Praxis Information
PPST and Subject Assessment/Specialty Area Tests
PRAXIS I Overview: The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Education requires Praxis I scores that meet the scores set by the State of Alaska under the Basic Competency Exam information.
To be admitted to the UAF Secondary Licensure Program, applicants must submit passing scores. If an applicant is unable submit scores prior to the application deadline, or if you fail one or more sections, you may be conditionally admitted into the program. Applicants must submit scores by June 1st. Interns must pass with a score that meets the Alaska State requirements for a teaching licensure prior to August 1st. These exams assess basic knowledge in reading, writing, and math. The Praxis I series is offered in two test formats: the paper-based Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and the computer-based test (CBT). Either version is acceptable. Prior to taking Praxis, you are strongly encouraged to view Tests at a Glance, free from ETS, or other commercial publications, for review and practice. Test Prep Review is a free practice test site that may be beneficial to you.
Praxis II Overview: The State of Alaska requires that all teachers submit a score that meets the State of Alaska’s set scores in one of the Content Area Examination tests upon applying for their professional teaching license -Tier 2. The UAF Secondary Licensure Program requires candidates to submit scores that meet the scores set under the Content Area Examinations for each subject area they expect to teach prior to the beginning their fall internship. It is recommended that candidates complete these tests prior to application to meet the Initial Content Preparation Checklists.
How can I register for PPST or PRAXIS II Subject Tests?
Register Online for paper-based PPST and/or Praxis II Subject Tests using a credit or debit card. To register and pay by check, money order or U.S. Postal Service money order, download and complete the Paper-Based Test Registration Form and submit it to the address on the form with payment. The list information required for registration can be found on the Praxis website or by mailing in a registration form, available from the website and from Testing Services, 2nd Floor Gruening on the Fairbanks campus.
To register for a computer-based PPST using a credit card or debt, call Prometric Candidate Services at 1-800-853-6773 or call your test center directly. If in Fairbanks and registering for CBT testing, your test center can be reached contacting the UAF Testing Service Office at 474-5277 or stop by in person at 211 Gruening. Computer testing on the UAF campus is administered Monday through Friday by the UAF Testing Office. A list of test centers is available on the Praxis website. To register and pay by check, money order or U.S. Post Service money order, compete the CBT Authorization Voucher Request form available on the website and submit it to the address on the form with payment.
- It is necessary to register approximately one month before the date of the test. (It is possible to register late or as an emergency test taker for additional fees).
- When registering for the Praxis exams, please request that your official test scores be sent to the UAF School of Education (code RA4866) and to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (code R 7027).
- A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $50 covers all paper-based tests taken in the same testing year. (Please note: the registration fee applied only to paper-based tests.) See website for more information on test fee refunds, fee waivers and fees for special services.
- CBT PPST tests cost $80 for 1 test; $120 for two tests; $160 for three tests; and $130 for combined tests.
- Paper-based Tests each cost: $40 PPST; $80 each for 2-hour multiple-choice Subject Assessment/Specialty Area tests
- Late Registration The fee for late registration is $45.
- Emergency Testing For $75 Registration must be made on the web and by the dates listed below.
- Primary Language Not English If English is not your primary language, you may be eligible for PLNE accommodations, which allow candidates additional testing time. PLNE testing is not offered for language tests and is available only at selected centers and on selected dates. Additional information and forms are available at the ETS website.
- Test Takers with Disabilities ETS is committed to serving test takers with disabilities by providing services and reasonable accommodations that are appropriate given the purpose of the test. Nonstandard testing accommodations are available for test takers who meet ETS requirements.
- Tests Dates: Praxis I and Praxis II tests are offered seven times through out the year normally during the months of January, March, April, June, July or August, September, and November. Test takers must sign up for these tests dates approximately one month in advance. Tests scores results are usually available three or four weeks after completion of tests. Please check the ETS website for specific dates.
How can I prepare for the test?
- Several commercial test preparation books can be ordered directly from on-line bookstores such as Amazon.com. Some are available in Fairbanks and Anchorage stores. It is a good idea to complete several practice questions to familiarize your self with the testing format. The UAF School of Education currently has one study guide for each of the following areas: science, mathematics, and art. There are also several study guides available for the PPST test. These guides are available for check out.
- Tests at a Glance (TAAGs) are available for each test, and can be downloaded and printed for free from the Praxis website. Each TAAG includes content outlines and sample questions in each content.
- Study Guides Comprehensive study guides for many tests are available for purchase online at www.ets.org/store.html Each guide provides a combination of test preparation and practice including: Key topics and exercises to guide your study; sample multiple-choice questions with actual responses from test takers; and test-taking strategies to maximize success.
- Practice Tests Practice tests are available for many Praxis tests. Each practice test includes an authentic paper-based test that was given at an actual test administration. They also include: The correct answer and content category for each question; and a score conversion table so you can convert your score to a scaled score and compare your scaled score with your state’s passing score.
What happens on the day of the test?
- You must present a photo identification with your name, photograph and signature in order to take the test (e.g. photo driver’s license, photo employment ID, current passport, military ID, photo student ID accompanied by an additional photo or signature ID.) Credit cards with photos are not acceptable. If you registered in your married name and your ID is in your maiden name, you must have your marriage license in addition to your photo ID.
- You will need to present your admission ticket, letter of authorization, mailgram, or telegram (on the day of the test you will be asked to verify that the test code and title on your test book match the information printed on your admission ticket.)
- You will need to bring several No. 2 pencils and an eraser and a blue or black pen for the essay section. You should also have a watch, and a scientific or 4-function calculator is permitted. No food, gum, books or papers are allowed in the testing room.
- Praxis II Content test each last two hours. The Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST®) in Reading and Mathematics consist of 40 multiple-choice questions with 60 minutes of testing time. The Writing test consists of 38 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay question with two 30-minute sections of testing time.
- Testing in Fairbanks will be held on the UAF campus in the Gruening Building.
Helpful information, addresses, and numbers
- Praxis Series Online
- General Inquiry Questions and Telephone Registration: 1-800-772-9476
