What's on the Praxis Core? A Complete Breakdown of the Exam

If you're preparing for the Praxis Core, one of the first questions you probably have is simple: what's actually on the test? The good news is that the exam is very predictable once you understand its structure. The Praxis Core focuses on three foundational academic skills that future teachers are expected to have: reading, writing, and mathematics.

The test is officially called the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, and it is commonly required for admission into teacher preparation programs or for teacher licensure in many states. The exam is created by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the same organization behind the GRE. The Praxis Core is divided into three separate subtests: Reading (5713), Writing (5723), and Mathematics (5733).

Praxis Core test structure

You can take the three sections separately or together as a combined exam. Here's the overall structure:

Most questions are multiple choice, though the math section also includes numeric-entry questions and the writing section includes essays.

What's on the Praxis Core Reading test?

The reading section measures how well you can understand and analyze written material. The passages are similar to what you might see on the SAT or ACT, but the focus is less on trick questions and more on clear comprehension and reasoning.

You'll encounter:

• Literary passages
• Informational texts
• Paired passages
• Charts, graphs, and informational visuals

The questions generally fall into three categories:

Key ideas and details

This portion asks you to identify main ideas, supporting evidence, logical conclusions, and author arguments. You may need to infer meaning rather than simply locate information directly in the text.

Craft, structure, and language skills

These questions focus on how a text is written. You may analyze tone, word choice, sentence structure, or the author's point of view.

Integration of knowledge and ideas

This category often asks you to compare sources, evaluate evidence, or interpret information from charts and graphics.

One of the biggest challenges in the reading section is pacing. Many test takers find the content manageable once they get used to working efficiently under timed conditions.

What's on the Praxis Core Writing test?

The writing section combines grammar and editing skills with formal essay writing. This section is divided into two parts: selected-response questions and two essays.

Multiple-choice writing questions

These questions test your ability to revise and edit writing. Topics include:

• Grammar
• Sentence structure
• Punctuation
• Word usage
• Organization
• Research skills
• Revision and clarity

The exam focuses more on recognizing effective writing than memorizing grammar terminology.

The two Praxis Core essays

You'll write:

1. An argumentative essay
2. A source-based informational essay

The argumentative essay asks you to take a position and defend it clearly. The source-based essay requires you to read provided materials and synthesize information into a coherent response.

Strong essays are usually:

• Well organized
• Clear and direct
• Supported with examples
• Focused on answering the prompt

Practicing timed essays before test day can make a huge difference in both confidence and performance.

What's on the Praxis Core Math test?

For many future teachers, the math section is the most intimidating part of the Praxis Core. However, the content is generally middle school through early high school math rather than advanced college mathematics.

The math section includes:

Number and quantity

• Fractions
• Decimals
• Percentages
• Ratios
• Proportions
• Order of operations
• Basic algebraic reasoning

Algebra and functions

• Linear equations
• Graphing
• Exponents
• Functions
• Simplifying expressions

Geometry

• Area
• Perimeter
• Volume
• Triangles
• Circles
• The Pythagorean theorem

Statistics and probability

• Graphs
• Tables
• Mean, median, and mode
• Basic probability

Many students discover that timing is often the biggest challenge in math rather than the actual difficulty of the questions.

Is the Praxis Core hard?

The answer depends largely on how comfortable you are with reading comprehension, writing under time pressure, and foundational math skills. Many people entering education programs have not taken a standardized test in years, so part of the challenge is simply getting used to the testing format again.

For many test takers, the math section creates the most anxiety, while reading and writing tend to feel more familiar. The encouraging part is that the Praxis Core is highly learnable. Because the exam structure is consistent, focused preparation usually leads to noticeable improvement.

Best ways to prepare for the Praxis Core

The most effective study plans usually combine:

• Official practice tests
• Timed practice sessions
• Review of weak areas
• Essay practice
• Basic math refreshers

Many successful test takers treat the Praxis Core more like a skills exam than a memorization exam. The goal is to build fluency and confidence through repetition.

If you're just getting started, begin by taking a diagnostic assessment. That will quickly show you which areas need the most attention and help you build a targeted study plan.

Final thoughts

The Praxis Core is designed to measure whether future educators have strong foundational academic skills. The test covers reading comprehension, writing and grammar, essay writing, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. While the exam can feel overwhelming at first, understanding exactly what's on the test makes preparation much more manageable.

Once you know the structure, the Praxis Core becomes far less mysterious — and much easier to conquer with steady practice.