Information for Students

Pennsylvania regulations require that those seeking their initial Instructional I or Educational Specialist I Certificate must demonstrate that they have successfully completed a Praxis Series certification exam in these areas:

• Praxis I PPST Reading, Writing, Mathematics - required for all instructional and educational specialist areas
• Praxis II Specialty Area - required in each area of certification
• Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge – required for K-6 and K-12 certification areas only

 All candidates for certification must meet the qualifying score for all applicable tests at the time their application for certification is received by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation.

Students must be familiar with current policies of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Review requirements of the Teacher Certification System at www.pde.state.pa.us.

When should I take PRAXIS tests?

	PRAXIS I tests measure basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics acquired before entering college and are used to evaluate individuals for entry into teacher preparation programs.
PRAXIS II tests measure mastery of the professional knowledge and skills needed for your specific certification area. PRAXIS II tests are taken after completing your coursework.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will recognize scores for ten years from the date of test administration.

 
Which Praxis Tests Do I Need for Pennsylvania Certification?

Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST)

Required for all Instructional I and Educational Specialist I areas

You have the choice to take Praxis I tests paper-based (shown as PPST) or computer-based (shown as C-PPST). Praxis I computer-based tests are given year-round by appointment; paper-based tests are given on fixed dates.

* Option 2 - Test takers who achieve a combined total score of at least 521 on the three Praxis I tests may pass by meeting the lower minimum scores. Meeting the lower minimum scores alone without having a minimum composite score of 521 is not passing.                         

Praxis II Specialty Area Tests

Praxis II tests are offered as paper-based tests only.

Instructional Areas

Note: The only test required for individuals holding a valid Pennsylvania Instructional certificate is the subject assessment test for the certification being added.         

Educational Specialist* Areas        

*Note: Educational Specialist candidates with a baccalaureate degree who hold a current and valid Pennsylvania license as a registered psychologist, counselor, or social worker and can provide a copy of this Pennsylvania license as part of their application for the related Pennsylvania Educational Specialist certification area are not required to take any tests to receive the related certificate.

Supervisory Areas and Administration

For up-dates, visit the Department of Education’s web site www.pde.state.pa.us . Click on Teaching in PA and then on Testing Requirements.

Are You Ready to Take Your Test?

The Educational Testing Service, ETS, provides a wealth of information at its web site www.ets.org/praxis.

A free download - Tests at a Glance - gives information on:

• the number and types of questions included in each test
• specific content areas that are covered
• sample questions and answers with explanations
  

Do you know which tests are required for your teaching field in the state where you plan to teach?

Do you know the topics that will be covered in each test you plan to take?

Have you reviewed any textbooks, class notes, and course readings that relate to the topics covered?

Do you know how long the test will take and the number of questions it contains? Have you considered how you will pace your work?

Are you familiar with the types of questions for your test – multiple-choice, essay, etc.?

Are you familiar with the recommended test-taking strategies?

Have you practiced by working through the practice questions in the Tests at a Glance on the ETS® web site www.ets.org/praxis?

If constructed-response questions are part of your test, do you understand the scoring criteria for these items?

If you are repeating a Praxis test, have you analyzed your previous score report to determine areas where additional study and test preparation could be useful?

Be sure to peruse the ETS® web site for answers to many of these questions and general tips on taking the tests.

The best preparation for your PRAXIS II tests is your Marywood University program. Look up the areas that will be covered in the test at www.ets.org/praxis and review the relevant sections from your coursework. 

For additional preparation, Marywood University’s Curriculum Lab in the McGowan Center has copies of available Study Guides published by ETS®. Or you can purchase this “priced” test preparation in printed or e-book format at the ETS® web site.

How Do I Register for Praxis tests?

Follow all the test registration procedures on the ETS® website www.ets.org/praxis. Register online for paper-based Praxis I or Praxis II tests using a credit or debit card. To register for a computer-based Praxis I test using a credit or debit card, call Prometric Candidate Services at 1-800-853-6773 or call your local center directly. A list of test centers is available on the ETS® Praxis website. To register and pay by check or money order, download the form listed on the website and mail it to the address on the form with payment.

• When you register for your Praxis tests, be sure to designate Marywood University as a score recipient.

• If you take the tests in Pennsylvania, the scores will automatically be sent to the PA Dept of Education. If you take your test at a college outside of Pennsylvania, also designate the PA Dept of Ed as a score recipient.

• If you plan to seek certification outside of PA, have a score report sent to that state by selecting it as a score recipient.

• If you do not meet the qualifying score on any Praxis test, you will be able to repeat the test(s).

• Accommodations are available for non-standard test takers, including test takers with disabilities, candidates whose primary language is not English and individuals requiring Monday testing due to religious or military duties.

Do I need an admission ticket?

After you have successfully completed the registration check-out process, you must print your admission ticket. This screen is labeled "Admission Ticket" and contains your test reporting address. You can print it anytime prior to the date of the test, but ETS encourages you to print it when you register and again the Thursday before your test date to ensure that you have the most up-to-date reporting and check-in information at the test center location. Please note that you must take the admission ticket with you to the test center.

When are Praxis tests offered?

Praxis I tests are available in two formats: paper-based or computer-based. Computer-based tests are offered by appointment through a national network of Prometric™ Testing Centers (many Prometric Testing Centers are located inside Sylvan Learning Centers.) Call Prometric Candidate Services at 1-800-853-6773.

Praxis II tests are available only as paper-based. Register early to ensure a seat at the college or university of your choice.

Paper-based Test Dates and Deadlines

Most Tests Offered (See www.ets.org/praxis for details)

*Test dates for primary language is not English   (only offered at limited locations)

Notes:

1. Not all test centers are open on all test dates.
2. Registrations must be received by ETS by the deadlines listed above.
3. Allow 7–10 days for delivery of mail within the continental US and more time for delivery to other areas.

How Will I Receive my Scores?

Test takers who register online for a paper-based test must access test scores via their Praxis account. This service is free of charge and will replace the mailing of a paper score report.

To view your scores:

• Log into your Praxis account
• Click on your score report

You will be able to view, print and download your scores for a given paper-based administration on or after the date Available to Print and up to 45 days beyond. If you miss the availability period, ETS charges a fee to obtain your score reports.

Comments to Rebecca Sesky: sesky@marywood.edu

Last update: August 25, 2009
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