The Praxis Music: Content Knowledge exam was developed to evaluate the knowledge and comprehension of music and musical education of prospective music teachers for grades K-12. This exam is used by many states, institutions, and licensing agencies as part of their teacher certification process.
Who is Eligible?
While Praxis itself does not hold any eligibility standards, every state, institution, or licensing agency is able to set their own requirements for eligibility for licensure and testing. Be sure to check with your state board or licensing agency to know what, if any, requirements must be met. These may include a certain degree, amount of experience, or various other tests to be taken.
There is a fee of $120 for this exam. this must be paid during registration. Registration can be done online, through the mail, or over the phone (for an additional fee).
When and Where?
All Praxis exams are computer-administered year-round through an international network made of up Prometric Testing Centers, some universities, and various other locations. These sites are generally open
Special accommodations can be provided upon request for those with disabilities or special needs. Supporting documentation will be required for approval.
Rescheduling or canceling your exam appointment is possible up until the last three days before your original exam date for an additional fee. After this time period, changes cannot be made, and you will forfeit all exam fees if you cannot make your appointment.
Once you have completely registered for your exam, you will be emailed an admission ticket to confirm your registration and exam date, time, and place. You will need to print this out and save it, as it will be needed on your exam day at the testing center.
What to Bring?
You should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure you have enough time to sign into the facility and be ready. If you show up late, you will not be allowed to enter or test that day.
Along with your admission ticket, you will need to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID with you to the testing center. This must include your signature and full name as it appears on your registration. You will not be allowed to enter if your ID is not acceptable.
Personal items such as the following are not permitted in the testing area. These will need to be left in a designated locker or your vehicle for the duration of the exam.
- Cell phones and electronic devices
- Calculators
- Pencils, paper, and study materials
- Food and drinks
- Bags or purses
What is Covered?
This exam contains 120 multiple choice questions that are dividing into a listening section and a non-listening section. Section 1 contains 30 questions based on musical excerpts. The remaining 90 items of section 2 are not audio based. You will have two hours to complete the entire exam.
The exam’s content is based on four main categories that you will be expected to know. Below is a brief description of these and the number of questions each section contains pertaining to them.
Music History and Literature (9 listening questions / 9 non-listening questions)
Major developments in musical style and historical periods and their significance, variety of world music and its relationship to culture
Theory and Composition (9 listening questions / 10 non-listening questions)
Aural form and skills, melody, harmony, rhythm, music in written form
Performance (12 listening questions / 15 non-listening questions)
Identifying errors by listening, basic conducting techniques, interpretation of notation and expressive elements, basic accompaniment techniques
Pedagogy, Professional Issues, and Technology (0 listening questions / 56 non-listening questions)
Professional ethics and legal issues, communication to students and school community, administrative basics, proper use of technology, instruction and assessment of musical elements
How it is Scored?
You will be able to view your exam score on the computer screen immediately after its completion. Your official score report will be released to you and any institution or agency you indicated about two to three weeks after your test date. These are accessible online for up to a year.
Your official report will include your pass/fail status according to your state/institution and your score, as well as the range of possible scores overall and in each category. Each state/institution sets its own score standards and deems what is acceptable as passing or not. Be sure to know what score is expected of you.
You may retest after 21 days if you did not perform to your best ability.
How Can I Prepare for the Praxis Music: Content Knowledge exam?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!