Praxis II Test

Praxis II Test Practice Questions

The Praxis II test is required in nearly every state. Potential teachers have to pass it (as well as the Praxis I exam) in order to be certified to teach in the state where they plan to work. While there is no single "passing" score because each state sets its own standards, it goes without saying that making a good score is necessary to obtain certification. The Praxis II is a test of two things: a teacher's knowledge of pedagogical skills and knowledge of the specific subject that he or she will be teaching. There are nearly 130 different versions of the Praxis II test, covering everything from biology to theater arts.

The Praxis II is not easy to pass, as far too many frustrated teaching applicants can tell you. States are constantly raising their standards for teacher certification, and the company that develops the Praxis exams never rests when it comes to making revisions and adjustments in order to keep the test challenging. Because failure on the test has such a devastating effect on a person's career plans, doing everything possible to be ready for the test is a task that no aspiring teacher can take lightly.

One of the best ways to prepare for the test is by using Praxis II practice questions. While these questions are not going to be exact duplicates of the ones a person will see on the actual exam, they can certainly make a big difference in one's Praxis score. Practice questions can give aspiring teachers a taste of what to expect on the exam so that they have a good idea of what they are up against before walking into the testing center. In addition, practice questions can help the test taker discover weak areas they need to focus on if they hope to make a high score. Everyone planning to take the Praxis II test should use practice questions to help him or her prepare.

Praxis II Exam Tips for a High Score

The Praxis II exam is one of the biggest hurdles a potential teacher faces on the path to becoming a fully certified educator. With nearly all states now using the Praxis II as their certification test, it has become the standard when it comes to certifying teachers. Unlike the Praxis I, which tests general knowledge, Praxis II is a specialized test of the teacher's chosen specialty, along with the appropriate teaching skills. No matter which of the nearly 130 versions you will be taking, here are some tips to help you earn a high score on the Praxis II exam.

First, do not underestimate the exam. It is by no means easy, as the countless numbers of people who fail it every year can attest to. Even if you just graduated from college and feel as if you have mastered your subject, you still need to prepare. Second, do not wait until the last minute to prepare. Studies have repeatedly shown that cramming is a very poor means of preparing for difficult tests.

Third, take advantage of various tools that can help you pass the Praxis II exam. There are many good resources available, such as practice questions, study guides, and flash cards. By using these materials wisely on a regular basis in the days and weeks leading up to the test, you can raise your Praxis II score by a significant amount. Finally, do everything possible to be as unstressed on the day of the test as possible. If you can manage it, you should try your best to have a very relaxed and uncluttered schedule the week before the test. Being at ease in the test room without a lot of worries and concerns on your mind can make a big difference in your Praxis II exam score.

Praxis II Study Guide: Is It Worth the Investment?

Is a Praxis II study guide really necessary? Is getting one a great investment, or would you just be throwing money down the drain? Well, think about this: every year thousands of potential teachers take the Praxis II exam, which is the make-or-break test for them. If they pass it (as well as Praxis I), they can begin doing what they love, teaching children. If they fail the exam, their hopes of becoming a teacher have just been shattered, and the effects can be devastating. That is why so many aspiring teachers turn to a Praxis II study guide to help them prep for the test, and so should you.

You may not think you need a Praxis II study guide and believe that you are fully prepared for the test because of your college education. However, many of the countless people who fail the Praxis II every year thought the same thing. In fact, it is been proven that too much confidence is a bad thing when it comes to standardized tests. Educational experts have demonstrated time and again that on standardized tests, students who are not very confident in their abilities tend to outperform those who are very confident in themselves.

Why is that? The answer is that those who are overconfident do not recognize that they need help, and do not take steps to get that help before the test. Although self-confidence is a great character trait in many areas of life, it can be a handicap in testing situations. Generally speaking, a lot of people are not able to recognize their own weaknesses; they need to have them pointed out. A Praxis study guide is a great way of finding out the areas in which you need reinforcement so that you can review these areas before the day of the test. So, yes, with the stakes as high as they are, a Praxis II study guide is more than a good investment; it is one of the best investments a future teacher will ever make.

Praxis II Test FAQSs

1. What is the Praxis II test?

The Praxis II is the second part of a test that prospective teachers must pass in order to become certified to teach. Over 40 states currently use the test. While Praxis I is a general knowledge test, Praxis II covers teaching skills and the teacher's mastery of his or her specialty, such as theater or agriculture and everything in between. There are well over 100 versions of the Praxis II. Failure to pass will result in a denial of certification.

2. Where do I take the Praxis II?

You can take the exam at hundreds of Prometric testing centers across the U.S. You will need to schedule this in advance.

3. How much does it cost?

There is a registration fee of $50. On top of this, each test has a separate fee, which ranges from $65 to $120.

4. What is the format of the exam?

The Praxis II can be taken either on a computer or with pencil and paper. (Pencil and paper tests are offered only on certain days of the year.) The computer-based test will generally contain more questions than the paper test; these additional questions are for research purposes and do not count toward your score. The Praxis II contains three sections: Subject Assessments, Principles of Learning and Teaching, and Teaching Foundations. These tests vary in length depending on which subject you are testing for and last from one to four hours. Tests can require multiple choice answers, constructed response answers, and essay writing.

5. What is a passing score on the Praxis II test?

That will depend on which Praxis II you are taking and what state you are attempting to be certified in. Scoring varies by test, and states have different standards for what constitutes a passing score. You can look up your state's requirement for each test on the Internet.

6. Are Praxis II practice questions available?

Yes. You can find some practice questions on the Internet, in addition to other prep aids such as flash cards and study guides for the Praxis II test.