Q: How many questions can you miss on the Praxis and still pass?
A: There is no single number of questions you can miss on a Praxis exam and still pass. The number of questions you can answer incorrectly and still pass depends entirely on three specific factors: the total number of questions on your specific test, the test's unique scoring scale for that administration, and the passing score set by your state or institution.
Q: How does Praxis scoring work?
A: Your score is not a simple percentage. Here is the process:
- Raw Score: This is the number of questions you answered correctly.
- Final Scaled Score: ETS (the test maker) uses a statistical process to convert your raw score into a scaled score, typically ranging from 100 to 200. This scaling adjusts for minor differences in difficulty between different versions of the same test.
- Passing Score: Your state or agency sets a required scaled score to pass. This score varies widely by test and state.
To know how many you can miss, you must know the raw-to-scale conversion for your specific test and your required passing scaled score.
Q: Can you give a general example?
A: For illustrative purposes only, let us consider a common Praxis Core Math test. Assume:
- The test has 56 questions.
- Your state requires a scaled score of 150 to pass.
- The scoring scale for that test indicates that a raw score of 41 correct (about 73%) converts to a scaled score of 150.
In this theoretical scenario, you could miss 15 questions and still achieve the passing scaled score of 150. For a different test or a higher passing score requirement, the allowable number of incorrect answers would be lower.
Q: How can I find out my test's specific requirements?
A: You need to research two pieces of official information:
- Your State's Passing Score: Find the required scaled score for your specific test code and state on the ETS Praxis "State Requirements" website.
- Test's Scoring Guide: Review the official "Test at a Glance" (TAAG) PDF for your specific Praxis exam on the ETS website. While it will not give the exact conversion, it provides the number of questions and general scoring information.
Q: What is the best strategy for ensuring I pass?
A: Do not study to a guessed number of allowable mistakes. Your strategy should be:
- Aim for Mastery: Prepare to answer as many questions correctly as possible.
- Use Official Practice Tests: Take the full-length practice test provided by ETS for your exam. It will give you the most realistic prediction of your raw score.
- Analyze the Score Guide: When you take the ETS practice test, use the provided scoring guide to see how your raw score converts to a scaled score. This will give you a personal benchmark.