New Test Design

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, staying current with the latest standards and practices is crucial. The new Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals tests, launching in Spring 2026, are designed to meet these demands head-on. These redesigned tests will eventually replace the existing series (5001, 7001, 5901, 7811) and are built to reflect what matters most for today’s classrooms—ensuring candidates have the right content knowledge with greater flexibility to succeed.

Key Enhancements and Updated Standards

The new Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals tests introduce several key enhancements. These tests align with the latest standards from organizations such as the International Literacy Association (ILA), National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). They incorporate principles from the Science of Reading, Social Studies Inquiry Skills, and Science and Engineering Practices, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for today's classrooms.

Praxis Steps: A Flexible Path to Success

One of the most significant innovations accompanying the new tests is the introduction of the Praxis Steps program. This modular solution allows candidates to take or retake individual content categories at their own pace, providing diagnostic feedback to target areas of improvement. This approach helps build confidence, reduce test anxiety, and master content knowledge more effectively.

Benefits of the Praxis Steps Program

• Flexibility: Candidates can test in smaller "steps" as they cover the content in coursework or when they feel most ready.
• Targeted Retakes: Candidates can retake just the step they did not pass, rather than the full test, saving time and money.
• More Ways to Succeed: Modularity provides more options for candidates to take and pass their tests, reducing barriers to certification without sacrificing quality. 
• Data-Driven Insights: Educator preparation programs can leverage more granular data to drive program improvements and support candidates in areas where they struggle.

Getting Started

State clients are encouraged to adopt the new Elementary Education Fundamentals tests to take advantage of the updated content and flexible testing options. By becoming early adopters, states can benefit from incentives and support for candidates taking the updated tests in Spring 2026.

Want to see how the new tests compare to the current series? Explore the side-by-side breakdown to understand what’s changing and how it benefits your candidates.