Praxis 2 tests are subject exams that assess the job readiness of prospective educators within their academic fields. Unlike Praxis 1 exams, which evaluate the basic academic skill levels of teaching candidates in math, reading, and writing, each Praxis 2 test targets a specific field of education. There are over 125 different Praxis 2 tests. There’s a Praxis 2 exam in every imaginable academic area, including agriculture, biology, Braille, chemistry, driver education, early childhood, French, German, gifted, health, Latin, math, physics, reading, social studies, Spanish, special education, theater, vocational education, and many other fields. There is a Praxis 2 test for school psychologists, reading specialists, art teachers, speech-language pathologists, counselors, music teachers, and principals, as well as other education professionals.
Many states require that educators pass the Praxis 2 test in their particular teaching field in order to obtain an endorsement in that field on their state teaching certificate. Prospective junior and senior high school agriculture teachers in California and Oregon, for instance, must pass the Praxis 2 Agriculture Test (Code 0900). Likewise, teachers who wish to obtain an endorsement in PK-3 or PK-6 in Virginia must pass the Praxis 2 Elementary Education: Content Knowledge exam (Code 0014/5014) with a score of 143. Those who are interested in teaching all grades of English in New Jersey are required to pass the Praxis 2 English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content Knowledge exam (Code 0041) with a score of 162.
Passing scores for each required Praxis 2 test vary from state to state. If you would like to know the Praxis 2 exams and test scores that are required where you intend to teach, visit your state’s department of education online. Your state’s department of education website will not only provide you with information about the Praxis I and Praxis 2 tests required in your school district, but it will also provide you with information about other state requirements that affect your certification.
If a Praxis 2 test is required for certification in your teaching field, be sure to prepare before your exam date. Read as much as you can about the test that you’re required to take. Exam descriptions, practice tests, sample questions, scoring guides, and other valuable information about each Praxis 2 test is available online. In addition to learning about the test that’s required for licensure in your academic field, also be sure to review the subject matter. Many Praxis 2 preparation options are available to you, including study groups, private tutoring, and self study with a Praxis 2 study guide. To find a Praxis 2 tutor, check online tutoring services. Most will allow you to browse their tutor databases at no cost. Once you find the Praxis 2 tutor who seems right for you, contact him or her directly to arrange your first tutoring session. While some Praxis 2 tutors provide in-home tutoring, others tutor online, which is particularly convenient for busy students and teachers.