Frequently Asked Questions

Educator Testing Requirements

Background
Registration
Test Composition
Preparation for Test
Test Scores
Re-taking the Test

BACKGROUND

Why do I have to take the Praxis I and Praxis II tests?

These tests are now required by state departments of education in forty-four states. Colleges and universities (professional educator preparation programs) are required to administer these tests to measure academic achievement and proficiency of individuals entering a professional educator preparation program (Praxis I) and to measure subject knowledge at the completion of the program (Praxis II).

Who has to take the Praxis I assessment?

Anyone who is applying for admission to a Wisconsin professional education program must take and pass the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. The tests are usually taken during the first or second year of undergraduate work depending on the institution of higher education's policies.

Teachers applying for an educator license in Wisconsin who completed their program after August 31, 1992 at colleges or universities located in other states, are required to submit to the DPI passing scores on the Praxis I: PPST or equivalent basic skills test required by their professional education program or state.

Do colleges and universities have the authority to waive my requirement to take the Praxis I?

Colleges and universities do have the authority to grant exceptions to no more than 10% of the total number of students admitted to the initial or advanced program for each admission period - see Wisconsin Administrative Code PI 34.14(1)(b). It is important that you consult with your college or university to determine institutional guidelines for this test.

REGISTRATION

Where are the Praxis tests given?

The Praxis computer-based tests are offered by appointment through a national network of Prometric Testing Centers (many are located inside Sylvan Learning Centers), selected institutional sites, and ETS Field Service Offices. Visit Computer-Based Testing for locations near you. The paper and pencil tests are given in a variety of areas. Check for the locations when you register for the tests.

How do I register for the test?

You can register online for a paper and pencil test at ETS. For the computer-based tests, you may call Prometric Candidate Services at 1-800-853-6773 or 1-443-751-4859 to register for a computer-based test. In either case, have a credit card ready as you register.

TEST COMPOSITION

What do Praxis Series tests measure?

The Praxis Series tests include content specific tests, pedagogical tests, and basic skills tests. The Praxis tests measure specific content and pedagogical skills and knowledge for beginning teacher practice. The tests do not measure skills related to an individual's disposition toward teaching or potential for success. The Praxis Series assessments are designed to be comprehensive and inclusive, but are limited to what can be covered in a finite number of questions and question types.

What types of questions will I find on these tests?

Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests and Praxis II: Subject Assessments feature multiple-choice and essay questions that measure both breadth and depth of knowledge.
Praxis III: Classroom Performance Assessments include essays, oral response tasks, listening tasks, portfolio reviews, video stimuli and in-class observations.

Who creates the Praxis Series tests?

The tests are developed by educators for educators. Advisory committees of distinguished teachers, teacher educators, key administrators and professional organizations help determine test content. They review, revise and approve all questions and exercises. The content of the tests is grounded in current research, including a comprehensive analysis of the most important tasks and skills required of beginning teachers. Extensive surveys are conducted to confirm test validity.

How are the tests updated to keep content current?

Praxis tests are reviewed on a regular basis. During the first phase of the review, ETS conducts an analysis of relevant state and association standards and of current test content. State licensure titles and the results of relevant job analyses are also considered. Revised test questions are then produced following the standard test development methodology. National advisory committees may also be convened to review existing test specifications and to evaluate test forms for alignment with specifications.

PREPARATION FOR TEST

How do I best prepare for the Praxis II tests?

The best preparation for taking a subject area test should be the knowledge and experience a candidate has gained through related courses taken as part of a teacher preparation program. Candidates may benefit from reviewing their notes and textbooks from past course work and using the Prepare for Test webpage, which will provide information on specific tests. Also, you may go to Praxis II Tips and Resources for assistance.

Candidates may find it helpful to practice with the sample test questions and review their responses in light of the answers provided in the booklet. Forming a study group with other examinees to review the sample questions can be a helpful strategy.

What tests do I have to take for Praxis II?

Each state/agency determines which tests you will need to take for certification in your state. The specific test you take is determined by the type of license(s) you choose. To see a complete list of tests aligned to a license go to: Praxis II: Subject Assessments.

How can I learn about what is covered in each test?

Anyone considering taking a test in the Praxis Series should review information found on the ETS website at Prepare for Test, in each relevant content area. The information includes content outlines, sample questions with rationale for best answers and test taking strategies.

TEST SCORES

What is my score based on?

In either type of test, all test takers receive a score regardless of the numbers of questions answered. Your score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, with no penalty incurred or subtraction for answering a question incorrectly. It is to your advantage to pace yourself so that you have enough time to carefully consider every question.

How long will it take to receive my scores?

Scores for the Computerized Praxis I: PPST tests are reported on the screen immediately after the test. Official scores for these sections and for the Writing section are mailed to you and your designated score recipients about two to three weeks after your test date. Scores for the Praxis Series paper-based tests are mailed within four weeks after the test date. Scores cannot be accessed on the web.

Can I access my scores on the Web?

No. This service is currently not available.

How do I know if I passed the test?

You will receive passing score information on your score report for those score recipients you listed on your registration form. A list of states and their passing scores will be included with your score reports.

How are the passing scores validated? Why do passing scores differ across states?

Before Praxis scores are set, each state that uses a Praxis test undertakes a validation process and sets standards. Panels of teachers and teacher educators, appointed by each state, review the tests to confirm that they are aligned with state licensing requirements. The panel members also make judgments regarding the difficulty of the questions for beginning teachers. Each state uses those judgments in setting respective passing scores. Because each state may have slightly different licensing standards and requirements, the scores will vary from one to state to another.

RE-TAKING THE TEST

If I do not pass the tests, what are my options?

Since you must pass the Praxis I test to gain entrance into a professional educator preparation program and you must pass the Praxis II test at the completion of your preparation program to earn your license, you must take the tests again until you have passed. You may take the Computerized PPST once per calendar month up to six times in a 12-month period. The Praxis II tests are offered six times each year around the state and candidates may continue to register, as needed, for each date.

What resources exist to help candidates who have had difficulty passing a Praxis test?

Test takers first need to consult their score reports to determine what specific content areas need their focus for study efforts. Prepare for Test, which contains actual specifications for each test as well as descriptions of the various sections of each test and sample questions, may be helpful in structuring test preparation efforts. Praxis II Tips and Resources can be a helpful guide for passing these tests.

ETS also offers study guides for many of the Praxis tests. These guides contain helpful test preparation and study topics, sample questions to help candidates assess their knowledge of content covered in the test, and explanations of correct answers.

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Last updated on 11/20/2008 9:37:31 AM