What Is Praxis?

There are two exams required by both the College of Education and the State of Alaska for our teacher certification program. Praxis I is a basic skills test in reading, writing, and mathematics.  Praxis II is a subject matter test specific to the content students will be teaching, therefore there are different Praxis II exams for students in elementary, early childhood, or secondary education programs.
 

Why Do I Have To Take It?

The Praxis exams are a required component of both UAA’s approved teacher education programs and the Alaska Department Education and Early Development. Students are required to pass Praxis I before taking certain upper-division education courses or to enter some of our graduate programs. Students need to pass both Praxis I and II before starting the final part of the degree, an internship. Students are also required to have final scores sent to UAA and to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to receive a teaching license.
 

When Should I Take Praxis I?

Undergraduate students should plan to take Praxis I after completing ENGL 111 and MATH 105.  Post-baccalaureate and graduate students should have completed the necessary course work and already be prepared to take the exam. Register for Praxis I about a month before taking the exam. The scores are good for at least 10 years; The College of Education suggests taking the exam as soon as students are eligible.  

Students applying for admission to the Department of Teaching and Learning must provide current passing scores on Praxis I. The program follows policy set by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

When Should I Take Praxis II?

Students participating in one of the undergraduate degree programs should plan to take this test about a year before the program’s internship. Students applying for one of the post-baccalaureate programs or the Master of Arts in Teaching (secondary education), should pass the Praxis II prior to applying to the program.

*There are different Praxis II exams for students in Elementary, Early Childhood, or Secondary education. Ask an advisor for more information.
 

How Do I Get Ready For Praxis I And II?

The best preparatory resource is www.ets.org, which hosts online tutorials for Praxis I, sample questions for all the Praxis exams as well as test dates and registration information. Students can also order study guides through the website.

Tips to Prepare for the Praxis exam:

• Use a study guide. Buying one is less expensive than retaking the test. The College of Education has Praxis I study guides available to check out (visit PSB 209), and we have more copies on reserve in the Learning Resources Center here on campus.
• Create a study group. If students would like to form a group, let us know and we are able to publicize this information to help form a group. This can be a great way to prepare, going over the study guide together and quizzing each other regularly.
• The writing lab and math lab have staff who are familiar with Praxis I and can help students prepare. Consider setting up a tutorial session with someone who can help with strengthening these skills.
• Talk to an advisor. We are glad to assist students with questions about these required exams.

What Is The Required Score For Praxis I?

There are 3 sections of the Praxis I and each has a separate score requirement.    
Reading:     175
Writing:     174
Mathematics:     173
An average score of 174 with no score less than 172 on each of the reading, writing, and mathematics sections of the Praxis I is also considered a passing score on the Praxis I PPST exam.

UAA uses the scores established by the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. Minimum scores are subject to change without prior notification. See http://www.eed.state.ak.us/TeacherCertification/praxis.html
 

Which Praxis II Exam Do I Take And What Is The Required Score?

The Praxis II exam and scoring requirements are determined by the program in which a student is enrolled. Note: In several cases, UAA’s required score is higher than the score required by EED. Minimum scores are subject to change without prior notification.