In Texas, the passing score for PRAXIS Core Reading is 156 out of 200. Most teacher preparation programs and certification pathways require this minimum score, though some programs may have higher expectations. Knowing your target score helps you focus your preparation on the specific skills and question types that matter most for passing.

Many test-takers struggle with time management—the exam requires reading long passages and answering questions accurately within a set timeframe. Others find inference questions particularly challenging, as they require you to draw conclusions beyond what's explicitly stated in the text. Additionally, vocabulary-in-context questions can be tricky when words have multiple meanings or appear in unfamiliar subject areas.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can diagnose your specific weak areas—whether that's inference, vocabulary, or test pacing—and create a customized study plan. Tutors provide targeted practice with real exam questions, teach strategic reading techniques to improve comprehension speed, and offer personalized feedback on your approach to different question types. This focused, one-on-1 instruction helps you build confidence and master the skills needed to reach your target score.

Your first session typically begins with an assessment of your current reading level, test-taking strategies, and familiarity with PRAXIS Core format. Your tutor will identify your strongest areas and specific challenges—like whether you struggle more with main idea questions, inference, or time management. From there, you'll work together to set realistic goals and outline a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline and learning style.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of consistent preparation, depending on their starting level and target score. If you're already a strong reader but need to familiarize yourself with exam format and strategies, you might need fewer sessions. If you need to build foundational comprehension skills or significantly improve your score, a longer timeline with regular tutoring sessions will give you the practice and feedback necessary to succeed.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PRAXIS Core preparation and understand the specific requirements for Texas teacher certification. Our tutors are experienced in helping students master reading comprehension, inference, and test-taking strategies. You can get matched with a tutor who fits your schedule and learning needs, whether you prefer to meet at a convenient location or connect virtually.

Effective strategies include previewing questions before reading the passage (so you know what to focus on), annotating key ideas and transitions as you read, and practicing active inference by asking yourself "why" and "so what" about the author's claims. Many successful test-takers also learn to distinguish between main ideas and supporting details, and to recognize common argument structures. Personalized tutoring helps you practice these strategies with real exam passages until they become automatic.