How Much Does The Praxis Cost?

Key Takeaways:

• The total Praxis test cost ranges from $50 to $209 depending on the exam, with the combined Praxis Core at $150 and individual Core subtests at $90 each.
• Test takers who retake a Praxis exam pay the full exam fee each time with no separate retake surcharge.
• The Free After 3 program provides unlimited free retakes after three paid attempts on the same test.
• College students with a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Expected Family Contribution of $3,000 or less may qualify for an ETS fee waiver per testing year.
• Candidates register and pay online through their ETS Praxis account, with test-center and at-home testing priced at the same base fee plus a 3% online service fee on all transactions.

What Are the Praxis Exam Fee Ranges?

Educational Testing Service (ETS) groups its Praxis exams into categories with distinct fee tiers, so the total cost depends on which type of test you need. The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators covers foundational skills before entering preparation programs, while Praxis Subject Assessments, formerly called the Praxis II, target a candidate's specific endorsement area. The table below breaks down typical pricing across all four exam categories.

Exam Category	What It Tests	Number of Tests	Typical Fee Range
Praxis Core (Praxis 1)	Reading, writing, math foundational skills	3 subtests (individually or combined)	$90 per subtest, $150 combined
Praxis Subject Assessments (Praxis II)	Content-area knowledge for certification (e.g., math, English, science)	90+ subject tests	$50-$209 per test
Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT)	Elementary subject knowledge plus classroom application	Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies	$78 per test
Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)	Pedagogical knowledge at specific grade bands	Early Childhood, K-6, 5-9, 7-12	$156 per test

How Much Does Each Praxis Exam Cost in 2026?

The total Praxis test cost ranges from $50 to $209 depending on the specific exam. The combined Praxis Core test costs less than taking Core subtests individually, while Subject Assessment pricing varies widely based on format and content area. Several administrative fees can increase the overall cost beyond the base exam price.

Praxis Core Fees

Exam	Test Code	Fee
Praxis Core Reading	5713	$90
Praxis Core Writing	5723	$90
Praxis Core Mathematics	5733	$90
Praxis Core Combined Test	5752	$150

Sample Praxis Subject Assessment Fees (2026-27)

Exam	Test Code	Fee
Agriculture	5701	$130
Art: Content and Analysis	5135	$156
Chinese (Mandarin): World Language	5665	$170
Communication and Literacy	5725	$110
Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects	5001	$64 per subtest, $180 combined
Elementary Education Assessment	5006	$209
Elementary Education: Mathematics CKT	7813	$78
PA Grades 4-8 Core Assessment: Pedagogy	5153	$50

Additional Fees

Fee Type	Amount
Online Service Fee	3% of all online transactions
Change to Test Center or Test Date	$40 (or $0 with $25 Scheduling Protection)
Phone Registration	$35
Additional Score Reports	$50 per report
Score Review (constructed-response only)	$65 (refunded if score changes)
Nevada State Surcharge	$5 per exam

How Much Does It Cost to Retake a Praxis Exam?

Retaking a Praxis exam carries no extra penalty beyond the standard test fee, though ETS enforces spacing between attempts and offers programs that can eventually eliminate retake costs. Understanding the full retake landscape helps candidates budget accurately for the possibility of multiple testing sessions.

• Retake fee: The Praxis exam cost for a retake matches the original test fee (no additional retake surcharge).
• Waiting period: The Praxis appointment management system requires at least 28 days between attempts on the same exam.
• Attempt limit: Unlimited retakes allowed.
• Multi-subtest savings: For exams with multiple subtests (like the Praxis Core), you only need to retake the subtest(s) you did not pass, not all three.
• Reschedule vs. retake: Rescheduling an existing appointment costs $40. A full retake after receiving scores costs the exam fee.
• Free After 3: Candidates who complete three paid registrations for the same test title (first attempt on or after October 1, 2025) qualify for unlimited free retakes within a five-year window from the third attempt's score report date.
• Free After 3 vouchers: Each voucher is valid for 6 months and must be requested individually per retake. This program excludes Praxis Bridge, ParaPro, and ParaPathways.
• Cancellation: Cancelling at least 3 days before the test date yields a 50% refund of the test fee. Late cancellations or no-shows forfeit the entire fee.

Infographic developed and reviewed by Study.com Test Prep Editorial Team.

Can You Get a Praxis Fee Waiver?

Yes, eligible college students can reduce their Praxis exam cost by applying for a fee waiver through ETS. Each waiver covers three Praxis Core tests or one Praxis Subject Assessment per testing year. Applicants must demonstrate financial need with a FAFSA Expected Family Contribution of $3,000 or less through the ETS Praxis fee waiver program.

• Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in a degree program, hold an Enrollment Verification Certificate, meet the FAFSA income threshold, and be required to take the Praxis by an authorized score recipient.
• Frequency: One waiver per testing year. Limited waivers are available per institution and test date.
• Application: Submit the Fee Waiver Request Form, Enrollment Verification Certificate, and FAFSA Submission Summary to ETS by email or mail.

Some states and educator preparation programs offer additional ways to offset the Praxis test cost beyond the ETS waiver. Check with your program's testing coordinator for available financial support.

How Do You Register and Pay for the Praxis?

You register and pay for the Praxis online through your ETS Praxis account. Online registration is the most cost-effective method, with phone and mail options available at higher fees or longer processing times. The entire online process can be completed in a single sitting once you have your payment information ready.

• Step 1: Create or sign into your ETS Praxis account.
• Step 2: Select your required exam and choose test-center or at-home delivery.
• Step 3: Browse available dates and locations, then select your preferred option.
• Step 4: Designate score recipients (up to four included at no extra charge).
• Step 5: Pay the exam fee by credit/debit card, PayPal, or electronic check.

Praxis scores are valid for 10 years, so additional score reports can be ordered at any time within that window at $50 per report. Many Praxis exams are available for at-home testing at the same fee as test-center delivery.

ETS Praxis is a registered trademark of the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Frequently Asked Questions About Praxis Costs

What is the cheapest Praxis exam?

The least expensive Praxis exams cost $50, such as the PA Grades 4-8 Core Assessment: Pedagogy (5153). Content Knowledge for Teaching tests generally cost less than full Subject Assessments. Candidates can reduce total spending by checking whether their state accepts a combined-format exam, which often costs less than taking subtests individually.

Is the Praxis test free for anyone?

No single program makes the Praxis completely free, but several options can cover the full exam cost. State education agencies and educator preparation programs sometimes offer vouchers or reimbursement beyond the ETS fee waiver covered above. Students enrolled in TEACH Grant-eligible programs may also be able to use grant funds toward certification expenses. Check with your program's financial aid office for available options.

Does the Praxis cost the same at home and at a test center?

Yes, the base exam fee is identical for both testing formats. At-home testing requires a computer with a working webcam, microphone, and a reliable internet connection meeting ETS bandwidth standards. If your setup fails the room scan or equipment check on test day, the session is cancelled without a refund. Test-center candidates avoid this risk but must travel to an approved location.

Can you get a refund if you cancel your Praxis test?

Yes, if you cancel at least three days before your scheduled test date. The refund amount is the exam fee minus the nonrefundable 3% online service fee. Candidates who purchased $25 Scheduling Protection at registration can reschedule instead of cancelling, avoiding the standard $40 change fee.

Are Praxis test fees tax-deductible?

Praxis fees are generally not tax-deductible for candidates pursuing initial teacher certification. However, current educators who take additional Praxis exams for professional development may qualify for the educator expense deduction of up to $300 per year. This deduction covers unreimbursed professional expenses, including certification test fees. Consult a tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.