Praxis 5331 Unofficial vs Official Scores: What to Expect

After you finish the Praxis 5331, you may see an unofficial score on your screen. That number is useful, but it is not your final score. Knowing the difference between unofficial and official scores helps you manage anxiety while you wait for ETS to release your official report.

What is an unofficial score?

An unofficial score is the scaled score shown at the end of most computer-delivered Praxis tests. It is based on the questions that count toward your score and is displayed immediately after you finish the exam. For many test takers, this is the first glimpse of whether they likely passed.

Unofficial scores are usually available for multiple-choice tests like the Praxis 5331. However, not every test format or delivery method shows them, and ETS notes that they are subject to review.

Why unofficial scores can change

The unofficial score may change after ETS completes its final review. Reasons include:

• Equating adjustments: ETS may apply final statistical equating to ensure your score reflects the difficulty of the specific form you took.
• Item review: Questions flagged during the test may be reviewed after administration.
• Score verification: ETS verifies that your responses were recorded correctly.

In practice, the unofficial score and official score are usually the same or very close. Major changes are rare, but they are possible.

What is an official score?

Your official score is the final result ETS reports to you and to the agencies you selected during registration. It is released on a specific score report date listed on the ETS website. Official scores are the only scores that count for ASHA, state licensure boards, and graduate programs.

When are official scores released?

ETS publishes score report dates for each test administration window. For most computer-delivered Praxis tests, official scores are available roughly two to three weeks after the test date. Score report dates vary by testing window, so check the ETS Praxis website for the exact date tied to your administration.

What if my unofficial score is near the passing cutoff?

If your unofficial score is close to your state or ASHA cutoff, the wait can feel stressful. The best thing to do is avoid over-analyzing. If the final score changes, it usually changes by a small amount. Use the waiting period to plan your next step — whether that means preparing your licensure application, scheduling a retake, or starting your job search.

How to view your official score

Log into your ETS Praxis account on the official score report date. Your score report will show your scaled score, the score range, your selected score recipients, and whether you passed based on the state standard you selected during registration.