The Praxis Series™ are tests that are required by teacher education programs and for licensure in Wisconsin and several other states. 

• The Praxis I® Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) consists of three basic skills tests in mathematics, reading and writing.
  
• Praxis II® Subject Assessments are tests measuring content and teaching knowledge specific to the teaching license you plan to seek.

*Please note that this webpage provides information related to the Praxis Series™ tests; world language teacher candidates must take the ACTFL World Language tests. More information can be found on the Language Testing International (LTI) website.

Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction requires passing Praxis I® scores for entry into a teacher preparation program, and passing subject area tests (Praxis II® or ACTFL World Language Test) scores for initial licensure. These are in addition to other licensure requirements for the state of Wisconsin. UW-Superior requires these tests for all teacher education candidates as part of official degree requirements.

Praxis I®

• Passing scores for all three Praxis I® tests (in addition to other requirements) are a prerequisite for TED 200.
• The Praxis I® tests should be taken as early as possible in your academic career, but not before you've taken adequate coursework to prepare. Most students take the Praxis I® tests after completing WRIT 101, MATH 102, and a few general education courses.
• Other timing issues to consider are test registration deadlines, the time needed for test scoring, class registration timelines, and time to retake test(s) if needed.

Subject Area Tests (Praxis II® or ACTFL World Language Tests)

• Passing scores for all appropriate subject area test(s) (in addition to other requirements) must be submitted with the Student Teaching Application. See the Student Teaching Calendar for current deadlines.
• The subject area examinations test students on content and pedagogical knowledge and skills - therefore, they should be taken after the completion of most coursework, but early enough to meet student teaching application deadlines.
• Other timing issues to consider are test registration deadlines, time needed for test scoring, time to retake test(s) if needed, etc.

Passing scores for the Praxis I (PPST) are required for all UW-Superior teacher education students. The Praxis I is a prerequisite for TED 200.

Your degree program and the license(s) you plan to seek determine which of the subject area tests you should take. The DPI website lists test requirements for Wisconsin. Please note that depending on your unique combination of majors and minors, multiple tests may be required.

*Please note that this webpage provides information related to the Praxis Series™ tests; world language teacher candidates must take the ACTFL World Language tests. More information can be found on the Language Testing International (LTI) website.

ETS™ Resources

• The company that administers the Praxis Series™ offers free preparation materials for every test. These include test overviews, practice questions, video demonstrations, sample study plans, webinars, and more.
  
• ETS™ also has materials available for purchase. Before purchasing materials, check whether UW-Superior has the materials available to students for free (such as the Official Praxis Series Guide).
  

UW-Superior Resources

• Hard copy and electronic Praxis Series™ preparation materials are available via the Jim Dan Hill Library; locate materials by searching for Praxis I and Praxis II in the catalog. A collection of electronic materials, including practice test software, can also be accessed via saved search. 
• The Academic Support Center offers tutoring that can be customized to help students prepare for the Praxis™. The Writing Center can help students prepare for the written portions of the tests.
• The Teacher Education Program and FTA (Future Teachers Association) both offer periodic Praxis™ preparation workshops and events. Check the calendar for upcoming events. Previous workshops have been recorded and made available online here. Videos can be played using Windows Media Player or Real Player on a PC; on a Mac, use Real Player or Flip4Mac Media Player.
• • Praxis I Overview - Video and Slides
  • Praxis I Mathematics Workshop - Video and Sample Questions 
  • Praxis I Writing - Video and Slides
  • Praxis I Reading - Video and Handout

Other Resources

• Counseling Services can help students who are experiencing test anxiety.
• IDS 095 - Collegiate Study Skills is a course that helps students develop better study skills.
• This Praxis brochure was developed as a quick guide to these resources.
• Your fellow students! Some students have found success by creating Praxis™ study groups.

First of all, don't panic! Many students do not pass Praxis™ tests on the first attempt - often, this happens because students underestimate the amount of time and effort needed to be successful. If you don't pass a Praxis™ test, you may retake the specific test you did not pass. Save time and money by preparing well the first time around!

After an unsuccessful Praxis™ attempt, set up a meeting with your Academic Advisor to discuss what went wrong, strategies for success the next time around, and how it might affect your academic progress. Also, reflect on these questions:

• Did I utilize all the resources available to me?
• Did I start preparing far enough in advance?
• Did I take the test before completing related coursework, or too long after finishing related courses?
  
• Was I well-rested on the day of the test?
• What else might have affected my performance on the test?

ETS™ Praxis Series™
Test Centers and Dates
ETS™ Free Preparation Materials
Test Day Information
Paper-Delivered Test at UW-Superior