PRAXIS is a test series administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) for admission in teaching programs and teacher certifications. It is a replacement of National Teacher Examination (NTE), which, too was administered by ETS. PRAXIS is accepted by more than 44 states of USA. Most states also have their own teacher certification exams. Where PRAXIS I or Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) is normally utilized for enrolling into teacher training programs, one or more subject specific tests of PRAXIS II are required for getting teaching licensure.
Eligibility-
The eligibility criteria vary from state to state. The requirements of individual states for taking Praxis can be found on the official website of Educational Testing Service at the link- http://www.ets.org/praxis/states. It is common in all states that the applicant must have completed his/her baccalaureate degree and an approved teacher training program. There may be additional or alternative requirements in some states.
Test Overview-
Praxis I consists of three subtests- reading, mathematics and writing. This test can be taken as either computer based test or paper based test. Test takers also have an option to take each subtest individually on separate days or all at once. The reading section consists of multiple choice questions related to given texts. It measures reading comprehension and ability to interpret, analyze and evaluate passages. The mathematical section is also multiple choice and have questions derived from undergraduate mathematics. The writing section is divided in two parts – one having multiple choice questions based on language skills and second on essay writing.
Test Format-
In the computer based test, reading section has 46 items which are to be answered in 75 minutes. The mathematical section also has 46 questions with same time of 75 minutes allotted for solving. The first part of the writing section comprises of 44 questions to be answered in 38 minutes. A time of 30 minutes is given for essay writing. If all these subtests are taken on same day, there is an optional break of 15 minutes before the writing section.
In paper based test, there are 40 questions each in reading and mathematics sections along with 38 questions and an essay in writing section. Each section is allotted 60 minutes for completion. In writing section, 30 minutes are allotted for multiple choice questions while remaining 30 minutes are given for essay writing.
Marking Scheme-
Each subtest of Praxis is scored separately. There is no negative marking. The score depends upon number of items answered correctly. The passing score and interpretation of awarded scores in test varies from state to state.
Schedule-
The computer based test can be taken anytime in a year whereas, there are fixed exam dates for paper based test. Therefore, if a candidate has to take the paper based test, he/she must take care of deadlines of registration dates. The registration for both formats can be done online, by phone and/or mail. The test scores are released on internet as well as by phone.
Exam Fees-
Praxis exam fee for individual subtests taken in computer delivered format is $80 and that in paper delivered format is $40. The exam fee for combined test irrespective of its format is $130. This includes a non refundable registration fee of $50.