Here are the top mistakes Praxis test-takers make across Praxis Core (Reading, Writing, Math) and Praxis Subject Assessments:
- Poor time management on Praxis timed sections Spending too long on difficult selected-response or math questions, then rushing or skipping the final 10–15 items.
- Ignoring Praxis constructed-response rubrics Writing long answers that miss key bullets in the official ETS scoring guidelines (common on Praxis Core Writing, PLT, Elementary Education, and many Praxis Subject Assessments).
- Not practicing actual Praxis question types Many candidates never touch multiple-select questions, drag-and-drop, or numeric entry items before test day.
- Overusing the on-screen calculator on Praxis Core Math (5733) Slows candidates down and weakens basic number sense ETS deliberately includes non-calculator items.
- Relying only on third-party Praxis prep books Commercial materials are often easier or outdated compared to real Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Assessment questions.
- Memorizing isolated facts instead of big ideas Hurts scores on Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge, Social Studies, Science, and Middle School tests that reward conceptual understanding.
- Weak Praxis Reading comprehension strategy Reading passages too slowly or not identifying central ideas and evidence quickly on Praxis Core Reading (5713).
- Skipping official ETS Praxis practice tests The free and paid ETS Praxis Interactive Practice Tests are the only materials that match actual difficulty and format.
- Test-day anxiety and logistical errors Forgetting ID, poor sleep, no brain-dump of formulas, or changing correct answers during review.
Avoid these common Praxis mistakes by using official ETS Praxis Study Companions, taking full-length timed Praxis practice tests, and mastering the exact scoring rubrics. Small fixes often raise scores 10–20+ points on Praxis Core and Subject Assessments.