This site contains frequently asked questions and responses for the PRAXIS I exam and the PRAXIS II exam.  The links below will direct you to the appropriate test and information:

PRAXIS I
PRAXIS II


FAQ's about PRAXIS I/PPST (Pre-professional Skills Test).

1.         Question:  What kind of test is Praxis I?

Answer:  Praxis I/PPST is a basic skills test on reading, mathematics, and writing.  The tests are designed to measure basic proficiency in each of these areas.  A brief description of each test is presented below:

The Reading test measures skills in literal comprehension, the ability to clarify a written message and understand how the material is organized and conveys the message, and the ability to make reasoned, qualitative judgments about the nature and merits of a written message.  The test consists of reading passages that vary from 100 to 200 words in length and covers topics from several sources.  The Reading test has 40 multiple-choice questions and a total testing time of 40 minutes. 

The Mathematics test measures competencies acquired in the course of studying mathematics at least through high school.  The test covers such skills as comparing and ordering numbers, interpreting graphic material, using ratios and percents, reasoning quantitatively, using measurement concepts, and other fundamental mathematical skills.  The Math test has 40 multiple-choice questions and a testing time of 50 minutes.

The Writing test assesses the ability to use grammar and language appropriately and to communicate effectively in writing with a specific aim or purpose in mind.  The Writing test has two separately timed 30-minute sections.  The first section consists of 45 multiple-choice questions on standard English usage and sentence correction; the second consists of one essay question.  Only one total Writing score is reported.

2.         Question:  Which tests do I take?

Answer:  You will need to take all three sections of Praxis I/PPST; reading, math, and writing.

3.         Question:  When, in my U.D. career, do I take Praxis I?

Answer:   As soon as possible, in your first year at U.D.  All three sections of the test need to be passed by the second semester of your first year.

4.         Question:  Can Praxis I/PPST be waived?

Answer:  Yes, if you have an ACT composite score of 24 or higher OR an SAT score of 1110 or higher.

5.         Question:  Does Praxis I/PPST cost money?

Answer:   Yes, the cost of taking the Praxis I/PPST is $170.00, which includes a $50.00 registration fee.

6.         Question:  Can I get the fee waived?

Answer:  Yes, it is possible to get the test fee waived, if you have a financial need.  Consult the website at www.ets.org/praxis for more information.  You will be notified if you have been approved.

7.         Question:  How do I register for the test?

Answer:  If you do not wish to use a credit card, you can download the registration form and mail it with a check or money order.  You are encouraged to register for the test on-line at www.ets.org/praxis.

Note:  If you look on the website under the state of Ohio, you will notice that the Praxis I/PPST is not listed.  The reason is that this test is not a state requirement; it is a U.D. requirement.  The test codes are as follows:           

Reading:

10710

Mathematics:  

10730

Writing:

20720

Testing dates are located online.  Make note of the date by which Educational Testing Service needs to receive your registration form.  This is very important.  If ETS does not receive your registration by the date listed, they will inform you that you need to submit a late fee. 

If you have any questions on completing the registration form, contact Mrs. Anita Middleton at (937) 229-3330, or stop by the Department of Teacher Education, located in the Chaminade Annex.

8.         Question:  Can I take the test on another day other than Saturday?

Answer:    If your religious conviction does not allow you to take a test on a Saturday, you can request approval from Educational Testing Service to take Praxis I on another day.  ETS will then contact Mrs. Anita Middleton, the Praxis test administrator, who, in turn, will contact you to schedule your testing date and time.

9.         Question:  What happens if I fail the test?

Answer:  If you fail any portion of the test, you need to re-take that part of the test.  If you fail a second time, you must discuss your options with the chair of the Department of Teacher Education or your faculty advisor.

One option is to re-take that part of the test on computer at Prometric Testing. Your test scores are compiled more quickly than the standardized manner.  You will receive your reading and math scores immediately after taking the test; you will receive your writing score approximately two weeks later.  The cost for taking the Praxis I/PPST at Sylvan is $165.00, which includes a $40.00 registration fee.  If you have difficulty taking tests in a standardized manner, you might consider Prometric Testing. Their phone number is (937) 427-8809. They are located on Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek, Ohio, which is approximately ˝ hour distance from the University of Dayton.

10.        Question:  Are there study materials available?

Answer: Yes, go to the Praxis website: www.ets.org/praxis.  Click on the link that says "Tests at a Glance" and find the study guide for PPST.  You can download this study guide.

You also have access to an on-line test practice site.  You will be able to link to it directly at: http://learningexpresslibrary.com. Students who wish to use these practice tests will need to create free accounts on the server so they can track their test progress.

There are study guides located in the Curriculum Materials Center in Chaminade Hall, Room 103.

11.       Question:  Do I have to take the test at U.D.?

Answer:  No, you can take the test anywhere in the United States.  Other test locations are listed on the website.    

12.       Question:  What scores do I need to pass the Praxis I/PPST?

Answer:  The passing scores for the test are as follows:

Reading:

173

Mathematics:  

173

Writing:

173

13.       Question:  Will U.D. automatically receive my test scores?

Answer:  No, you must indicate on your registration form that you need to have your Praxis scores sent to U.D.  Record the number 1834 on the form where it asks “Agencies to receive score reports.”  If you do not submit this number, U.D. will not receive your test scores and this action may delay your application for admission into the Department of Teacher Education and/or your progress in professional education courses.

14.       Question:  When will I receive my scores?

Answer:   The approximate mailing date for Praxis score reports is four to six weeks from the testing date. 

If you take Praxis I at a Prometric Testing site, you will receive your Reading and Mathematics scores the day you took the test; and the Writing score in approximately two weeks.

15.       Question:  What do I do if I have a disability?

Answer:   Educational Testing Service is committed to serving the needs of test takers with disabilities.  Requested accommodations must be supported by documentation that meets ETS’s documentation criteria.  All requests for testing accommodations are subject to approval by ETS.   To obtain information and registration materials visit the PRAXIS Series website, contact the Program Coordinator of Disability Services in the LEAD Office (229-2066) here at U.D., or call Disability Services at ETS 1-866-387-8602.

ETS will then contact Mrs. Anita Middleton, the Praxis test administrator, and she will contact you to make special arrangements for your testing day.

16.       Question:   Who can I call if I have more questions?

Answer:    Mrs. Anita Middleton, an administrative assistant in the Department of Teacher Education, is also the Praxis test administrator.  Her office is located in Chaminade Hall, the Annex, and her phone number is (937) 229-3330.  You can also access the website, which is: http://soeap.udayton.edu/academic/edt/faq/faq8.htm.

FAQ's about Praxis II.

All students seeking initial teacher licensure (undergraduate and graduate) must take Praxis II to be licensed. 

All Praxis II test requirements must be completed before applications for licensure are sent to the state of Ohio.  Test scores must accompany the licensure application.

1.         Question:  How do I know which test to take?

Answer:  Refer to the Praxis website link that lists the Praxis II tests that are required for the state of Ohio.

2.         Question:  When, in my U.D. career, do I take Praxis II?

Answer:   This varies, depending on your licensure program.  Contact your advisor regarding when they advise you to take Praxis II.  Most programs are recommending that the tests be taken in the senior year.

3.         Question:  Does Praxis II cost money?

Answer:  Yes, the cost varies per test.  Refer to the Praxis registration bulletin or the website: www.ets.org/praxis for test fees.

4.         Question:  How do I register for the test?

Answer:   You are encouraged to register for the test online at http://www.ets.org/praxis. 

5.         Question:  Will U.D. automatically receive my scores?

Answer:  No, you must indicate on your registration form that you need to have your Praxis scores sent to U.D.  Record the number 1834 on the form where it asks you “Agencies to receive score reports.”   If you do not write this number on the form, U.D. will not receive your test scores and this delay may hold up your application for licensure.

6.         Question:  When will I receive my scores?

Answer:  The approximate mailing date is four to six weeks after the testing date.  The mailing dates are listed on the website.

7.         Question:  What are the passing scores?

Answer:  The passing scores vary from test to test.   Listed below are the most common Praxis II tests and their qualifying score. 

Test Name

Qualifying Score

Principles of Learning & Teaching: Early Childhood 166
Principles of Learning & Teaching:  K-6 168
Principles of Learning & Teaching:  5-9 168
Principles of Learning & Teaching:  7-12 165
Middle Childhood Language Arts 156
Middle Childhood Mathematics 143
Middle Childhood Social Studies 151
Middle Childhood Science 144
Education of Young Children 166
English:  Content Knowledge 167
Mathematics:  Content Knowledge 139
Social Studies:  Content Knowledge 157
Chemistry:  Content Knowledge 153
Earth Science:  Content Knowledge 151
General Science:  Content Knowledge, Part 1 155
General Science:  Content Knowledge, Part 2 149
Chemistry, Physics & General Science 520
Biology:  Content Knowledge, Part 1 158
Biology:  Content Knowledge, Part 2 144
Physics:  Content Knowledge 134
Biology & General Science 560
German:  Content Knowledge 165
French:  Content Knowledge 160
Spanish:  Content Knowledge 160
Health Education 480
Physical Education:  Content Knowledge 153
Music:  Content Knowledge 154
Art:  Content Knowledge 157
Special Education:  Knowledge-based Core Principles 151
Introduction to the Teaching of Reading 540
School Guidance & Counseling 510
Educational Leadership 610

A complete list of the passing scores is located on the ETS website.

8.         Question:  What happens if I fail any of the Praxis II tests?

Answer:  If you fail any of the Praxis II tests, you will need to re-take that test before you can be licensed.

9.         Question:  When are the tests given?

Answer:    The test dates are listed online.

       10.      Question:   Do I have to take the test at U.D.?

Answer:  No, you can take Praxis II at other testing institutions.  The list of testing institutions can be located on the Praxis website at www.ets.org/praxis.  Make sure you request that your test scores be sent to the University of Dayton.

11.       Question:  Can Praxis II be waived?

Answer:  No.

12.       Question:  Can I take Praxis II a Prometric Testing site?

Answer:  No, a Prometric Testing site does not offer Praxis II.

13.       Question:  Can I take the test on another day other than Saturday?

Answer:  If your religious conviction does not allow you to take a test on a Saturday, you can request approval from Education Testing Service to take Praxis II on another day.  ETS will contact Mrs. Anita Middleton, the Praxis test administrator, who, in turn, will contact you to schedule your testing date.

14.       Question:  What if I have a disability?

Answer:  Educational Testing Service is committed to serving the needs of test takers with disabilities.  Requested accommodations must be supported by documentation that meets ETS’s documentation criteria.  All requests for testing accommodations are subject to approval by ETS.  To obtain information and registration materials visit the PRAXIS Series website, contact the Program Coordinator of Disability Services in the LEAD Office (229-2066) here at U.D., or call Disability services at ETS at 1-866-387-8602.

ETS will then contact Mrs. Anita Middleton, the Praxis test administrator, and she will contact you to make special arrangements for your testing day.

15.       Question:  Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Answer:  Mrs. Anita Middleton, an administrative assistant in the Department of Teacher Education, is also the PRAXIS test administrator.  Her office is located in Chaminade Hall, the Annex, and her phone number is (937) 229-3330

Updated Information for 2008-09:

1)  
Testing Sessions Reduced from Three to Two.  Beginning with the September, 2008 test date, the testing day will be shortened.  All tests will be administered
     in either the first or second session.  (First session:  8:00-10:30; second session: 11:00-1:30)   Tests currently administered in the third session have been
     moved to either the first or second session.  The PLT tests have been moved to session two.

     This will impact students who need to take 3 tests in order to be licensed:  Middle Childhood and Early Childhood/Intervention Specialist students.

     Students in the Middle Childhood program who have 2 concentration area tests offered in the same session (English and Language Arts/Science
or Social
     Studies/Math) will not be able to take the PLT test the same day.

     All of the required tests for Early Childhood/Intervention Specialist students are offered during the second session only.

2) 
Test Change for Intervention Specialist.  After August 31, 2008 the required test for students pursuing the Intervention Specialist license will be:
     "Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge."  The test code is:  0353.

3)  
Candidate Score Reports Available on the Web.  Following the September, 2008 test date, candidates who registered on-line will be able to review their score
     report on-line.  Candidate Score Reports will be posted on the day that paper score reports are mailed (approximately 4 weeks after the test date).  Candidates
     will be able to review their scores for three weeks.  Score reports can be downloaded and printed, but these will not be considered "Official Score Reports" which
     will still be sent to our office.

4)  
Internet Registration Availability.  On-line registration availability hours have been extended until 1:00 a.m.

5)  
Additional Test Preparation Materials.  Webinars and "Study Plan on Demand" tools will be introduced to assist test takers with their test preparation.  The
     Webinars, free with limited registration, provide an opportunity for test takers to ask Praxis Program experts specific questions about the test.  The "Study Plan
     on Demand" tool will provide test takers with an easy-to-follow, recommended study plan that can be personalized to meet their individual skills and test taking
     needs.  More information will follow, but this tool will be available for purchase later this Fall.


 

                Department of Teacher Education
School of Education & Allied Professions
Chaminade Hall, Room 112
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH 45469-0525
Telephone: (937) 229-3344
FAX: (937) 229-2500
 


This page was last updated August 13, 2008  by Lyndsay Peters.
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