Praxis is a standardized test administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS) for admission into teaching programs and teacher certifications. Praxis II is test series of more than 120 subject specific tests. Many states of USA have incorporated Praxis II tests as a part of teacher licensing. Some of the states have their own licensing examinations and do not require taking Praxis II. There are also some professional institutes which utilize these test scores.
Eligibility-
In many states of USA, Praxis II (subject specific) tests are required for getting teacher licensure before beginning teaching of a particular subject. By passing this exam, candidate is authorized to teach in public schools. This test is developed to ensure quality of teaching and it examines pedagogical skills.
Test Overview-
Praxis II tests can be classified into three categories- subject assessment, principle of learning and teaching (PLT) and teaching foundation. The subject assessment tests gauges knowledge and teaching ability in a specific subject. These tests are available for subjects like agriculture, psychology, world and US history, geography, general science etc. PLT tests evaluate knowledge and pedagogy required specific to school grades. It consists of four grade levels- Early childhood, K-6, 5-9 and 7-12. Teaching foundation tests are available to examine teaching skills in 5 areas- science, mathematics, social science, English and language arts.
Test Format-
These tests are derived from subject specific contents. They consist of multiple choice and constructed response type questions. Most of these tests are available in paper based format, while some can also be taken in computer delivered format. The duration of a test may be 1, 2 or 4 hours. More than one test can be taken on a day provided it fits well in testing schedule of a session. To learn more about fees, allotted time and code for specific tests, follow this link – http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees.
Marking Scheme-
There is no negative marking in exam. Each multiple-choice question is awarded single raw point for correct answer. The constructed response questions are checked by two examiners and scored according to given points. The raw scores are scaled to eliminate effect of different versions of this test. ETS has set no passing criteria for these exams; however states have their own criteria of passing scores. The test reports are released within four weeks from the date, test is taken.
Schedule-
These tests are held on predetermined dates throughout a year. To learn about test dates of computer delivered exams, follow to this link – http://www.ets.org/praxis/register/computer. The test dates for paper delivered tests are available at this link – http://www.ets.org/praxis/register/centers_dates/praxisii_deadlines/. There are test centers throughout United States. A nearby test center can be found on the official website of ETS at this link – http://www.ets.org/praxis/register/centers_dates/.
Exam Fees-
The exam fees for Praxis II tests vary from $50 to $140. The test fees for different Praxis II tests are available at this link – http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees.