Nearly half of all U.S. states require aspiring teachers to pass the Praxis to receive certification. The Praxis test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to assess academic skills and knowledge levels in reading, writing, and mathematics. Considering that over 50% of elementary school teacher candidates fail their certification tests on the first attempt, it is important to prepare fully. One of the best ways to do that is by taking a prep course. We have compiled a list of 10 high-ranking Praxis Prep courses that are ideal for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
- Urban Teachers — Top Pick
- Khan Academy — Most Affordable
- Teachers Test Prep — Most Customizable
- Magoosh — Best Online Course
- Mometrix University — Best Practice Tests
- Union Test Prep — Best Product Offerings
- Rutgers Test Prep — Best In-Person Experience
- Kaplan — Best Variety of Learning Formats
- Study.com — Best Free Trial
- 240 Tutoring — Best for Busy Schedules
Our Ranking Criteria
All 10 courses that made it to our list have a proven success record. Beyond the results, we felt that a top Praxis prep course should have the flexibility to adapt to the student’s schedule and should offer its coursework in different formats to accommodate multiple learning methods.
Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats
Most contenders for the Praxis have busy schedules and commitments with school, work, family, or all three. The ideal prep courses should offer a variety of formats to work with multiple needs. Courses that provide on-demand virtual classes, live online classes, and in-person classes ranked higher than ones with fewer options.
Personalized instruction available
Whether you are taking the Praxis test for the first time or the tenth time, personalized guidance from a top tutor increases your chances of scoring well. Ideally, a top prep course should customize its structure and study materials to match your learning methods and enhance your weaker areas.
The Best Praxis Prep Courses
Urban Teachers — Top Pick
Urban Teachers works to improve educational and life outcomes of children in urban schools by preparing culturally competent, effective career teachers who accelerate student achievement and disrupt systems of racial and socioeconomic inequity. Prior to starting the rigorous teacher preparation program, admitted candidates must pass the teacher test requirements. Urban Teachers works to provide a free, self-paced Praxis prep course and at least two practice tests that help learners sharpen their math skills. The goal for offering free preparation is to increase access to study materials and break down the financial barriers that may prevent people from succeeding on the exam. Urban Teachers offers personalized assessments upfront to help highlight the areas in which students need to improve, leading to a customized study plan that boosts individual scores.
Need-to-knows:
- Free
- Self-paced prep course and practice tests
- Online support
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Khan Academy — Most Affordable
This Praxis Core prep course is offered by a non-profit educational organization, Khan Academy, in collaboration with ETS. It lets users scroll through thousands of practice test questions at no cost. Upon joining, you will be prompted to take a series of diagnostic exams. The results are then used to personalize your learning plan to develop math, reading, and writing courses. It will also help identify the weaker areas that you need to focus on and improve upon. In addition to timed practice tests, users gain access to instructional videos and comprehensive feedback. What truly differentiates this course from others is its ability to accommodate people from all backgrounds: It provides study materials in more than 35 languages.
Need-to-knows:
- Free
- On-demand and live online classes available
- Multiple languages available
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Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Teachers Test Prep — Most Customizable
Teachers Test Prep covers both the general Prep Core Exam and Praxis Subject Assessments. This course is more personalized than the other options covered in this guide ― it charges a custom price depending on the amount of training you need and the area you want to focus on. After signing up, you’ll gain access to two practice tests for each subtest module you purchase (Praxis Core Math, Praxis Core Reading, etc.), as well as traditional course materials. With each question, you receive a deep explanation to help you achieve more correct answers. The course also teaches you about the development and characteristics of learners, offering general test-taking tips to help you succeed.
Need-to-knows:
- Customizable price
- Both in-person and online classes available
- Two practice tests for each subtest
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Magoosh — Best Online Course
Magoosh helps students excel on the Praxis by dividing the elements of the exam into smaller sections. The course comes in two formats: Math Only and Premium Praxis Test Prep. The Math Only plan focuses solely on mathematics. With a one-time fee of $79, you get access to 6 months of course material, including over 80 videos and more than 100 practice questions. The Premium Praxis Test Prep option, on the other hand, is designed to prepare learners for the math, writing, and reading exams. It lets users enjoy over 170 videos and more than 300 practice questions. Regardless of the plan you select, the course will create customizable practice sessions to help strengthen your weak areas.
Need-to-knows:
- $79 to $99
- Online classes
- 7-day money-back guarantee
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Mometrix University — Best Practice Tests
This course is designed to help you reach your full potential on the Praxis Core exam by offering a wide range of study materials, including five full-length practice tests and a 7-day money-back guarantee. In addition to practice tests, it equips students with instructional videos and customized flashcards. These cards break down some of the challenging concepts covered by the exam and explain each portion in thorough detail. It is self-paced and accessible by mobile device, offering both convenience and flexibility.
Need-to-knows:
- Starting at $59/month
- Online classes available
- 7-day money-back guarantee
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Union Test Prep — Best Product Offering
Union Test Prep has partnered with Wyzant to develop a program that helps learners find online tutors for the Praxis exam. It selects instructors that are currently experts in their field and scored in the top percentile of previous test-takers. Their Praxis prep course is available in three versions: free, standard, and premium. The course provides several preparation materials, including study guides for the three Praxis core exams, flashcards, and three comprehensive practice tests. The writing and reading practice exams consist of 20 questions, and the math practice exam has 30. The course’s purpose is to familiarize learners with the format of the test and assess their knowledge in each particular area.
Need-to-knows:
- $0-$9
- Both in-person and live online classes provided
- Three practice exams
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Rutgers Test Prep — Best In-Person Experience
This Praxis test preparation course is one of the standardized test prep courses offered by the University of Rutgers in New Jersey. This particular course is run by a team of former Praxis test writers, guaranteeing authenticity when it comes to practice tests. The course allows students to gain insights into proven success strategies while simultaneously letting them choose from various in-person and online schedules. Throughout the course (and even afterward), users can enjoy online support that will address any concerns. They can also take advantage of question forums that are led by instructors. These forums let students ask any questions they want regarding the exam and provide access to the knowledge of these professionals.
Need-to-knows:
- Custom quote
- Both in-person and online classes available
- Online and chat support
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Kaplan — Best Variety of Learning Formats
Kaplan has over 80 years of experience in preparing students for various exams, including the Praxis exam. This course has helped more than 2 million people across 30 countries succeed on the Praxis, testifying to its preparation abilities. Their Praxis prep course has two options: the Prep Course and the Math Foundation Course. The Prep Course, which is priced at $399, is more comprehensive and covers the math, writing, and reading aspects of the test. The Math Foundation course, on the other hand, is priced at $299 and is helpful for building a solid mathematics foundation. Separating the subject gives learners the opportunity to focus on what meets their needs.
Need-to-knows:
- From $299-$399
- In-person, on-demand, and live online classes available
- Over 2 million users
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Study.com — Best Free Trial
With over 32,000 practice questions in its library, Study.com’s Praxis prep course offers plenty of opportunities for practice. After you answer some questions, you will receive a personal assessment that identifies your strengths and weaknesses and helps you pinpoint which areas you need to focus on. Over 60 million individuals have taken this course, which is a testament to its ability to adequately prepare students. In addition to its vast practice question library, Study.com features over 70 course videos and more than 40 articles and blogs related to the Praxis test. However, its most unique amenity is its Praxis Scholarship offering. Every year, Study.com awards outstanding students with financial assistance to help cover their exam fees.
Need-to-knows
- $59.99/month
- In-person, on-demand, and live online classes available
- 30-day free trial
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240 Tutoring — Best for Busy Schedules
Despite being a relative newcomer on the test prep scene, 240 Tutoring has established itself as a leading prep course provider. It is dedicated to helping prospective teachers ace the Praxis exam by offering practice exams and online chat support. It is so sure of its services that it gives a two-month refund to any student who scores above 90% in their practice tests but fails the actual exam. Once you join 240 Tutoring, you will take a diagnostic test that identifies both your strong and weak spots. The company then fashions a customized study plan that enhances those weaker areas while maintaining the strong ones. The course features several Praxis prep resources, including flashcards, practice questions, and instructional videos, so test takers with busy schedules can study on their downtime.
Need-to-knows
- $39.99/month
- In-person and online classes available
- Multiple practice tests
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Choose the Right Praxis Prep Course for You
The ultimate decision on which prep course to choose rests with you. We understand that each student is different and has their own unique needs and goals. Thus, several factors play a role in selecting a prep course. Taking the following steps can help you determine the best Praxis prep course for you.
Calculate your prep time
The time needed to prepare for the Praxis varies among individuals. For instance, people taking the test for the first time may need more time to prepare and familiarize themselves with the format. On the other hand, a person taking the exam for the second or third time is already knowledgeable about the exam format and may thus prefer a short, intensive course.
Consider your learning style
You should choose a Praxis Prep course that is compatible with your learning style. Knowing whether you are a kinesthetic, an auditory, or a visual learner will help you decide which courses you can learn the most from.
Compare costs
Your budget is an important factor to consider when selecting a Praxis prep course. Some courses are offered for free while others can cost up to $400. Many courses will charge custom prices depending on the type of service you need. Finally, some courses will demand one-time payments while others let you pay monthly premiums.
Look for must-have features
Look for a Praxis prep course that has the following helpful features:
- Live help in case you encounter challenges
- A money-back guarantee in case scores don’t improve
- Flexible coursework that fits with your schedule
- Several learning formats to choose from
- An extensive library of practice tests
Praxis Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for taking the Praxis?
Online practice tests are administered year-round while traditional in-person tests are taken on specific dates. You can take the exam online from home as long as you live in the U.S. or associated territories. Be sure to book your preferred exam date in advance. When it comes to results, some tests will offer unofficial results after you finish the exam, but others will not. When you get your scores back can vary, and you can retake the exam 28 days after your testing date.
Are there accommodations for people with disabilities?
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides accommodations for people with disabilities or other health-related needs. Individuals with disabilities should submit their accommodation requests early as it takes approximately six weeks for them to be reviewed and approved.
Where can I find practice tests?
Praxis practice tests are accessible online. Some are available for free, while others require payment. Many of the prep courses we ranked above feature practice tests as part of their praxis prep packages. The ETS also offers Praxis prep materials and helpful resources.
How early should I prep?
Most people start their preparations two to three months before the actual exam. It is recommended that you start preparing at least one month prior, even if you are familiar with the test material. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the test rules, types of questions, and test scoring rules.
How many practice tests should I take before the actual exam?
To hone your time management skills, pinpoint your areas of weakness, and reduce general anxiety about the exam, you should take as many Praxis practice tests as possible. A good rule of thumb is to keep taking tests until you consistently achieve scores that you are happy with.
How long are Praxis prep courses?
Most Praxis prep courses are self-paced and typically take three to six months for completion. However, more intensive courses can be completed in two weeks.
Is Praxis prep worth it?
Absolutely. People who participate in a Praxis prep course tend to do better than those who don’t because these courses determine your strong and weak points, which helps develop an effective study plan. Once you pass the Praxis, you could make an average of $62,870 per year as a high school teacher in the United States.
How much does Praxis prep cost?
The cost of Praxis prep courses varies significantly from one provider to another. Some offer their courses for free while others charge a fee. The courses also differ in how they charge their fees. Some require a one-time payment while others ask for monthly subscriptions. Generally, course options containing tutoring services are priced higher than ones without them. To better understand the cost of the listed prep courses, refer to the table below.
Course | Price Range |
Urban Teachers |
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Teachers Test Prep |
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Magoosh |
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Mometrix University |
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Union Test Prep |
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Rutgers Test Prep |
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Khan Academy |
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Kaplan |
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Study.com |
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240 Tutoring |
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