Praxis-Teacher Certification Exams

The Praxis Exams, produced by the ETS Company, are the assessments used by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to issue teaching certificates. The importance of the Praxis exams, their content, necessary testing requirements and registration procedures cannot be overstated.

Students have occasionally taken the wrong Praxis exam, which has subsequently delayed the awarding of their Pennyslvania Certificate in addition to paying unnecessary test fees. To avoid such problems, please adhere to the information found in the Praxis registration materials that can be obtained on Main campus in the Office of Student Services or at the Ambler campus Advising Center located in West Hall. Because Praxis requrirements often change before materials are updated, it is also advisable to cross-reference the certification testing information found on the ETS PRAXIS Information web site with that of the Pennsylvana Department of Education.

Praxis I and Praxis II

To qualify for teacher certification, there are two sets of Praxis exams that must be passed.

The Praxis I (Pre Professional Skills Test- PPST) consists of three individual tests, PPST-Reading, PPST-Writing and PPST-Mathematics. All undergraduate students in the College of Education must successfully pass the Praxis I Exam series prior to acceptance into Certification Level courses (Candidacy).

The Praxis II exams focus on knowledge specific to your desired area(s) of certification, Scores on the Praxis I and II exams need to meet the set PA state qualifying score. Qualifying scores must be met prior to applying for Teacher Certification.

Preparing for the Praxis Exam

It is essential that you begin to prepare for your certification exams as soon as you choose Education as your profession. As a future educator, this early and consistent preparation is beneficial to you, but most importantly to the students you will soon make the commitment to serve. Your students will be a direct reflection of your academic strengths and your dedication to improve upon your weaknesses. The following are some recommended strategies to prepare for the Praxis.

Praxis I Preparation Workshops

Workshops are conducted each semester in the College of Education and will allow you to become familiar with test content and format. In addition, you will be provided with strategies to diagnose, assess and improve your academic areas in need of strengthening.

Practice Praxis Tests

Of greatest service to all Education students is the PLATO Simulated Test System PLATO is an Internet accessible tool that scores practice (Praxis I) tests allowing you to become familiar with test content, but most importantly, can be used as a diagnostic tool, identifying your academic strengths and weaknesses. PLATO is available for up to 20 students at a time and can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection.

Study Guides

Review all Praxis information including test content, requirements, scoring methods, testing dates and registration procedures. You may want to purchase a preparation study guide. ETS offers a series of Study Guides and Practice Tests on their web site.

Tutoring

Once familiar with the tested content in your required Praxis exams, you should assess your personal skill levels, targeting academic areas needing improvement. If necessary, seek out remedial or tutorial services. Assistance is available at Temple University's Math and Science Resource Center and the Writing Center.

Math and Science Resource Center, MSRC
17 Curtis Hall (038-16); (215) 204-8489
www.temple.edu/MSRC

The Writing Center
Tuttleman Learning Center, room 201; (215)-204-0700
www.temple.edu/writingctr

Get More Help

For further information concerning the Praxis exams, including registration for Plato and/or the Praxis Preparation Workshops, contact: Amy Kimball, (215) 204-6010 kimball@temple.edu