2016
  
  Thanks Allison! Definitely helpful 🙂
  
  One last question.. If I retake the entire 5001 test, will my new scores for each subject cancel out my old scores? I am just worried that if I passed a subject(s) the first time, I may not pass the second time and I’d be doing myself a huge disservice if new scores cancel the old ones?
  
  Reply

lan

February 3, 2017

If I passed the math portion but not the reading/writing in the praxis core test do I have to take them all again? Also If I do would by math score be still passing automatically or does it reset?

Allison White

February 4, 2017

Hi Ian,
You only need to retake the sections you did not pass. Good luck!
Allison

Reply

Kate Lam

April 29, 2017

Hi Allison,
I need to retake the Core Writing Test, but I am a little lost here.
1. How can I retake this test, do I just register the test like usual?
2. For the policy of retaking every 21 days, does it mean after 21 days of the first test date that I can choose any date available?
3. How can I cancel the fail test score? As I do not want any schools of Education Department in different states to know that I failed in the first time. If I retake the test and pass in the second time, will the new score automatically replace the old score and be appeared in the new combined report?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

May 2, 2017

I can get this one, Allison! 🙂

OK, Kate, to answer your questions:

1) Yes, you register as you usually would. Retake registry and first time registry are the same in terms of cost and process.

2) You can retake the test 21 days after your last test date. Once you’re at or beyond that 21 day mark, you cna choose any testing time/date/location you like.

3) You can only cancel your scores in the test center. Fortunately, each score report is separate, so an older, lower score wont show up on your retake score report. And state licensing boards aren’t concerned with previous low cores. As long as you’re able to submit a passing Praxis score, how you did in previous test sessions doesn’t matter.

Reply

Julie

April 30, 2017

Hello Allison!
I took and passed the Reading 5203 test last year. This makes me highly qualified in Ohio for the third grade guarantee. My question is, how long is that score good for? Do I have to retake the dumb thing every 2 years? 5 years? And is there a way to count the test towards recertification?
Julie (and Caitlin…and the rest of us overly tested third grade teachers!)

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

May 2, 2017

Hi Julie (and Caitlin)—

Thanks for taking such an important question. I have some good news: Praxis scores don’t have any official expiration date. This is to say that ETS doesn’t set any expiration date, and also encourages state licensing boards to treat Praxis scores as “good forever.”

To my knowledge, there are no states that set expiration dates on submitted Praxis scores. If you’re worried, however, you can check the rules by talking to a professor, academic advisor, or state licensing office. Hope this helps.

Reply

Tyler

May 6, 2017

Hello, I have to retake a praxis test and I have a date available that is exactly 21 days after my initial test. Would the score count or do I need to wait after the 21 day mark?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

May 8, 2017

Hi Tyler,

It is not possible to tell from your wording for sure, so let me give you an example. If you took the test on April 1 and then scheduled your retake, a test taken on April 21 would not count. I personally like to take the date + 22 days to be sure, meaning I would recommend this person take the test again on April 23. I hope that helps! 🙂

Reply

Gabby

June 9, 2017

Hi,

If I take the English Language Arts: Content Knowledge on June 30th and I fail it, can I immediately schedule to retake the test on July 22? Do I have to wait for the 21-day period to schedule?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

June 15, 2017

Hi Gabby,

You should be able to immediately reschedule, as long as the rescheduled test doesn’t fall within the 21 day period. In your case, you should be fine 🙂

Reply

Kat

June 16, 2017

If I took the praxis ppst which was older version of core praxis and I passed the writing. Do I need to retake the writing for the core or does it count since it was just a conversion from ppst to core?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

June 18, 2017

That’s a very good question, and it depends on the people you are submitting your Praxis score to. Some state certification boards and teacher prep programs will accept the PPST. Others will ask for the Core. You’ll need to check to make sure.

Reply

Abby W

June 17, 2017

Does it hurt you if you fail a test? I just haven’t been in school for a while and the core (social studies and science more or less scare me!)I am certified K-6 (do not have my permanent yet, should be able to get that next year) but want to take the middle school (4-8) and be certified in math.

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

June 18, 2017

It certainly doesn’t hurt. Schools, state teacher certification boards and teacher preparation programs only care about your highest/passing Praxis scores, and can’t even see a failing Praxis score unless you show it to them. As long as you have enough time to study and successfully retake the exam, you’ll be OK. 🙂

Reply

Alessandra santana

July 9, 2017

Hi I took audiology praxis unfortunately I did not pass when can I retake again?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

July 10, 2017

Hi Alessandra,

Sorry to hear you didn’t pass Praxis II for audiology on the first try. 🙁 Luckily, you can retake your Praxis soon. ETS allows you to retake your Praxis exam as early as 21 days after your last exam. Of course, you might want to give yourself a little more time, so you can make sure you’re truly prepared to boost your score on the retake.

Reply

Maureen

July 9, 2017

Hi,
I recently took the 5001 Praxis Exams and failed the Math 5003 and Science 5005. The duration of the math I originally took was 65 minutes and now when I’m looking to retake it, the duration reads 120 minutes. Are there more questions this time around? Just trying to get an idea and see if there’s more time for the same amount of questions. Please advise.

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

July 10, 2017

Hi Maureen,

Interesting! I’m still seeing 65 minutes as the duration of the math portion of Praxis 5001. I’m seeing this on page 5 of the official Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) Study Companion. Can you tell me where you’re seeing 120 minutes? Send me the source, and I’ll happily double check it for you. 🙂

Reply
1. liz
  
  August 10, 2018
  
  When you register for the test it says 120 minutes. This is very misleading for you have the idea that you have more time for the test but in reality you have 65 minutes for the test.
  
  Reply
  1. Magoosh Test Prep Expert
    
    August 17, 2018
    
    Hi Liz,
    
    That is very strange, and I’m afraid I also don’t understand why the timing would be different on the registration page. I recommend that you contact ETS directly to ask them about this!
    
    Reply

Ashley

July 15, 2017

Hello, I failed the praxis 5543 but basically bomed the constructive response(writing) can I just take that part again?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

July 20, 2017

Hi Ashley,

Unfortunately, you have to take the whole test again. But you can knock it out of the park this time! 🙂

Reply

Tammy Graves

December 5, 2017

Is there any possible way to retake the test before the 21 days? This is causing a delay in student teaching. The semester starts January 16th and the next date is January 8th. If the test can be taken before the 21 days, there is a testing session on December 9th

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

December 6, 2017

Hi Tammy,

Unfortunately, no, there is no way around these restrictions. :/

Reply

Jordan

December 14, 2017

Hi I recently took the praxis and did not pass the math section. Will the same questions be on the test or will there be different questions with the same formulas?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

December 19, 2017

Hi Jordan,

You will face the same types of questions, but not the exact same questions.

Reply

Amber Manchester

January 23, 2018

I wonder if I can take each subject of the praxis core separately so I can focus on just that subject? Will this be possible to do or do I have to wait 21 days in between each separate subject?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

January 23, 2018

I’ve got good news. 🙂 Praxis Core Reading, Praxis Core Math, and Praxis Core Writing are treated as separate exams by ETS. So while you can choose to book them all in one sitting, you can also register for, take, and retake each exam separately.

Reply

Crystal

February 10, 2018

The ETS site says Praxis scores are valid for only 10 years. Does that mean after 10 years the scores expire and I can not submit them to the state for my certification? I need help!

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

February 10, 2018

Crystal,

Yes, ETS’s policy on Praxis score validity does likely mean that after 10 years, you will no longer be able to submit your Praxis scores to your state for certification. Moreover, ETS won’t even issue score reports for Praxis scores that are more than 10 years old. So if you don’t save a sealed official copy of an older score report, you won’t be able to get a new one. With that said, here’s a chance some states may make exceptions and be willing to look at older scores, if you have a copy. If your Praxis scores are expired or about to expire, it wouldn’t hurt to contact your state licensing board and ask if there’s any way your scores can still be considered.

Reply

Laurie

February 10, 2018

Waiting on official scores but took the Multiple Subject Praxis II. Of the four subtests, thinking I might have failed two sections but only saw raw score waiting for the official scores. If I need to retake Math and Social Studies can I schedule them both in same day? If I scheduled just one, do I still have to wait 21 days even if they are different sub tests?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

February 13, 2018

Hi Laurie,

I recommend that you contact ETS directly with this question. Our program mostly covers the Praxis Core tests, and I’m not entirely sure about how to answer this question because I can’t find any documentation of this policy (which is probably why you asked the question here in the first place!). Sorry I can’t give you a good answer here, but if you do find out please let us know!

Reply

Maria B Delgado

April 4, 2018

Hi, I just took my last Praxis exam (writing), and I feel ok about it, not enough timefor the essays. I passed the Math and the Reading and I heard the scores from the three of the exams get combined so if you did not so well in one exam the other two can help you if you obtained more points than average. is this correct? Thank you so much and good luck to everyone!

Maria

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

April 6, 2018

To my knowledge, every state looks at the three different Praxis Core exam scores separately. So combining the scores likely wouldn’t be useful here. But if you have heard that the Praxis Core Reading, Writing and Math scores are combined and averaged in your state, you can double check to see if that’s the case. To pull up your state’s current requirements, go to the official Praxis state requirements web page.

Reply

July 4, 2018

I took the SLLS 6011 exam yesterday and the business that shares a wall with the CTS center played hard rock music the entire time! The bass of the music was horrible. I complained to the testing administrator who apologized and said they had asked them to not do that, but they still do! There were ear phones, that did no good. I couldn’t focus what so ever! I took the KY test last week in the same center but a different room. It was quiet and comfortable. I scored well. Due to that stinking music, I don’t believe I scored well on the written part, at all! I couldn’t even think bubthat time with the music.
How Can I get a retake? Why is this. Wing allowed?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

July 5, 2018

Hi Jo,

Your next step will be to contact ETS. You can fix this for future test takers and hopefully get a voucher to take the test again somewhere else. Good luck!

Reply

Joseph Julian Acuna

August 18, 2018

If I failed Writing and Math but passed Reading, can I register for the combined again and skip the Reading portion. For instance, since each segment is $90 each I would have to pay $180 to take Writing and Math again, but if I register for the combined then its only $150. So if I register for the combined then can I just not Report my reading score since I have a passing grade already? Or would that null and void my previous grade?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

August 24, 2018

Hi Joseph,

The tests can be treated as separate in terms of score reporting, so you should be able to register for the combined test to save money and skip the reading portion. You may want to double-check with your state licensing program or teacher training school to see if they’d have any problem with it, just to be safe. But it seems likely that you could sign up for the combined test and skip Reading without problems.

Reply

Poetry29

September 28, 2018

Hi, in NJ, it says that the scores will be automatically send to NJ department of education. But if I failed the test, will the next one replace this first, or both will be there? Does it matter for receiving the certificate or not?
Thanks.

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

October 19, 2018

We are not sure of the nuances of state-level rules, but you should be able to contact the NJ Department of Education to find out. Good luck!

Reply

Bianca Baumgart

October 9, 2018

Hey getting ready to take the Praxis, lets say I failed on my first attempt. Will my school or even future jobs be able to see my failed attempts? Or do I get to select which scores to send?

Thanks!

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

October 13, 2018

Hi Bianca,

It is pretty common to have a below-passing score on your report, so don’t worry. ETS says, “Additional score reports indicate the highest score earned on each test.” This sounds to me like they send the entire test history, but most states I know about will just accept that there is a passing score on your record. 🙂

Reply

Anna K Sargent

November 15, 2018

Hi, I passed my reading but unfortunately did not pass my writing and math. It is cheaper for me to retake all 3 rather than just the 2. However I do not want to have to try on my reading. If i get a 0 will that score be recorded or can I keep my old one? Thank you -Anna

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

November 25, 2018

Hi Anna,

This is an interesting question! I recommend that you seek advice from whichever agency will receive your scores before proceeding. You would have to send two different score reports (one showing that you passed only reading and the other showing a 0 on reading). You can’t separate scores and send only two scores from your second test and one score from your first test. The institution may not care as long as you pass all three, but I recommend making sure that this is the case before investing time and energy into a retake. Good luck!

Reply

juhi

November 18, 2018

i had my praxis test biology 5235 this october but unfortunately i didnt passed . I want to register again for retest .Do i have to pay the full fee again

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

November 20, 2018

Hi Juhi,

Yes, when you register to retake the exam you must pay the full amount again.

Reply

Karin

February 23, 2019

Hey there, I see a lot of questions about the praxis core…I took the 5001 multiple subjects but didn’t pass the math portion ( missed it by 2 points), will I be able to retake just that portion?

David Recine

February 25, 2019

Sorry to here that happened to you, Karin! The good news is that you can retake just one subtest within the Praxis Core. 🙂

Reply

Felicita Custer

May 7, 2019

I want to retake the praxis to improve my score so my question is, if I retake the praxis will it cancel out my previous score? Or will it keep the highest score?

David Recine

May 9, 2019

You can get separate score reports for each Praxis test you take, so your highest sore won’t be erased, even if you get a lower score on retake. Hopefully that won’t happen, though! 🙂

Reply

Ben

January 30, 2020

Hello, I took the P.E. Praxis 2 5857 I failed it by 10 points the first time. When I took it again I failed it by 20 points. The first time I took it was easier, what are the odds of receiving the first test on the 3rd try?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

February 7, 2020

Hi Ben,

You won’t receive the same test you already took, but I encourage you to think about the first test and why it went better for you. Reflecting on your performance on both tests can help you identify strategies to improve on your next test.

Reply

Sarah

January 5, 2021

If I passed one section of the elementary ed multi subjects, can I take the whole joined test again just for the math, social studies and LA/Reading? Will it invalidate my one passing test?

Magoosh Test Prep Expert

January 15, 2021

Hi Sarah, I think this question would be better answered by the education officials in your district. Check their requirements to make sure that you are getting the most up to date information.

Reply