Overcoming Praxis Test Challenges: Retaking and Succeeding

Skip to main content Skip to footer content

Four teacher candidates are seated at a long desk. Each has a pencil, which they are using to take the Praxis exam. — Overcoming Praxis Test Challenges: Retaking and Succeeding
Turn setbacks into steppingstones with these helpful tips that teach you how to regain motivation, strategize your retake, and embrace a growth mindset to achieve success in becoming a certified teacher.
Published on May 7, 2024

Challenges of the Praxis process

While becoming a certified teacher is an incredibly rewarding achievement, the path there can come with its share of challenges.

One such hurdle: not passing the Praxis® test. This can be disheartening, especially given the time and investment you already put into taking the test. However, one less-than-optimal test experience does not mark the end of your teaching career, so let's explore how to regain your motivation for success!

Statistically, Praxis® tests are hard: On average, about 46% of test takers pass the Praxis® Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test on their first try. Of course, the test is hard for good reason: to make sure teachers are fully qualified for the classroom. If you do not pass the Praxis® test your first time, you’re in good company. And you can take the test again.

Tips for succeeding on a retest

In fact, you can retake the Praxis® test as many times as you need to score a passing grade.

Just remember that you must wait 28 days between each attempt. This waiting period gives you time to approach your retake with a fresh perspective that includes the following steps:

Evaluate your test-prep process. Find areas where you need more practice. Were there specific sections, like the Praxis® Core Math or Praxis® Core Writing test, that you found most challenging? Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus your study time in areas needing improvement.
Prepare for your retake. Adopt a focused study plan, and consider seeking other resources, such as online courses or study guides, to bolster your content knowledge, whether in math, writing, or any other subject area.
Maintain a positive attitude. Achieving goals takes time and dedication — do not let a single test score dampen your enthusiasm for education. Think about the impact you want to make in the lives of students. Surround yourself with peers or mentors who will provide encouragement and guidance. Embrace a growth mindset: you can focus, study and pass the Praxis® test.

Image without a name

Overcoming Praxis Challenges

This short video contains anecdotes from people who have needed to retake the Praxis exam.

View Video

Staying positive

Not passing the Praxis® test will not end your teaching aspirations.

You have the power to turn setbacks into steppingstones as you work towards success. Learn from your experience, plan your retake strategically and know that you are well on your way to becoming a certified teacher!

Want to learn more about how Study.com Free Praxis Core Prep can help you prepare for your exam?

Explore test prep

More Posts

A teacher and one of her students stand in front of a classroom full of other students. The teacher and student model performance skills for the class.

Mastering Teacher Skills Through Performance Tasks

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on July 16, 2024

Two young students - about middle-school age - sit next to one another at a desk. The child on the right - a boy - reads an iPad. The child on the left - a girl - points at the iPad screen and reads along with the boy.

Embracing Technology as a Learning Partner

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on July 2, 2024

Five prospective teachers stand in a row. They are outside, and they are all smiling. Some wear backpacks and hold textbooks.

Becoming a Teacher: A Guide for Aspiring Educators

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on June 18, 2024

A person - whose face is obscured - holds a world in their hands. In the center of this world reads "AI," and the world itself is made out of computer code and digital elements.

Supercharging Pedagogy: The Power of AI in Education

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on June 5, 2024

Three young children - a girl in a hijab, another girl with two pigtails in her hair, and a boy wearing a plaid shirt - sit on the floor in a library. They all read the same book in front of them.

A Critical Resource: The Importance of Literacy Skills

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on May 21, 2024

A male-presenting student wearing glasses and a red sweater sits on a bench in front of a wall where backpacks and coats are hanging. In front of him sits his teacher, a female-presenting person with glasses, grey hair, and a black and orange sweatshirt. They are talking to the student.

Social Emotional Learning: Vital for Teacher Preparation

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on May 14, 2024

Two people - a man and a woman - sit at a desk together in front of an open laptop comupter. To the left of them: a sign reading "ETS Praxis and Study.com"

Future Directions: How Praxis and Study.com Consider Educator Preparation and Support

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on April 30, 2024

Two people - a man and a woman - sit at a desk together in front of an open laptop comupter. To the left of them: a sign reading "ETS Praxis and Study.com"

Unveiling Educational Impact: ETS Praxis Ventures into New Research Horizons

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on April 23, 2024

At the top of the image, there reads the following: ETS Praxis and Study.com. In the middle of the page, there is a hexagon with Study.com Free Praxis Core Prep typed inside of it.

Achieving Success: Our Innovative Test Prep for Praxis Core

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on April 15, 2024

Two people - a man and a woman - sit at a desk together in front of an open laptop comupter. To the left of them: a sign reading "ETS Praxis and Study.com"

Unlocking Diversity: ETS and Study.com Research Explores Keys to the Classroom

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on April 9, 2024

A young girl wearing headphones sits at a desk. She looks at a laptop - on its screen is an image of a teacher writing A, B, C - and then takes notes on a pad of paper.

Enhancing Literacy Learning: Blending Technology and Education

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on April 2, 2024

A teacher job candidate shakes the hand of her interviewer during a job interview.

Get Your Dream Job: Top 10 Interview Questions

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on March 25, 2024

Five people sit in chairs next to each other as they wait to be interviewed for a teaching job.

Making the Grade: Finding Your Ideal First Teaching Job

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on February 27, 2024

A clock that reads 11:57 has an exaggerated alarm that resembles blue and white lines coming out of its right side.

Assessment Strategies I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on March 12, 2024

Five educators work together on a computer exercise as they participate in professional development.

Empowering New Teachers with Professional Development

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on March 5, 2024

A young girl sits at a desk and plays with blocks. She sits next to a girl in a yellow shirt who is drawing with markers.

Supercharging Education with Formative Learning

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on March 19, 2024

The word "Praxis" is superimposed on top of an image of a teacher working with two children. One child works at a table next to the teacher; the other child smiles and looks at us, the audience.

Meet Praxis: Where Education Leads the Conversation

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on February 20, 2024

Two people - a man and a woman - sit at a desk together in front of an open laptop comupter. To the left of them: a sign reading "ETS Praxis and Study.com"

Breaking Boundaries: Praxis and Study.com Partner to Empower Educators

By Praxis Editorial Team

Published on February 20, 2024