The PRAXIS Core Reading exam focuses on reading comprehension across various genres, including fiction, poetry, essays, and informational texts. You'll encounter multiple-choice questions that test your ability to identify main ideas, understand author's purpose, analyze arguments, and make inferences from passages. The exam also evaluates vocabulary in context and your capacity to synthesize information from complex texts.

Many test-takers struggle with time management—reading passages carefully while answering questions within the time limit. Others find it difficult to distinguish between main ideas and supporting details, or to identify an author's implicit assumptions and tone. Additionally, vocabulary questions that rely on context clues rather than memorized definitions can be tricky for students unfamiliar with academic and literary language patterns.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who provide personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your specific reading challenges. A tutor can teach you strategic reading techniques, help you practice with authentic exam passages, and provide targeted feedback on your comprehension and reasoning. They'll also help you develop time management strategies and build confidence in tackling different passage types and question formats.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, depending on their baseline reading skills and familiarity with standardized testing. If you're juggling coursework or working while preparing for certification, a tutor can help you create an efficient study plan that maximizes your progress in the time you have available. Starting with a diagnostic assessment helps determine how much preparation you'll need.

North Carolina requires a minimum score of 156 on the PRAXIS Core Reading exam for teacher certification. The exam is scored on a scale of 100-200, and understanding what this score means for your teaching career can help you set realistic goals. If you don't pass on your first attempt, tutoring can help you identify gaps and improve your score on your next test.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your strengths and areas for improvement in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and test-taking strategies. The tutor will ask about your timeline, learning style, and specific concerns—whether it's managing anxiety, improving inference skills, or mastering time management. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan focused on the skills you need to pass.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PRAXIS Core Reading preparation and understand North Carolina's certification requirements. You can specify your availability and learning preferences, and we'll match you with a tutor who fits your needs. The process is straightforward—once matched, you can start your personalized instruction right away.