Praxis Tests

Praxis is a series of tests developed to assess the knowledge and skills of prospective teachers.  There are two tests that must be passed for teacher certification: Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and Praxis II: Subject Assessments. It is your responsibility to register for and complete these tests on time (see timeline). Praxis test information is available from Carol Marx in the Education Department office (Briggs 117, before 11:30 a.m.) and online at the ETS Praxis website.

Praxis I

Praxis II

Preparing for the Tests

Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)

What is Praxis I?

The Praxis I test evaluates basic skills in three broad areas: reading, writing, and mathematics.  This test may be taken in a paper-based format (once a year at Lawrence) or on a computer (any time by appointment at a computer-based testing center).  The test takes about 4 to 4-1/2 hours to complete. For more information about Praxis I, see the Praxis I Overview on the ETS website.

Although not required, we recommend that you take an education course before you take Praxis I. Pick up a registration packet for Praxis I in the Education Department office (Briggs 117, before 11:30 a.m.), where you can also ask for a Teacher Certification Handbook and an application for admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Two important notes:

  1. You must pass Praxis I (and one education course) before you can be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. A waiver of this requirement can be granted only in unusual circumstances (see "What happens if I do not pass Praxis I?" below).
  2. Lawrence must receive an official score report directly from ETS. When you register for the test, you should request that your scores be reported to Lawrence University.  If you do not include this information when you register, you will have to pay an additional fee later to have a score report sent to Lawrence.

When and where do I take Praxis I?

You can take the paper-based test at Lawrence on April 28, 2012, in Briggs Hall. Registration is due one month in advance. Seating is limited and not guaranteed to Lawrence students, so register early. Late registration may be possible (space permitting) for a higher fee.

The computer-based test can be taken any time by appointment at a computer-based testing center.  The closest center is in UW-Oshkosh’s Polk Library (920-424-1433). Check the ETS Praxis website for additional locations, perhaps in your hometown.  You must schedule your testing session in advance by calling 1-800-853-6773 or contacting the computer-based testing center directly.

When will I receive my scores?

If you take the paper-based test, your score report will be sent to you and Lawrence about four weeks after your testing session. If you take the computer-based test, you'll receive the scores for the reading and math sections immediately, and an official score report (including the writing score) will be sent to you and Lawrence about two to three weeks later.

What happens if I do not pass Praxis I?

If you do not pass a section of Praxis I, you need to retake only the failed section, and you can do that for a lesser fee.  You will need to follow the same steps for registration outlined above. You will not be admitted to the Teacher Education Program until you pass all three sections of Praxis I.

If you have not passed Praxis I (in whole or in part) after taking the test at least three times, you may apply for a waiver of the Praxis I requirement, provided that you meet the minimum 2.75 GPA requirement.  No more than 10% of the total number of student teachers in a given year may receive such a waiver, and these are granted only in extraordinary circumstances.  Please consult the Teacher Certification Handbook or the department chair for further information.

Praxis II: Subject Assessments

What is Praxis II?

Unlike Praxis I, which is the same for everyone, Praxis II has different tests for different subjects.  The purpose of Praxis II is to test your content knowledge in your licensure subject area(s).  If you are working toward a license in more than one subject area, you might need to take more than one Praxis II test (see "Which Praxis II test should I take?" below). For more information, see the Praxis II Overview on the ETS website.

Two important notes:

  1. You must pass Praxis II before you may begin student teaching. There are no exceptions or waivers for this state-mandated test.  For us to receive your scores in time to place you with a cooperating teacher, you must take the Praxis II test no later than March of the year prior to student teaching.
  2. Lawrence must receive an official score report directly from ETS. When you register for the test, you should request that your scores be reported to Lawrence University.  If you do not include this information when you register, you will have to pay an additional fee to have a score report sent to Lawrence.

Which Praxis II test should I take?

You must take the Praxis II test for each subject in which you seek certification. Some subjects are covered by broad tests, which means that you will need to brush up on topics outside your major. For example, the social studies test asks about U.S. history, world history, government, geography, economics, and psychology, while the science test asks about the scientific method, physical sciences, life sciences, earth sciences, and technology. A few subjects, such as Chinese, do not currently have a test.

Here is information on the tests required for certification through Lawrence.

Core Subjects (Middle and High School)

English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content Knowledge (0041)

Social Studies: Content Knowledge (0081) - all history and social science majors and broadfield social studies

Mathematics: Content Knowledge (0061)

General Science: Content Knowledge (0435) - all natural science majors and broadfield science

Foreign Languages / ESL (K-12)

English to Speakers of Other Languages (0361)

French: Content Knowledge (0173)

German: Content Knowledge (0181)

Spanish: Content Knowledge (0191)

There is no test for Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, or Russian.

Note: Foreign Languages require an Oral Proficiency Interview; contact the Education Department chair for information on how to complete this requirement.

Fine Arts (K-12)

Art: Content Knowledge (0133)

Music: Content Knowledge (0113) - choral, general, and instrumental

Theatre (0640)

A list of all tests required for licensure in Wisconsin can be found on the ETS website at Wisconsin: Praxis Test Requirements.

When and where do I take Praxis II?

Unlike Praxis I, Praxis II can be taken only in a paper-based format. Praxis II can be taken at Lawrence on January 14, 2012. Check the ETS Praxis registration page for the exact date and registration deadline (about one month before the test date).  Since seating is limited and not guaranteed to LU students, you should register as early as possible.  Late registration is available (space permitting) for an additional fee. 

When will I receive my scores?

Your scores will be sent about four weeks after your testing session.

What happens if I do not pass Praxis II?

If you do not pass Praxis II, you may retake the test as many times as necessary to receive a passing score.  You will need to follow the same steps outlined above to register to re-take the test.  Please note that the paper-based format of the test limits your scheduling options and that you must pass Praxis II before you can begin to student teach.  Therefore, wise planning and preparation for this test is crucial for successful completion of the Teacher Education Program.

Preparing for the Tests

Where can I find help preparing for the Praxis tests?

You should familiarize yourself with the test format and sample questions on the ETS Praxis website. ETS also sells study guides and practice tests for Praxis I and II. You can find free tips and practice questions online at Praxis Prep Info.