Illinois requires educators to pass content-specific PRAXIS exams based on their certification area. Most teachers must also pass the PRAXIS Core exam (covering reading, writing, and mathematics) unless they meet certain score exemptions. For students in Chicago pursuing teacher certification through Illinois Department of Education programs, your school or certification program will specify which PRAXIS exams you need and the minimum passing scores required. It's important to confirm these requirements early so you can prepare strategically.

Many students struggle with the breadth of content covered—PRAXIS exams test deep subject knowledge plus teaching methodology and classroom application. Time management during the exam is another frequent challenge, as is translating classroom knowledge into the specific format and question types PRAXIS uses. Additionally, balancing full-time coursework or teaching responsibilities with intensive test prep can feel overwhelming. Personalized tutoring helps by targeting your specific weak areas rather than reviewing material you already know well.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction focuses entirely on your learning gaps and teaching style, whereas group classes move at an average pace that may not match your needs. A tutor can identify whether you're struggling with content knowledge, test-taking strategy, time management, or exam anxiety—and address each specifically. For students in Chicago with varying backgrounds and certification areas, this customized approach means you spend prep time where it matters most, leading to faster improvement and greater confidence on test day.

Your first session typically includes an assessment of your current knowledge, a review of your target PRAXIS exam(s), and a discussion of your timeline and goals. The tutor will likely ask about your teaching background, certification area, and any specific topics that concern you. From there, you'll develop a personalized prep plan that breaks down the exam content, identifies priority areas, and establishes a realistic study schedule. This foundation ensures every session after that is focused and productive.

Preparation timelines vary based on your starting point, target exam(s), and how frequently you meet with a tutor. Many students benefit from 8–16 weeks of consistent preparation, meeting 1–2 times per week, though some may need more or less depending on their background. If you're already strong in your content area but need help with test strategy, a shorter timeline may work. Varsity Tutors can help you create a realistic prep schedule based on your specific situation and exam date.

Yes—Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in specific PRAXIS exams and content areas. Whether you need deep support in PRAXIS Mathematics, PRAXIS English Language Arts, PRAXIS Science, or content-specific exams for your certification area, expert tutors can break down complex concepts, explain teaching methodologies, and provide targeted practice. This specialized expertise is especially valuable for content areas where you feel less confident or where the PRAXIS format differs significantly from how you learned the material in college.

Passing scores vary by exam and certification area. For example, PRAXIS Core typically requires scores around 156 in reading, 162 in writing, and 150 in mathematics, though Illinois may have specific requirements. Content-specific exams have their own thresholds based on the subject. Since requirements can change and may differ by certification program, it's essential to verify the exact passing scores your Illinois teacher preparation program or employer requires. Your tutor can help you understand these benchmarks and track your progress toward them.