Michelle Quiroz

Praxis Core Exam Analysis

Exam Requirements:

The Praxis Core Exam is required to receive Educator or administrative licensure

in Nevada. The exam must be taken before transferring schools or taking any education

courses or at UNLV, NSC, or UNR to continue your Bachelor’s degree in Education. The

passing scores for the exam vary. For Mathematics the passing score is 150, for Reading

it is 156, and for the Writing portion it is 162. The combined Praxis Exam is $150, but

each individual exam is $90. The CBEST test can be taken instead of the Praxis Exam to

receive licensure.

Exam Preparation:

The first time I took the Praxis Exam I studied for a few weeks prior. I used Khan

Academy, and I used the practice questions from ETS. Unfortunately, I only passed the

reading section. I ran out of time for the Math (which I failed by 4 points) and the

Writing. I read about the exam and understood there was limited time, but I failed to time

myself while I was preparing for the exam. For these practice exams, I focused more on

timing myself this time around. I showed some improvement in the writing section, but

unfortunately not as much in mathematics.

Exam Results

The first time I took the exam I scored 184 on the Reading section, 146 in Math,

and 148 in Writing. On the Reading section I scored an average performance range of 7-

12 in key ideas and details, a 7-11 in craft, structure, and language skills, and 9-14 on
integration of knowledge and ideas. In the Math section I scored a range of 7-11 number

and quantity, 6-10 on Algebra and Functions, 3-6 on geometry, and 5-8 on statistics and

probability. As for the Writing section, I scored a range of 17-24 on the multiple-choice

section, and a 13-16 on the essay sections.

The results of my practice test for mathematics was a %62, and for the writing

section I scored a %70. I showed some improvement in my writing score, but I clearly

need further improvement in mathematics. In the writing section I scored an average

range of %70 in Language and research skills, and a range of %22 in text types and

production. In the math section, I scored an average range of %64 in number and

quantity, %47 in algebra and functions, %54 in geometry, and %72 in statistics and

probability. It is important to understand the scores in order to know what areas need the

most improvement.

Future Exam Preparation

To start, the next time I take the Praxis Exam I will make sure to time myself

when I study or take practice exams. I understand that CSN offers tutoring services for

Math and Writing, so I will look into partaking in those programs. The last time I took

the exam I rented the Barron’s Praxis Preparation text book, but next time I might just

purchase the online preparation program offered at the time of the exam purchase. The

practice exams were very helpful since they provide feedback and allows us to see the

graded test. I am a more confident in succeeding the next time because of all the

resources that are provided.