You can retake a Praxis test as many times as you need. ETS does not set a lifetime limit on the number of times you can retake a test.
You must wait at least 28 days after your previous test date before you take the same test again. You also need to register for the new attempt and pay the applicable test fee unless you qualify for a program such as Free After 3.
This guide covers the Praxis retake rules that apply during the 2026–27 testing year, which runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027.
You'll learn how many times you can retake the Praxis, how the 28-day waiting period works, what happens if you cancel your scores, how much a retake costs, and how Free After 3 can give you free retakes.
In Summary
You can retake a Praxis test as many times as you need.
Here are the main rules:
You have no lifetime limit on Praxis attempts.
You must wait at least 28 days between attempts at the same test.
The 28 days count from your previous test date.
You must register again for a retake.
You normally pay the test fee again.
You may qualify for unlimited free retakes through Free After 3.
Your state or licensing agency sets the passing score.
Your state may also have additional rules about retakes or certification.
The 28-day rule applies to the same test. You can register for a different Praxis test without waiting 28 days.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Retake the Praxis?
You must wait at least 28 days after your previous test date before taking the same Praxis test again.
For example, if you take your test on October 5, your next eligible test date is November 2.
You do not count 28 days from the date you receive your score. You count from the date you took the test.
ETS applies this rule even if you canceled your scores from the previous test. If you take the same test again before the 28-day period ends, ETS can cancel the retest scores and you may lose the test fee.
The 28-day rule can also apply to individual subtests when you take a Praxis test that contains multiple subtests. ETS specifically lists tests such as Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) among the tests covered by this rule.
Does a No-Show Count as a Praxis Attempt?
No, a no-show does not count as a Praxis test attempt. A missed appointment is different from an actual test attempt.
Because you did not sit for the exam, it will not be scored, and it will not count toward any lifetime or state-level limits on your testing history.
If you registered for a test but did not take it, you can generally register for a new appointment without waiting 28 days.
However, missing your exam does trigger a few specific administrative rules by the Educational Testing Service (ETS):
The 28-day wait time does NOT apply: Because a no-show is not an attempt, you do not have to wait a full month to register again. ETS's current appointment guidance says the 28-day rule applies when you have already taken the test and want to retake it.
There is a 3-day holding period: You must wait 3 business days after your missed test date before the system will allow you to log back into your ETS Praxis Account and schedule a new appointment.
Fees are forfeited: Unless your absence was caused by a documented medical emergency or an ETS/Proctor system error, you will forfeit your registration fees and will have to pay again to reschedule.
If you know you cannot make your appointment, check your cancellation options before the test date.
What Happens if You Cancel Your Praxis Scores?
Canceling your Praxis scores means your test results are permanently deleted and will not be reported to you or any score recipients.
You can cancel your scores after certain Praxis tests. A canceled score does not remove the 28-day waiting period.
Consequences of Canceling Praxis Scores
No Refunds: Your test fees are completely forfeited, and you cannot apply the money to a future test.
All Sections Canceled: If your exam includes multiple subtests or parts (like the Praxis Core or Elementary Education Multiple Subjects), canceling your score voids the entire test session, even if you wanted to keep a passing score from a specific section.
Final Decision: Once you choose to cancel your scores at the test center, the decision is final and cannot be undone or reinstated.
Retake Waiting Period: Canceling your score still triggers the mandatory 28-day wait rule, meaning you must wait 28 full days from your test date before you can retake that same exam code
If you took the test, the 28-day period still runs from that test date even if you choose not to report your score.
This makes it important to understand your score options before you submit a cancellation.
Do You Have to Pay for a Praxis Retake?
Yes, you generally have to pay the full exam fee for a Praxis retake, though retakes are free after three paid attempts under certain conditions.
Each new test appointment requires a new registration. You normally pay the applicable test fee again.
Your exact fee depends on the Praxis test you take.
For example:
Praxis Core Combined (5752): $150
Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001): $180
Praxis Core Reading (5713): $90
Praxis Core Mathematics (5733): $90
Praxis Core Writing (5723): $90
ETS can change fees. Always check the current test page before you register.
You may also qualify for a Praxis fee waiver if you meet ETS's eligibility requirements.
How Much Does the Praxis Core Combined Test Cost?
The Praxis Core Combined test (5752) currently costs $150.
The test combines Reading (5713), Writing (5723), and Mathematics (5733) into one testing session.
If you take the three Core tests separately, the current listed fee is $90 per test. The combined test therefore costs less than registering for all three separately.
How Much Does Praxis 5001 Cost?
The Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test (5001) currently costs $180.
The test contains four subtests:
Reading and Language Arts (5002)
Mathematics (5003)
Social Studies (5004)
Science (5005)
You can also register for the individual subtests. The current listed price is $64 per subtest.
If you need to retake only one subtest, check your state's requirements and the current ETS registration options before scheduling.
What is ETS Free After 3?
Free After 3 is an ETS program that can give you free retakes after you have taken the same Praxis test at least three times.
The program can be valuable if you need several attempts to reach your state's passing score.
To qualify, you must meet all of these requirements:
Your first qualifying attempt must be on or after October 1, 2025.
You must have at least three registrations for the same Praxis test title.
ETS must have reported scores for all three attempts.
You must be within five years of the date your third attempt's scores were reported.
Programs like ParaPro, ParaPathways, and Praxis Bridge products are not included in this policy.
Your pass or fail status does not determine eligibility. The important requirement is that you have three qualifying attempts with reported scores.
How Many Free Praxis Retakes Can You Get?
You can request unlimited free retakes for an eligible test.
The five-year period begins when ETS reports the scores from your third qualifying attempt.
You need a new voucher for each free retake. One voucher does not cover multiple appointments.
Each voucher is valid for six months.
Does Free After 3 Apply to Every Praxis Test?
No, the Free After 3 program does not apply to every test; it excludes Praxis Bridge products, ParaPro, and ParaPathways.
Free After 3 applies to Praxis test titles that meet the program requirements.
It also applies to Praxis Steps when you have taken the same Step three or more times.
Your state also matters. As of the current ETS Free After 3 FAQ, the program is available in most Praxis states but excludes Indiana, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. These states have their own retest policies.
Check your state requirements before relying on Free After 3.
Does Free After 3 Apply to a Different Praxis Test?
No, Free After 3 is tied to the test you have taken three times.
For example, taking Praxis Core Reading three times does not make Praxis Core Mathematics free.
You need three qualifying attempts on the same test title.
Combined tests also have specific rules. If you take a combined test such as 5001 three or more times, you can qualify for a free retake of the full test. Three attempts at individual subtests do not automatically make the combined test free.
What if Your Praxis Test Changes to a New Version?
A test version can change during your testing history. If your Praxis test updates to a new version, you must verify that your specific state licensing board accepts the new test code and score requirements.
ETS's current Free After 3 FAQ provides an exception when a state switches from one test version to a direct replacement.
For example, if your state replaces one test series with a new version, qualifying attempts on the previous version can count toward Free After 3 when the new test is a direct replacement.
You should check the current ETS rules if your state changes the test required for your certification.
Do not assume that two similarly named tests are automatically treated as the same test.
Can You Retake Only Part of a Praxis Test?
Yes, you can retake individual subtests or sections of a Praxis test without retaking the entire exam.
Subtest and Section Retakes
Praxis Core: If you take the combined Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators session but fail only one or two subjects (Reading, Writing, or Math), you only need to re-register and retake the specific subtest you missed.
Multi-Subject Assessments: Tests like Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects allow you to keep your passing scores for individual content categories and retake only the sections you did not pass.
Praxis Steps: Modular testing options let you take and retake specific content steps independently.
Traditional Praxis tests that contain multiple subtests may have different registration options. Check the test page and your state's requirements before you schedule a retake.
Praxis Steps now provides another option for certain tests.
Praxis Steps uses a modular format. You can take a test one Step at a time or take the full test when the format is available. If you need another attempt, you can retake the Step you need rather than automatically retaking the entire test.
The first Praxis Steps tests are the Elementary Education Fundamentals tests (8002–8006).
Check your state requirements to see whether your test is available through Praxis Steps.
When Will You Receive Your Praxis Scores?
You will receive your official Praxis Scores in your online account within 10 to 16 business days (or about 1 to 3 weeks) after your test date or testing window closes.
Praxis Score Release Timelines
Selected-Response Tests: Computer-scored multiple-choice exams show unofficial scores right on the screen at the test center. Official scores post online in 1 to 5 business days or up to a week.
Constructed-Response Tests: Essays and written tasks need manual grading by humans. Official scores take 10 to 16 business days or up to 4 to 6 weeks.
Testing Windows: Tests offered only during specific calendar windows release official scores after the window closes
For the three Praxis Core tests:
Reading (5713): within 7 calendar days
Mathematics (5733): within 7 calendar days
Writing (5723): within 20 business days
Other Praxis tests have their own score-reporting schedules.
You do not need to wait for your score to arrive before counting the 28-day retake period. The waiting period starts from your test date.
For planning purposes, you can therefore schedule your next eligible test date based on the previous test date.
Who Decides Whether You Passed?
Your state or licensing agency decides the qualifying score for your certification requirement.
ETS does not set the passing score for state licensure.
The score you need can vary by state and certification area.
Your score report can show whether you met the qualifying score for the score recipients you selected. You should still check your state's current requirements before registering for another attempt.
What Happens to Your Previous Praxis Scores?
Your score report shows your current score and your highest score for each Praxis test you have taken during the previous 10 years.
This can help you see whether your retake improved your result.
You should save a copy of your score report for your records.
If you need certification in a particular state, check whether that state uses your highest score, most recent score, or another scoring rule.
Do not assume that every state handles multiple scores the same way.
How to Plan Your Praxis Retake
Use your first attempt as a diagnostic.
You do not need to start your preparation from zero.
1. Check Your Score Report
Look at your overall score first.
Then check your performance in each content category.
ETS provides raw-point information for many Praxis tests. Use these results to identify the areas where you have the most room to improve.
2. Confirm Your State’s Passing Score
Find the qualifying score for your specific test and certification area.
Do not use a passing score from another state as your target.
Your state or licensing agency sets the score you need.
3. Calculate Your Earliest Retake Date
Count at least 28 days from your previous test date.
For example:
Previous test: October 5
Earliest retake: November 2
Give yourself more time if your score report shows several weak content areas.
4. Focus On Your Weakest Categories
Do not spend most of your study time reviewing topics you already know.
Start with the categories where your score report shows the largest gaps.
Use practice questions to check whether your accuracy improves after each study session.
5. Take a Timed Practice Test
Use a full-length or timed practice test before your retake.
Pay attention to more than your final score.
Check how you perform under time pressure.
Review every question you miss. Identify whether the problem came from a knowledge gap, a careless error, or poor time management.
6. Register When You Have a Realistic Target
You can register for your retake once you know your eligible test date.
Before you pay, confirm:
Your test code
Your state's passing score
Your earliest eligible test date
The current test fee
Your testing location or at-home option
Any applicable retake or fee-waiver rules
How to Avoid Paying for Another Unsuccessful Attempt
A retake costs more than the registration fee.
You also spend time preparing, testing, and waiting for results.
Use your score report to guide your preparation.
A simple approach is:
Score report → weak categories → targeted study → timed practice → retake
Do not schedule another attempt simply because the 28-day waiting period has ended.
Schedule it when your practice performance shows that you are ready.
Practice Before Your Praxis Retake
Use practice questions to identify the topics you need to review.
Start with the Praxis test you need to pass:
Praxis Core Reading (5713)
Praxis Core Mathematics (5733)
Praxis Core Writing (5723)
Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001)
You can also use your score report to choose which content categories to practice first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Limit on How Many Times You Can Take the Praxis?
No. ETS does not set a lifetime limit on Praxis attempts. You can retake the same test as many times as you need, subject to the applicable waiting period and any state-specific requirements.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Retake the Praxis?
You must wait at least 28 days after your previous test date before taking the same Praxis test again.
Does the 28-Day Rule Start When You Receive Your Scores?
No. The 28-day period starts on your previous test date. You do not need to wait 28 days after receiving your score.
Does a Canceled Score Affect the 28-Day Waiting Period?
Yes. If you took the test and canceled your score, the 28-day waiting period still applies.
Does a No-Show Count as a Praxis Attempt?
A missed appointment is different from an actual test attempt. If you did not take the test, ETS's current guidance allows you to register for a new appointment without the 28-day retake wait, although you may lose your original test fee.
Do You Have to Pay Again for a Praxis Retake?
Usually, yes. Each retake requires a new registration and normally requires the applicable test fee unless you qualify for a fee waiver or a free-retake program.
What is Free After 3?
Free After 3 is an ETS program that can give you unlimited free retakes after you complete three qualifying attempts on the same Praxis test. Your first qualifying attempt must be on or after October 1, 2025.
How Long Do Free After 3 Benefits Last?
You can request unlimited free retakes during the five-year period that begins when your third qualifying attempt's scores are reported.
Does Free After 3 Cover Praxis Steps?
Yes. If you take the same Praxis Step three or more times, you can qualify for free retakes of that Step, subject to the program rules.
Does Free After 3 Cover Praxis Bridge?
No. Praxis Bridge products are excluded from Free After 3. If you qualify for both options, ETS says you must choose between the free full-test retake and the paid Praxis Bridge option.
Does Free After 3 Apply in Every State?
No. The current ETS FAQ excludes Indiana, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. Check your state's current Praxis requirements before you rely on Free After 3.
Can You Retake Only One Step of a Praxis Test?
Yes, when your test supports Praxis Steps. The modular format lets you retake the Step you need instead of automatically retaking the full test.
Who Decides the Praxis Passing Score?
Your state or licensing agency sets the qualifying score for state certification. ETS does not set state passing scores.
How Quickly Do Praxis Core Scores Come Back?
Core Reading and Core Mathematics scores are available within 7 calendar days. Core Writing scores are available within 20 business days.
How Many Times Can You Retake the Praxis? Final Takeaway
You can retake the Praxis as many times as you need.
The key rule is the 28-day waiting period. Count it from your previous test date.
Your retake normally costs the regular test fee. You may qualify for a fee waiver or Free After 3.
If you have already taken the same test three times, check your Free After 3 eligibility before paying for another attempt.
Most importantly, use your score report to guide your preparation. Focus on your weakest content categories. Take timed practice tests. Then use your next attempt when your practice results show that you are ready.