So you’re studying for the Praxis. But are you ready to do well on test day? To know if you’re ready, you need to know how Praxis test grading works. In this post, we’ll look at the basics.
Praxis test grading is different for selected response and constructed response
There are two different question typeson Praxis exams: selected response and constructed response.
Selected response questions are multiple choice questions, for the most part. (A few selected response math questionscan be numeric entry rather than multiple choice). Here, Praxis test grading depends entirely onwhether you get an answer right or wrong. Selected response questions are graded automatically by computer.
Constructed response questions are writtenquestions–essays, short answers, and lesson plans created by the test-taker. Some constructed response questions, like the Praxis Core Writing essay, are fairly involved. Others, like the case study questions on the Praxis PLT, merely involve short answers and lesson planning. These questions are graded on a rubric, and must be scored by actual human beings who can look at your work and weigh its value. Points earned on these questions aren’t graded on the basis of “right” or “wrong” answers; instead, the grades you receiverepresent thequality of your response.
Praxis test grading is NOT “norm-referenced”
Many standardized tests are “norm-referenced,” meaning that your score is adjusted based on the average performance of all test takers. The Praxis does NOT do this, however. What you see is what you get. If you answer 90% of the questions correctly, you’ll get a 90% score once your Praxis test grading is complete and official score reports have been issued.
Praxis test grading is (usually) expressed on a scale of 100-200 points.
On most Praxis exams, your final grade will be calculated on a 100-200 point scale. On this scale, 100 is the lowest possible score, and 200 is the highest.So if you get 90% of the points on your Praxis exam, you score will be 190.Currently, there are is only oneexception to this 100-200 Praxis test grading range: the Praxis ParaPro is graded on a 420-480 point scale.
How to do your own Praxis test grading
The best way to know if you’re ready for the Praxis is to self-grade your Praxis performance as you go through practice questions.
Because Praxis test grading is not norm-referenced, grading your own selected responses is easy–just calculate the percentage of questions you got right, and convert it to the 100-200 point scale. (Or the 420-480 scale for ParaPro. The math for that conversion is trickier, but still very doable).
Grading your own constructed response questions isn’t quite as simple. But ETS–the company that makes the Praxis–does provide some tools to help you gauge your performance on essays, short answers, and lesson plans. If a test that has constructed-response questions, you can find a score guide, sample answers, and scorer commentary in the exam’s official Study Companion PDF. Study Companions are available for free in the drop-down menus on the Praxis’s official Preparation Materials page.
David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT.David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles, his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru.Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram, or connect with him via LinkedIn!
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FAQs
Because qualifying scores differ and not all questions are worth an equal number of points, there is not a set number of questions that you need to answer correctly to get a passing score on the Praxis.
Is the unofficial score on Praxis accurate? ›
The official score, released in the score report, is calculated the same way as the unofficial score, but may be scaled for differences between test forms. The official score may also differ from the unofficial score if a test center error or miscalculation was fixed, but this is very rare.
Does Praxis show your score at the end of the test? ›
At the end of the exam, you'll be given a preliminary score report on your selected response performance. This initial scorecard will show you two very different looking numbers: your raw score and your unofficial score. The raw score is the number of selected-response questions you answered correctly.
How do I know if I passed the Praxis? ›
If you take the Praxis [test-name] on [test-date] your score report will be available in your Praxis account after 5 p.m. ET on [report-date].
How common is failing Praxis? ›
What's the pass rate for Praxis exams? According to a report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), the first-time pass rate for the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test is 46% across all subtests. Those odds are not great.
What is the hardest Praxis test? ›
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, the Praxis Core is the easiest, though it can still be quite challenging. Praxis Subject Assessments (or Praxis 2 exams) are typically more difficult, as they require more in-depth knowledge.
What is the lowest score you can get on Praxis? ›
The scaled range of possible scores for most Praxis Core Academic Skills and Subject Assessment exams is between 100 - 200 points. Each state that uses Praxis tests determines its own passing score threshold.
How is unofficial Praxis score calculated? ›
92/130 = 0.707, which is like 70.7%. This rounds up to 71%. Step 2: Add 100 to your percentage number to get your scaled unofficial score. Example: If you get 71% of your answers correct on the Praxis 5081 (or any Praxis exam), 71+100 = 171 So 171 is your unofficial scaled score.
What does unofficial score mean? ›
An Unofficial Result is a score obtained from a test that did not go through the certified proctoring process.
What is a passing raw score on Praxis? ›
There are no definitive passing scores on the Praxis; each state sets its own standard, and each test's raw score is weighted differently. However, you can figure out how many you need to get correct to pass by figuring out your state's requirements and calculating your scale score using the methods below.
Remember that Praxis is a pass/fail test. You can miss a few questions—or leave a few blank—and still pass! If you meet the minimum passing scores for your state and you meet the state's other requirements for obtaining a teaching license, you will receive a license.
What happens if you don't pass the Praxis? ›
If you receive a failing test score, you can retake your exam. Use the 28-day waiting period to work with a comprehensive Praxis® study guide to pass your exam.
How hard is it to pass the Praxis? ›
According to the National Council on Teacher Equality (NCTQ), only 46% of prospective teachers who take the Praxis exams pass their first time. That's why it is very important to understand how these tests are administered and scored.
Do schools see your Praxis scores? ›
Institutions and Agencies: Your scores will also be sent to the institutions or agencies you selected during registration (up to four choices at no extra cost). They'll receive the score information.
How many times can you fail the Praxis? ›
You can retake Praxis 2 tests (more commonly called Praxis Subject Assessments), just like you can retake Praxis Core tests. You must wait 28 days before attempting a retake. There is no limit to the number of retakes.
What is the lowest score you can get on the Praxis? ›
The scaled range of possible scores for most Praxis Core Academic Skills and Subject Assessment exams is between 100 - 200 points. Each state that uses Praxis tests determines its own passing score threshold.
Can you skip questions on the Praxis? ›
Remember that Praxis is a pass/fail test. You can miss a few questions—or leave a few blank—and still pass! If you meet the minimum passing scores for your state and you meet the state's other requirements for obtaining a teaching license, you will receive a license.
Should you answer all questions on the Praxis? ›
On Praxis exams, every question answered correctly is applied to the individual's test score. Questions that are answered incorrectly do not count and there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Since there is no penalty for a wrong answer, you should guess instead of leaving a blank answer.
