Quick Summary Of The Praxis 2 Test Battery

The Praxis Series of tests are intended to evaluate teachers and prospective teachers at various points in their careers. They are used in both the United States and Canada, though the focus here will be on the United States. The Praxis 2 test battery, also called Praxis II, which are the focus here, are normally taken when a prospective teacher has finished their education and is about to begin either student teaching or their first classroom teaching assignment. Following is an overview of the tests and the processes associated with them.

The Praxis 2 tests are a family of over 120 different tests that are intended to assess the tested person's knowledge of a specific subject or content area. Like all of the Praxis tests, they are created and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). They are administered by ETS at testing centers. Some are available in computer delivered form. Most of them can be taken on paper.

Each American state has its own rules and processes for teacher qualification. Many states require the Praxis 2 tests as a part of teacher qualification. Others use different tests or procedures. Those states that do use Praxis 2 may have specific rules for different qualification in different areas. For example, Missouri and Delaware both use Praxis 2, but they may have different rules for which Praxis 2 tests are required for a given teaching specialty.

ETS has rigid rules for Praxis 2 registration and for taking the test. Candidates must present acceptable photo identification. They are not allowed to have cell phones and most other electronic devices in the testing centers. Watches are generally allowed. Calculators are required for a few of the tests, and allowed in a few of the others. Most other personal property is not allowed, not even scratch paper, which is provided by ETS.

If a candidate feels that their performance on a test is not good, they may cancel the score. For computerized tests, this can be done during the test or immediately after the test, before the preliminary score is displayed. For paper tests, cancellation can be requested within a week of the testing session on the ETS web site.

The candidate may request that test scores be sent to as many as three recipients. Scores will only be sent to recipients considered by ETS to be eligible to receive them. ETS does not designate scores as passing or failing. The thresholds for passing are determined by each state for each test. Tests may be retaken, though there are restrictions on this. Some states have their own rules on retaking tests.

Preparation aids for Praxis 2 tests are available. ETS has free material on their web site that provides basic information about the tests and suggestions for study and improved results. They also sell study guides and practice tests. Other vendors provide similar materials.

Taking the Praxis 2 tests is a major milestone for many who want to become teachers. It provides an objective measure of the preparation of teacher candidates. Meeting a state's passing score requirements validates key aspects of the candidate's readiness for the classroom.