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On the day of the test, be sure to arrive on time. Once the test begins, no one will be allowed to enter or leave the test room until the test is complete. Read the questions carefully. Missing one word in a sentence can completely change the intent of the statement. Know that there will be questions you do not know the answers to. For example, an instrumental major may not be able to correctly identify the cause of faulty intonation in a high school choir. It is OK to give those questions your best guess. If you finish early, use the time to review your answers. When you walk out the door, you can leave knowing you’ve done your best work.

The Praxis exams can seem like an overwhelming obstacle. With preparation, that obstacle can be overcome. So, register for the tests, snuggle up with your favorite music text, and get ready to move one step closer to being a licensed music educator.

Robyn Chapman is a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the MAIS program at Oregon State University. She has taught general music and middle school band