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How to Pass the Praxis Economics Exam (5911)

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How to Pass the Praxis Economics Exam (5911)

How to Pass the Praxis Economics Exam (5911)

The Praxis Economics Exam (5911) is a crucial step toward becoming a licensed economics teacher in the United States. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a career-changer pursuing teacher certification, passing this exam demonstrates your mastery of economic principles and your readiness to teach economics at the secondary level.

Table of contents

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Praxis Economics Exam 5911, from its structure and content to proven study strategies that will help you pass on your first attempt. If you’re wondering how to prepare effectively, what score you need, or how difficult the exam really is, you’re in the right place.

Let’s break down exactly what it takes to succeed on the Praxis Economics test and earn your teaching credentials with confidence.

What Is the Praxis Economics Exam (5911)?

The Praxis Economics Exam (5911) is a standardized test developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that assesses your knowledge of economic concepts, theories, and principles, including microeconomics and macroeconomics, supply and demand, and fiscal and monetary policy.

This exam is specifically designed to evaluate whether prospective teachers possess the content knowledge necessary to teach economics at the middle school and high school levels. It is a requirement for those seeking licensure in states that mandate this examination as part of their teacher certification process.

This computer-based test is designed for aspiring educators who plan to teach high school economics. Understanding its structure and content is critical for effective preparation.

Who Needs to Take Praxis 5911?

You’ll need to take the Praxis Economics Exam if you’re pursuing teacher certification or licensure in economics. This exam is typically required for:

  • Initial teacher certification candidates specializing in economics or social studies
  • Career-changers entering the teaching profession who will teach economics courses
  • Out-of-state teachers seeking reciprocal licensure in states that require Praxis Economics scores
  • Educators adding an economics endorsement to their existing teaching license

States That Require the Exam

State requirements vary significantly, and not all states require the Praxis Economics Exam for teacher certification. Some states accept it as part of a social studies certification, while others require it specifically for economics teaching positions. Before registering for the exam, verify your specific state’s requirements through your state department of education or teacher licensing board.

States that commonly require Praxis subject assessments include Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, though specific subject test requirements differ.

Praxis Economics Exam Format and Structure

Understanding the format and structure of the Praxis Economics test is essential for effective preparation. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time, approach questions strategically, and build confidence before test day.

Number of Questions and Time Limit

The Praxis Economics Exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, which you must complete within a time limit of 120 minutes. This structure allows you to manage your time effectively while ensuring you can answer all questions.

Question Types (Selected Response)

All questions on the Praxis Economics Exam are selected-response questions, commonly known as multiple-choice questions. Each question presents a scenario, concept, or problem followed by four answer choices (A, B, C, and D). Your task is to select the single best answer from the four options provided.

Selected-response questions on the Praxis Economics test may include:

  • Conceptual questions that test your understanding of economic theories and principles
  • Application questions that require you to apply economic concepts to real-world scenarios
  • Analytical questions that ask you to interpret graphs, charts, or data
  • Definitional questions that assess your knowledge of economic terminology
  • Comparative questions that require you to distinguish between similar economic concepts

Many questions incorporate graphs, tables, or data sets that you’ll need to analyze. Strong graph-reading skills and the ability to interpret economic models visually are important for success.

Computer-Based Testing Format

The Praxis Economics Exam is administered year-round as a computer-based test at authorized Praxis testing centers. You’ll take the exam on a computer, with all questions presented digitally. The computer-based format allows for flexible scheduling and faster score reporting compared to paper-based tests. You can register for the exam through your ETS Praxis account and select a testing date and location that works for your schedule.

Content Categories Breakdown

Content Category Number of Questions Percentage of Exam
Fundamental Economics Concepts 22 20%
Microeconomics 49 45%
Macroeconomics 39 35%

Understanding these categories will help you pinpoint where to focus your study efforts.

What Score Do You Need to Pass the Praxis Economics Exam?

Understanding how the Praxis Economics Exam is scored and what constitutes a passing score is crucial for setting your study goals and assessing your readiness.

Passing Score by State

There is no universal passing score for the Praxis Economics Exam because each state sets its own minimum score requirements for teacher certification. Passing scores typically range from 150 to 165 on the 100-200 score scale, though some states may require higher or lower scores.

For example:

  • Some states may require a score of 150
  • Others may set the bar at 157 or 160
  • A few states might require 165 or higher

You must verify your state’s specific passing score requirement before you begin studying. You can find this information on your state’s department of education website or the ETS Praxis website’s state requirements page. Knowing your target score helps you gauge your practice test performance and understand how much improvement you need.

If you’re seeking certification in multiple states or planning to move, check the requirements for all relevant states, as you may need to meet the highest requirement.

How Praxis Scoring Works

Your Praxis Economics exam result is determined by how many questions you answer correctly, known as your raw score. This raw score is then converted into a scaled score, which is the score used for licensure decisions. The required passing scaled score varies by state, but in most cases, candidates must earn at least 150 to pass.

Your official score report is typically released approximately five weeks after you complete the exam.

Score Scale Updates

ETS regularly revises Praxis exams to ensure they continue to accurately assess the knowledge and skills required for licensure. When an exam is updated, the interpretation of the score scale may also change, meaning passing requirements can differ between newer and earlier versions of the test. Scores from discontinued Praxis exams remain valid and can be reported for up to 10 years, as long as they are still accepted by your state or licensing authority.

The following resources can help you better understand your scores:

How Hard Is the Praxis Economics Exam?

The difficulty of the Praxis Economics Exam can vary among test-takers. Many report challenges with the breadth of content covered, especially in areas such as economic indicators, inflation, unemployment, and opportunity cost. A significant number of candidates struggle on their first attempt, often due to inadequate preparation.

The test difficulty comes from several factors:

  • Breadth of content: The exam covers four years of college-level economics coursework condensed into 90 questions. You need both broad knowledge across all economic subfields and a deep understanding of core concepts.

  • Application and analysis: Many questions go beyond simple recall and require you to apply economic concepts to new situations, analyze scenarios, or interpret data and graphs. Memorization alone won’t be sufficient.

  • Time pressure: With only one minute per question on average, you need to work efficiently while maintaining accuracy. Some questions involving complex graphs or scenarios may require more time, which means you’ll need to move quickly through simpler questions.

  • Precision in economic terminology: Economics uses specific terms with precise meanings. The exam tests whether you understand subtle distinctions between similar concepts (for example, “change in demand” vs. “change in quantity demanded”).

That said, the exam is certainly passable with proper preparation. Most test-takers who dedicate 4-6 weeks to focused study, work through practice questions, and review key concepts thoroughly can pass on their first or second attempt.

Common Challenges Test-Takers Face

Based on test-taker experiences and ETS data, several common challenges emerge:

  • Weak areas in macroeconomics: Many test-takers have stronger backgrounds in microeconomics and struggle more with macroeconomic concepts like fiscal and monetary policy, the AS-AD model, or understanding the Federal Reserve’s tools. Macroeconomics represents 35% of the exam, so gaps in this area significantly impact scores.

  • Graph interpretation: The Praxis Economics Exam includes numerous questions requiring you to interpret, analyze, or manipulate economic graphs. Test-takers who haven’t practiced reading supply and demand curves, cost curves, production possibilities frontiers, and AS-AD models often struggle with these visual questions.

  • International economics: This content area is sometimes overlooked in undergraduate programs or given less emphasis, yet it represents 15% of the exam. Concepts like comparative advantage, exchange rates, and balance of payments can be confusing without adequate review.

  • Distinguishing between similar concepts: Economics is full of related but distinct concepts—for example, fiscal policy vs. monetary policy, absolute advantage vs. comparative advantage, or change in supply vs. change in quantity supplied. Questions often test whether you can make these fine distinctions.

  • Time management: The strict 90-minute time limit catches many test-takers off guard. Spending too much time on difficult questions can leave you rushed at the end, potentially missing easy points on questions you didn’t have time to consider carefully.

Why Many Fail on the First Attempt

While many test-takers do pass the Praxis Economics Exam on their first try, a significant portion don’t. Common reasons for first-attempt failures include:

  • Underestimating the exam: Some test-takers assume their undergraduate economics degree alone is sufficient preparation. However, if you completed your coursework years ago or didn’t take comprehensive microeconomics and macroeconomics courses, you may have knowledge gaps.

  • Inadequate practice: Taking the exam without working through practice questions means you won’t be familiar with the question format, pacing requirements, or how concepts are tested. Practice tests reveal your weak areas and help you build test-taking stamina.

  • Unbalanced preparation: Focusing too heavily on your favorite or easiest topics while avoiding difficult areas creates vulnerabilities. Since the exam covers all four content categories, you need well-rounded knowledge.

  • Poor test-day strategy: Not knowing how to approach selected-response questions, when to skip and return to difficult questions, or how to eliminate wrong answers reduces your effectiveness on test day.

The good news is that all of these challenges are surmountable with the right preparation approach, which we’ll cover in the next section.

How to Pass the Praxis Economics Exam (5911)

Step 1 – Understand the Test Content

Familiarize yourself with the ETS content outline for the Praxis Economics Exam. This outline will guide you on what topics to focus on, including:

  • Microeconomics and macroeconomics
  • Supply and demand
  • Fiscal and monetary policy
  • Market structures

Step 2 – Build a 4–6 Week Study Plan

Create a structured study plan that allows you to cover all content areas while accommodating your schedule. Here’s a suggested breakdown:

  1. Week 1: Review microeconomics concepts
  2. Week 2: Focus on macroeconomics and international economics
  3. Week 3: Study economic systems and theories
  4. Week 4: Take practice tests and review mistakes

Step 3 – Focus on High-Weight Topics

Prioritize your study on topics that carry more weight in the exam, such as:

  • Supply and demand
  • Fiscal vs. monetary policy
  • Market structures

Step 4 – Use Praxis Economics Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is vital for understanding the exam format and identifying areas for improvement. Review your answers and understand why you got them wrong to enhance your learning.

Step 5 – Master Test-Day Strategies

On test day, effective time management and the ability to eliminate wrong answers can significantly impact your score. Practice pacing yourself during your study sessions to simulate the actual test environment.

Best Study Resources for Praxis Economics 5911

To effectively prepare for the exam, consider utilizing various resources, including:

  • Practice tests
  • Study guides
  • Flashcards
  • Video lessons

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Praxis Economics Exam

  • Ignoring the balance of micro vs. macro content
  • Focusing on memorization rather than understanding concepts
  • Skipping practice exams, which are crucial for preparation

Final Tips to Pass the Praxis Economics Exam on the First Try

Passing the Praxis Economics Exam (5911) is a significant milestone on your journey to becoming a licensed economics educator. While the exam is challenging, testing your knowledge across microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and economic systems, it is absolutely passable with the right preparation strategy.

By understanding the exam format, dedicating 4-6 weeks to structured study, focusing on high-weight topics like supply and demand, fiscal and monetary policy, and market structures, using practice tests effectively, and mastering test-day strategies, you’ll position yourself for success on your first attempt.

Building confidence and having a checklist for the final week can greatly enhance your performance. Make sure you:

  • Review key concepts daily
  • Practice relaxation techniques to manage test anxiety
  • Ensure you have all the necessary materials ready for the test day

FAQs on How to Pass the Praxis Economics Exam (5911)

What topics are covered on the Praxis Economics Exam?

The exam covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and economic systems.

How long should I study for the Praxis Economics Exam?

A study plan of 4–6 weeks is generally recommended, depending on your familiarity with the material.

What is the passing score for the Praxis Economics Exam?

The required passing scaled score varies by state, but in most cases, candidates must earn at least a minimum scaled score of 150 to pass in most states.

Are there practice tests available for the Praxis Economics Exam?

Yes, there are. You can find Praxis economic practice tests on presaret.com. Utilizing practice tests can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify weak areas.

How difficult is the Praxis Economics Exam?

Many test-takers find it challenging due to the extensive content coverage and may struggle on their first attempt.

What should I do if I don’t pass the Praxis Economics Exam?

If you do not pass, review your score report, identify weak areas, and create a targeted study plan for your next attempt.