Praxis Geography
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ExploreAbout this exam
Praxis Geography is a Praxis Subject Assessment for candidates seeking teacher certification in geography. Praxis Subject Assessments are the tests ETS lists under "Teacher Certification" for measuring the subject knowledge required for a teaching license, and states set their own certification requirements, so candidates should confirm with their state which test and score they need before registering. The exam is delivered in English and, like other Praxis subject tests, is built around a published test outline and format description that candidates should read before planning study. Preparation should follow the free study companions and study guides ETS points candidates to for learning the test format and outline, then move to practice under timed conditions. Because the test samples broad geographic content rather than a single course, a sensible plan is to work domain by domain, weighting time toward physical and human geography, then integrating environment-society themes and geographic skills such as map interpretation, data analysis, and fieldwork reasoning. Practice constructed responses deserve separate attention: write full answers, compare them against the scoring guidance in the study companion, and revise for precise terminology and explicit use of evidence. Register through the Praxis test search, check fees and waiver options, and review test-day policies for whichever delivery mode you choose. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS.
What you'll study
About Praxis Geography preparation
Who is the Praxis Geography test for?
It is a Praxis Subject Assessment intended for candidates seeking teacher certification in geography. States set their own certification requirements, so check your state's requirements before registering to confirm which test and score you need.
What does the exam cover?
Expect broad geography content rather than a single course: geographic concepts and literacy, physical geography, human geography, environment and society, and geographic skills and inquiry. Consult the official test outline and free study companion for the authoritative breakdown and any sample questions.
How long is the test and how many questions are there?
Those details are set by ETS and can change, so verify them on the current Praxis test page and in the Information Bulletin before you plan timing. Do not rely on secondhand figures; build your practice sessions around the format described in the official study companion.
What is the passing score?
Passing scores are set by states, not by a single national cutoff, which is why ETS publishes passing scores by state. Look up your state's requirement for this test and confirm it with your certification office before assuming a target score.
How much does it cost and are waivers available?
Fees vary by test and are listed when you search for and register for the test. ETS maintains a fees and waivers page describing fee reduction options and eligibility; check it before registering in case you qualify.
Can I retake the test if I do not pass?
Retake rules, waiting periods, and costs are governed by ETS registration policy and are described in the Information Bulletin and the reschedule, retake, or cancel page. Read those before your test date so a poor result does not catch you unaware of the process.
How should I order my studying?
Start with the free study companion to learn the format and outline, then study domain by domain, giving the most time to physical and human geography. Finish with timed practice and, for constructed responses, full written answers reviewed against the scoring guidance.
What are common reasons candidates fall short?
Typical problems are memorizing place names without understanding processes, skipping map and data-interpretation practice, and treating constructed responses as short notes. Weak answers also lack precise terminology and explicit evidence, so practice writing complete, well-supported explanations.
Is this page official ETS material?
No. This is independent study content and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ETS. Always confirm test format, fees, dates, and score requirements on the official Praxis website and in the Information Bulletin.