The number of questions you can miss on the Praxis test depends on your target score and the specific test you are taking. To achieve a score of 172 on a Praxis test, you can typically miss approximately 20 questions on the selected-response section and 1 point on the constructed-response section.
It's important to understand that Praxis scores are scaled, meaning your raw score (the number of questions you answer correctly) is converted to a scaled score that accounts for the difficulty of the particular test version.
Understanding Praxis Scoring
The Praxis test generally includes two main types of questions:
- Selected-Response Questions: These are typically multiple-choice questions where you select the correct answer from a given set of options.
- Constructed-Response Questions: These require you to write or construct your own answer, such as essays, short-answer responses, or problem solutions. These are often scored based on rubrics.
The provided example illustrates a common scenario for achieving a strong score:
| Section | Total Questions/Points (Example) | Missable Questions/Points (Approx. for 172 Score) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected Response | 70 | 20 questions |
| Constructed Response | 4 | 1 point |
This breakdown suggests that a significant portion of selected-response questions can be missed while still achieving a competitive score.
Factors Affecting How Many Questions You Can Miss
- Target Score: Most states require a Praxis passing score in the range of 157-160 for tests like the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT). Achieving a lower passing score might allow for more missed questions than targeting a higher score like 172.
- Test Difficulty: Although scores are scaled, variations in the specific questions on your test version can subtly influence how many raw points equate to a specific scaled score.
- Question Weight: Some questions or sections might carry more weight than others, though this is less common for individual multiple-choice questions and more applicable to multi-part constructed responses.
Maximizing Your Praxis Performance
To ensure you minimize missed questions and achieve your desired score:
- Review Test Blueprints: Understand the content areas and format of the specific Praxis test you are taking.
- Practice Strategically: Focus on areas where you feel less confident and practice with official study materials.
- Time Management: Learn to pace yourself during the exam to ensure you can attempt all questions.
- Understand Scoring: Familiarize yourself with how selected-response and constructed-response sections are graded.
Remember, while knowing approximate numbers can be helpful for planning, the ultimate goal is to answer as many questions correctly as possible to comfortably meet or exceed your state's specific passing requirements.
