Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding careers. Though it is a stressful job, the chance to positively impact the lives of kids is a major benefit of teaching.
Becoming a teacher usually requires you to get an undergraduate degree in education with a specialization. For example, you might major in elementary education or secondary social studies education.
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Disclaimer: Some courses may include an affiliate link. Courses were chosen first based on the methodology with affiliate links only added after the ranking was complete.
But some people become teachers through alternative means. An accountant might become a math teacher. A journalist might become a language arts teacher. This is because their work experience has prepared them to do so.
Either way, future teachers in many instances are required to take the Praxis exam. A better description of the Praxis might be a collection of exams.
For example, there is the Praxis Core, which tests you on reading, writing, and math skills. As another example, there are Praxis exams for many specific content areas. This includes geometry, physical education, and Spanish just to name a few.
A question that is common for prospective teachers is “do I need to take the Praxis?” Some states require a Praxis exam while others don’t. Furthermore, some states require certain content areas to be tested while others are not. So the answer to that question is, it depends.
If you find that you do need to take a Praxis test, your next question might be “what are the best praxis test prep classes?”
This ranking includes many different Praxis core online prep courses from which you can choose. By consulting this list, you should be able to find and enroll in Praxis test prep classes that will help you achieve a passing score.
We’ve selected the Praxis prep courses in this ranking based on a specific methodology. Let’s take a look at our method so you understand exactly how this list was created.
Methodology to Determine the Best Praxis Prep Courses
To generate a list of the best Praxis prep courses, we’ve evaluated each course on three different measures:
- Affordability
- Accessibility
- Flexibility
Our method includes three factors for a very important reason – it gives you a clearer picture of the value of a course for your needs.
Each of these factors is important. But for some people affordability is the most important. For others accessibility or flexibility is the primary factor they look at. At the end of the day, though, the Praxis core online prep courses you take should have a good mix of all three factors.
By examining each course on these three measures, you can identify which ones that are a good fit for your needs. This can happen on two levels. First, you can judge each course on each individual factor. This enables you to see things like which course is the most affordable. Second, you can evaluate each course based on its overall score. This indicates how good a mix the course has of each of the three factors.
In the next section, we explore all three factors in detail.
Affordability
The cost of getting a degree in education is high. For this reason, many students that need to take the Praxis are looking for Praxis test prep classes that are affordable.
There are some Praxis core online prep courses that are free. Good ones, at that! There are also many paid Praxis test prep classes. Again, many of these paid courses are well worth the price.
Ultimately, what’s affordable is up to you and your budget. To help you identify affordable options, we’ve ranked each course according to the following scale:
- Free: 6 points
- $1-$100: 5 points
- $101-$200: 4 points
- $201-$300: 3 points
- $301-$400: 2 points
- $500 and above: 1 point
It’s important to note that being free doesn’t automatically make a course a good option for you. Paid courses tend to be in greater depth. For this reason, if you need a lot of prep assistance, a paid course might be the best option.
Accessibility
Taking a Praxis core online prep course means you have one more thing added to your plate. To ensure that you can take the course and be successful, we’ve ranked each class in terms of its accessibility.
That is, we consider things like:
- What is the learning format?
- Can you access the course online and offline?
- Are there resources like downloadable materials or an app to make learning more accessible?
Obviously, the more accessible a course is, the more points it earns:
- High accessibility: 2 points
- Moderate accessibility: 1 point
Note that each course in our rankings offers high or moderate accessibility. Courses that made it difficult to learn on-the-go were not considered.
Flexibility
The third factor we’ve used to rank the best Praxis test prep classes is flexibility.
The primary component of this is the format of the course. Is it self-paced or are there deadlines?
A self-paced course is far more flexible because you can set and reset deadlines as it fits your schedule. This type of format isn’t for everyone, though. If you aren’t very good about setting deadlines and meeting them, taking a course with more instructor oversight might be a good idea.
Each of the courses in our ranking was evaluated according to the following:
- High flexibility: 2 points
- Moderate flexibility: 1 point
Again, courses with low flexibility were not considered for these rankings.
To derive a score for this criterion, we consider factors like:
- Is the course self-paced or instructor-paced?
- Are there strict deadlines?
- Are you required to meet with instructors or classmates at specific times?
Taken as a whole, these three factors give us a pretty clear picture of the potential value of a Praxis core online prep course. With that in mind, let’s get to the rankings of the best Praxis test prep classes.
Ranking the Best Praxis Prep Courses
#12: Praxis Prep Course
Kaplan is a leader in test prep. Their Praxis Prep Course is a popular option for people that need structure and guidance as they study.
This is also one of the most robust Praxis prep courses available. It includes many features and benefits, such as:
- 2,000+ practice questions
- Full answers and explanations
- 19 practice tests
- Kaplan’s Praxis prep book
Additionally, you get strategies for preparing for the exam. You also get Kaplan content review materials to help further your studies.
Students benefit from hours and hours of video instruction. Likewise, there are study materials for English, math, social studies, and science.
Points: 6
Affordability: Starts at $399.
Accessibility: High accessibility. Online and offline learning materials are available. Online components are available 24/7.
Flexibility: High flexibility. You can learn at your own pace according to your schedule. There are no set deadlines or class meeting dates.
#11: Praxis Core Preparation
Rutgers University developed its Praxis Test Prep for future educators to be delivered online. This makes the Rutgers program highly accessible.
There are actually two course options. First is the Praxis Core Math Prep and second is the Praxis Core Verbal Prep.
The math course includes 15 hours of targeted instruction that covers:
- Strategies for decoding difficult questions
- Solid approaches for attacking math problems
- Review of concepts that will be on the Core Math test
The verbal course is 10 hours in length and covers:
- Reading comprehension
- Citing resources
- Correcting written errors
Both Praxis prep courses are offered live online. There are recordings of the classes so you can watch them anytime you like. The virtual classroom Rutgers provides allows you to interact with the instructor in real-time.
Points: 7
Affordability: $179.
Accessibility: High accessibility. The virtual classroom is open all day and night. Course materials like videos and animations are available online. Lessons are both live and recorded for easy access.
Flexibility: Moderate flexibility. The course format allows you to engage with the course when it best fits your schedule. However, the course is instructor-paced and session recordings are only available for 30 days.
#10: Praxis Core Preparation
This Praxis test prep course from ed2go prepares you to take the Praxis Core test. It was designed with first-time test takers in mind, as well as people that have taken the Praxis but did not pass.
This course gets you familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the three sections of the Praxis Core test. This includes a discussion of how to write an effective essay and what is considered a high scoring essay. This also includes plenty of math resources to help you gain confidence for the math section of the test.
The math prep materials include questions on fractions and decimals, percentages and probably, statistics and systems of measurements, just to name a few.
Additional resources include:
- Test-taking strategies
- A full-length practice test
- Videos and animations to supplement lessons
Students that have taken this course have noted that it is well organized, interesting, and even fun.
This top Praxis prep course comes in two options: an instructor-led option and a self-paced option. Both options are the same price, so you can select which one best fits your learning style without worrying about your budget.
Points: 8
Affordability: $149.
Accessibility: High accessibility. All course materials are easily accessed online. Access is immediate and course materials are available 24/7.
Flexibility: Varies. The self-paced option has more flexibility because you can set and reset deadlines as needed. This option is highly flexible. The instructor-led option is moderately flexible. You have some leeway in terms of when you study, but the instructor ultimately determines the pace of the course. This course is scored as highly flexible.
#9: Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge
Teachers Test Prep developed this online Praxis test prep course for future math teachers. This course focuses on topics on the Praxis 5161 exam.
As part of the course, you get a free study guide to help you identify key areas on which you’ll be tested. The study guide includes a bullet-point snapshot of each topic, that way you can get a quick feel for what to expect on the test.
There are two class options. The Quick Core option is for studying in a short period of time. The Core Plus option is more expensive, but it comes with additional features. This includes:
- An additional practice test
- Practice test diagnostics
- Money-back guarantee or Extended Support if you fail the Praxis
If you opt for the extended support option, you get live one-on-one tutoring with a test expert. This is to help you identify what you need to work on to pass the test when you retake it.
Points: 8
Affordability: Starts at $135.
Accessibility: High accessibility. You can access course materials immediately upon enrollment. Course is available 24/7 online.
Flexibility: High flexibility. This self-paced course offers excellent flexibility. You can study any time day or night. There are a variety of learning materials for flexibility of learning styles as well.
#8: Magoosh Premium Praxis Prep
The Premium Praxis Prep course from Magoosh is a one-stop shop for prepping for the Praxis. You get six months of access to materials for each of the following Praxis exams:
- Praxis Core Math
- Praxis Core Reading
- Praxis Core Writing
To help you better understand these concepts, this course has more than 350 practice questions. There are also more than 175 video lessons. These lessons cover critical topics that you must master in order to pass the Praxis.
If you have difficulty with certain topics, email tutoring is available. Questions should be few and far between though. The course is designed to be clear and in-depth, yet concise at the same time. Each practice question has a video explanation, that way you get a full understanding of the answer.
Points: 9
Affordability: $99.
Accessibility: High accessibility. Easily access the course online. Additional learning materials are available on the Magoosh app.
Flexibility: High flexibility. Work at your own pace. Use various learning materials to study. There are no instructor deadlines or test dates so you can study at your leisure.
#7: Magoosh Praxis Math Prep
This Praxis prep course for math was developed by Magoosh. It is a self-paced course that you can work through as your schedule allows.
The course comes with many features to help you learn and retain the knowledge you need to perform well on the exam. This includes:
- More than 120 practice questions
- More than 80 video lessons
- Email help from tutors
While this course is self-paced, it does have a six-month limit. However, with the materials included in the class and the narrow focus on the Praxis math test, most students have no problem finishing well before the six-month deadline.
If you aren’t sure if this is the Praxis prep course for you, you can try it for free for seven days. If you find that the course doesn’t meet your needs, you will get a full refund.
Points: 9
Affordability: $79.
Accessibility: High accessibility. This course was specifically designed for easy access online. Videos and practice questions are easily accessible. There is also a Magoosh Praxis app for even more access.
Flexibility: High flexibility. This is a self-paced course. Flexible learning options are also available. This includes the Praxis app mentioned above.
#6: Praxis Core Online Prep
This Praxis test prep class from Teachers Test Prep includes free and paid parts. The free part of the course includes a study guide and practice test. The study guide gives you a broad overview of topics you’ll be tested on.
The free practice test is really valuable. Once you submit the test, you’ll get scores for each subtest. Additionally, you’re given an explanation of the scores so you know which areas you need to work on.
The paid portions of the course include several test prep options. This includes a Quick Core option if you don’t have much time to prepare.
Other features of this course include:
- Free account setup
- Study materials for multiple Praxis Core tests
- Free sample videos
- Tutoring options
Points: 9
Affordability: Starts at $45.
Accessibility: High accessibility. This course is easily available online. You have quick access to course materials. Tutors are also available.
Flexibility: High flexibility. This course gives you flexible options. This includes which Praxis test you study for. There are also different courses with different study materials from which you can choose. The course is also self-paced.
#5: Praxis Study Guide
There are a couple of things that make this study guide from 240 Tutoring unique.
First, it’s a monthly subscription and you can cancel at any time. For some learners, this is a better option than a flat fee because you could get everything you need in less than a month’s time.
Second, this study guide isn’t just for one subject area. It’s not just for the Praxis Core, either. Instead, you get access to a wide range of Praxis study guides. This includes:
- Principles of Learning and Teaching for K-6, 5-9, and 7-12
- Elementary Education subjects, including social studies, math, and language arts
- Special Education
No matter the subject area, the study guide is aligned to the standards of the current Praxis test. What’s more, these study guides come with a 48-hour money-back guarantee.
Points: 9
Affordability: $39.99 per month
Accessibility: High accessibility. All course materials are available online. Courses are neatly organized to help you find the materials you need.
Flexibility: High flexibility. These study guides are self-paced. You get the flexibility of choosing from a range of study guide options as well.
#4: Praxis Core Study Guide
Mometrix is behind this Praxis Core Study Guide. Though, it’s not just a study guide. Instead, this course includes detailed reviews for math, reading, and writing.
Each lesson includes various resources to help you learn, including:
- Video tutorials
- Details about the Praxis Core test
- Practice Praxis tests
These materials are available for free. They are readily available online. If you want additional resources, you can upgrade to a paid account. This gets you more study guides and flashcards as well.
Each review section includes short lessons on specific topics. For example, in the reading study guide, there are separate units for conflicts, irony, predictions, and transitions, just to name a few.
The short lessons mean you can quickly study a concept, even if you only have a few minutes
Points: 10
Affordability: Free
Accessibility: High accessibility. The free course materials are accessible via computer or mobile device any time of day. Videos, flash cards, and other tools are also readily available online.
Flexibility: High flexibility. This is a self-paced course. Take as much or as little time as you need.
#3: Praxis Core Math Prep
This free Praxis Core Math Prep is from Urban Teachers. This organization realizes the importance of math education, particularly in urban areas. To assist prospective teachers in obtaining licensure, they’ve developed this free program to help sharpen your math skills.
Like other math prep courses on this list, this class covers the essential topics to help you pass the Praxis Core math test:
- Number and quantity
- Algebra and functions
- Geometry
- Statistics and probability
This course is divided into six parts, one each for the content areas listed above as well as a welcome unit and a post-test unit. The post-test is meant to help you gauge what your strengths and weaknesses are so you can further direct your studies.
This is a free course that’s open to anyone and is online. However, when you complete the course, you can contact Urban Teachers to get more Praxis test prep materials.
Points: 10
Affordability: Free
Accessibility: High accessibility. The course is available 24/7 online. This includes lessons, practice quizzes, and a post-assessment.
Flexibility: High flexibility. Work at your own pace without any deadlines. There are no class meetings or required due dates to adhere to.
#2: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators – Combined Test (5752): Study Guide & Test Prep
This comprehensive course from Study.com includes dozens of lessons and practice tests for the Praxis Core test.
The 29 chapters in this course cover the major parts of the three test subsections. This includes math, reading, and writing.
The class begins with 12 chapters of math. From there you do seven chapters of reading and 10 chapters of writing. Each chapter has multiple lessons. Each lesson includes a short practice quiz as well. Additionally, you get a practice test that covers the entirety of each chapter.
Other features include:
- Test prep advice
- Free enrollment
- Details about the Praxis Core exam
Points: 10
Affordability: Free
Accessibility: High accessibility. Study.com’s library of Praxis test prep materials is easily accessible online any time of day or night.
Flexibility: High flexibility. This course allows you to work at your own pace. You can work through one chapter at a time or cover multiple chapters in one sitting.
#1: Khan Academy Official Praxis Core Prep
This official Praxis Core prep course from Khan Academy is among the most detailed you can take.
This best Praxis prep course begins with a series of diagnostic exams. These exams are used to personalize your learning plan. The learning plan includes math, reading, and writing. Or, if you just need to brush up on one or two areas you can do that as well.
Khan Academy includes bonuses like a guideline for how to best utilize their learning materials. As part of this top Praxis prep class, you also get:
- Detailed lessons
- Quick guides
- Test day tips
You can also set a practice schedule to keep yourself on track. And since this is the official Praxis prep course, you get the benefit of learning from authentic lessons and practice questions.
Points: 10
Affordability: Free
Accessibility: High accessibility. This online course is easy to access via your computer or mobile device. Lessons, quick guides, and other learning materials are immediately available upon finishing the diagnostic portion of the course.
Flexibility: High flexibility. This is a self-paced course. There are no deadlines or end dates. You can utilize the learning materials in this course for as long as you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for the Praxis exam?
The first thing you should do to prepare for the Praxis exam is to figure out what will be on the test. A great way to do this is to find courses like those listed in our rankings. These courses not only give you insight into the topics that are covered, but they also test you on critical topics and give you feedback about your strengths and weaknesses.
Next, you need to determine how well you know the content that will be covered. There are loads of knowledge and skills assessments you can use to gauge your level of understanding. The courses in our rankings also include many different practice tests, quizzes, flashcards, and other options for reviewing relevant material.
Once you’ve got a better idea of your strengths and weaknesses, you need to focus your studies on the weaker areas. This isn’t to say that you don’t need to study the areas in which you have greater skills. You will need to review those areas too, just not as much.
In addition to taking Praxis test prep classes, you should consider other avenues of studying. College textbooks on the subjects you need to study are an excellent resource. What’s more, any notes, handouts, or other resources you have from your college courses will come in handy for review purposes.
The next step is to develop a study plan. The more organized you are in your approach to studying for the Praxis test, the more fruitful your study time will be. One of the most critical parts of this is to ensure you have enough time. Cramming for the Praxis is not recommended. There is simply too much covered by the test to wait until the last minute to study.
Instead, a better approach is to spread your studying out over a long period of time. A three-month study period might be a good option for you. That would give you plenty of time to go through each content area and get familiar with the concepts you need to know. This sample study plan for the Praxis might give you a good idea of how to structure your study time.
A final point to consider is how you study making responses. That is, the Praxis includes subject-specific constructed-response questions. These questions require you to explain processes or concepts, just like you’ll do for students when you’re a teacher.
These types of responses are obviously very different from multiple-choice questions. Therefore, you must practice making these kinds of responses in your studies.
To do so, focus on explaining the answer thoroughly, yet succinctly and in your own words. Focus on clarity as well. Your goal is to simplify complex subjects so novice learners can develop an understanding of them.
Additionally, you will need to develop the ability to think quickly on your feet. The constructed-response questions on the Praxis are designed in part to help you do that. You have no idea what questions will be asked of you on the test, so developing solid communication skills that enable you to address each part of the question is essential to your success in the classroom.
How long should I study for the Praxis Core?
How long you study for the Praxis Core depends entirely on you. Your knowledge and skills come into play. So too does your confidence in taking exams. Even how long it’s been since you were in college is an important factor.
Ultimately, you’ll need to spend as much time as you need studying for the Praxis. This is a vague statement, but everyone is truly different.
For example, if you are still in college and have had core classes in the recent past, the chances are that you still have the needed core content knowledge and skills to do well on the Praxis. But if you’ve been out of college for ten years and are now wanting to get your teaching license, you might need to spend more time brushing up on the needed knowledge and skills.
Additionally, how long you study will depend on your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you struggle in math, you’ll need to spend more time than the average student preparing for the math component of the Praxis Core. Conversely, if you excel in math, you won’t need to spend as much time preparing.
You have to consider your native language as well. The Praxis is in English. This means you have to know things like word meanings and rules of grammar. While native English speakers have the benefit of learning these skills from birth, non-native English speakers must acquire those skills. If you have to learn the intricacies of English, your study time will be extended.
For native English speakers, a good rule of thumb is that if you have solid math skills, you read a lot, and have strong writing skills, you should need minimal studying to pass the Praxis Core.
The score you need will influence how long you study as well. If the passing score is quite high, you might need to dedicate more time to your studies before you take the exam. But as discussed in a question and answer below, states set their own passing Praxis scores, so if your state has a particularly low score, you might not need as much study time.
What score do I need on Praxis to pass?
The score you need to pass depends on a couple of factors. First, the passing score is different for each test. Second, state agencies determine passing scores for their state. This means that a passing score in one state may or may not be a passing score in another.
For example, many states have established a score of 154 as passing for the Business Education: Content Knowledge exam. However, the Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing exam has a passing score of 162 in many states.
As another example, the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge exam has a passing score of 163 in Alaska. However, to pass the same test in Iowa, one only needs a score of 151.
Furthermore, which Praxis tests are required for what license varies from state to state. The same is true of state certifications. So, in some states, you might be required to take a specific Praxis test. In others, you might not have to take the Praxis at all. It’s best to check your state’s Praxis requirements, that way you know whether or not you need to take the test.
If your state requires the Praxis for your area of specialty, you can find out what scores you need to achieve. To see the state-by-state requirements for passing grades on the Praxis, consult Educational Testing Services’ minimum and passing score requirements.
What type of math is on Praxis Core?
The Praxis Core math test does not include higher-level math. Instead, it covers general principles in each of the following areas:
- Number and quantity
- Algebra and functions
- Geometry
- Statistics and probability
As of 2019, the math test focuses less on algebra and geometry and more on data interpretation, probability, and statistics.
There are about 60 math questions. Each question is either numeric-entry or selected-response. You even get an on-screen calculator for help. This is to ensure you’re being tested on your mathematical reasoning skills and that the chance of making mental math errors are minimized.
Here are a few examples of the types of math concepts you might be tested on:
Number and quantity – This section of the test might include questions about place value, ratios and percents, and properties of whole numbers. You should also know the order among fractions and how to represent a number in multiple ways.
Algebra and functions – The algebra and functions section of the Praxis Core math test includes solving linear and quadratic equations, solving word problems, and manipulating expressions and equations. There might be questions about creating expressions and equations as well.
Geometry – The geometry section will test your knowledge of angle relationships, circles, and the properties of shapes. You will also need to understand the principles of congruence and similarity.
Statistics and probability – This section of the math test will likely include questions about mean, median, and mode, assigning probability to an outcome, and making inferences based on data. You should also understand how to read and interpret visual displays, like charts and graphs.
As noted earlier, the Praxis Core math test is not designed to evaluate complex, high-level math skills. Instead, the test is designed to judge the basic mathematical abilities you need to be successful in a career as an educator.
The Praxis Core math test was also designed to evaluate the specific skills that are needed for college and career readiness. The skills that are tested align with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
More information about the math component of the Praxis Core can be found here.
Is the Praxis test hard?
There can be a lot of anxiety associated with taking a test. This is especially true when it’s a very large test like the Praxis. Add in what’s at stake – being able to be licensed as a teacher – and you can have some serious jitters when it comes to test time.
Asking whether the Praxis is hard is sort of like asking if riding a bike is hard. If you practice and prepare, it’s a much easier task. If you try to fly by the seat of your pants, it will be a less pleasant experience.
There are many different factors that can make the Praxis easier or harder. Perhaps the most important is how much you practice beforehand.
If you’re researching the best Praxis prep courses, then you’re making a good first step in minimizing the difficulty of the Praxis. Practice and preparation are key! With one of the courses on this list, you’ll be well on your way to overcoming your weaknesses and being better prepared to take the test.
Another factor that influences how hard the Praxis is is your educational background. As noted in an earlier question and answer, if you’re still in college or freshly graduated you’ll have much of the required content still fresh in your mind. If it’s been a couple of decades, the Praxis will test you on things you likely haven’t studied in many years, which makes the test more difficult.
Your educational background is important for another reason too. If you’re getting an alternative certification, the Praxis content test might be more difficult. For example, if you’re getting certified as a language arts teacher, but your undergraduate degree is in psychology, you might find that the English Language Arts exam is fairly difficult. However, if your undergraduate degree is in journalism, you’ll already have many of the skills required to easily pass the Praxis.
How familiar are you with the content and structure of the Praxis? This can have a significant impact on how difficult you perceive the test to be.
For example, if you’re taking the Praxis Core and you’ve taken the time to understand the type of questions and their format, you’ll be more comfortable when you sit down to take the test. Likewise, if you’re taking a content-specific Praxis test, having an understanding of key concepts you’ll be tested on will make the test that much easier.
The difficulty of the Praxis also comes down to basic test preparation. Get plenty of sleep the night before. Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test. Take a few moments to stretch and take a deep breath before starting to center yourself and get into a good head space.
Then, while taking the test, work efficiently, but purposefully. If a question is giving you trouble, skip it and come back to it. It will do more harm than good to sit and stew about a question. The Praxis is timed, so if you spend too much time trying to work out a difficult question, you could find that in the end, you have a bunch of questions left unanswered. A better approach is to skip the hard questions and spend the last few minutes before time is up filling those questions in.
OCR Staff
September 2020
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