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 for more details).  If you have questions, please talk with the Administrative Assistant, Carol Marx, in the Education Office (Briggs 117).

PRAXIS I: PRE-PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TEST (PPST)

What is Praxis I and when should I take it?

The Praxis I test evaluates your basic skills in three broad areas: reading, writing, and mathematics.  This test may be taken in a paper-based format or on a computer.  For the paper-based version, pay close attention to the limited number of test dates and their registration deadlines (especially the one time of year it is offered at Lawrence); for the computer-based version, you may take the test anytime by appointment at certain locations (not at Lawrence).  Although there are minor differences between the two versions of the test (including the fees), both take approximately 4 to 4.5 hours to complete.  For more information on the Praxis I exam structure, deadlines, and registration fees, please visit www.ets.org/praxis.

Although not required, we recommend you take at least one education course before taking the test.  You may pick up registration materials for the Praxis I test in the Education Department office. You may wish to pick up a Teacher Certification Handbook and Petition for Admission to Student Teaching at the same time.  You must pass Praxis I before you can be interviewed for admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Important note:  Lawrence must receive an official score report directly from ETS.  When you register for the test, you should request that your scores be reported directly to Lawrence University.  If you do not include this institutional information when you register, you will have to pay an additional fee to have the scores reported to Lawrence.

Where do I take Praxis I?

You can take the paper-based test at Lawrence in April.  Visit the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis/register ) 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.

The computer-based test can be taken anytime by appointment at a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) center.  The closest CBT center is in UW-Oshkosh’s Polk Library (920-424-1433).  Check the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis) for additional locations (perhaps in your hometown).  You must schedule your testing session ahead of time by calling 1-800-853-6773 or contacting the CBT center directly.

When will I receive my scores, and what happens if I do not pass Praxis I?

If you take the computer-based test, you will receive the scores for the reading and math sections immediately after you complete the test.  Two to three weeks later, you and Lawrence will receive an official copy of those scores along with your score on the writing section.  If you take the paper-based test, your scores will be sent about four weeks after your testing session. 

If you don't pass a section of Praxis I, you need to retake only the failed section, and you can do this for a lesser fee.  You will need to follow the same steps for registration outlined above.

If you have not passed Praxis I (in whole or in part) after taking it 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 they 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 and when should I take it?

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 chosen licensure subject area(s).  If you are working toward a license in more than one subject area, you must take a Praxis II test for each of your areas in which a test is offered. To see which test is required for you, look below.

Note that the Subject Assessment test may include questions on a broad range of topics in your subject area.  For example, if you are taking the test in Social Studies, you will be expected to answer questions about U. S. history, world history, government (civics/political science), geography, economics, and behavioral sciences (psychology). Visit the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis) for information about your particular test and for test preparation tips.

Note: You must pass Praxis II before you may begin student teaching. There are no exceptions or waivers for this state-mandated test.  Students take the Praxis II test in the academic year before student teaching.  Although the content-driven nature of the test may tempt you to delay as long as possible, it is unwise to do so.  You must take the test no later than March of the year prior to student teaching.  This allows your scores to be received in time and provides the possibility for one retake, should you fail to pass the first time, before a delay in student teaching becomes necessary.

Important note:  Lawrence must receive an official score report directly from ETS.  When you register for the test, you should request that your scores be reported directly to Lawrence University.  If you do not include this institutional information when you register, you will have to pay an additional fee to have the scores reported to Lawrence.

Which Praxis II test should I take?

To find out which Praxis II test is required for certification in your subject area, read the Wisconsin: Praxis Test Requirements section of the ETS website. Look under the heading Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence to find your subject area, and then read across to find the required test. You can open a PDF file with test information and sample questions.

Students in social studies and science take general tests that cover multiple subject areas, so you may need to brush up on topics outside of your major. ETS sells study guides and practice tests, and there may be guides available from other publishers.

If you plan to be certified in two different subject areas, you must take the required test for each area (assuming both are not covered by the same test, as for social studies or science).

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 in March.  Check the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis/register) 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, and what happens if I do not pass Praxis II?

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

Where can I find help preparing for the Praxis tests?

ETS sells study guides and practice tests for Praxis I and II on its Praxis website. You can also find free tips and practice questions online at Praxis Prep Info.