Praxis Exams

The Minnesota Department of Education requires that three kinds of tests be passed before teacher licensure will be granted: the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam, and Content Knowledge exams. More information on registering and stuyding for these exams can be found at the Praxis website.

The Pre-Professional Skills Test is required for entrance into the education program and must be taken before application to the program is made. Although passing the test is not required for admittance into the program or for graduation from the institution, no license will be granted in the State of Minnesota without successful completion of this test. Information about the test and the passing scores are available in the education department. Passing rates of all program completers are available in the Registrar's Office.

The Principles of Learning and Teaching Test is designed to measure the student's understanding of methodology and classroom interaction. Although it may be taken at any time in the program, we recommend that you take it during the student teaching experience. This will give you a context in which to frame your answers to the questions. This test is given only a few times a year, and scores must be received before licensure application can be processed.

Content Knowledge Tests are designed to measure the students' knowledge about the subject matter content that they will be responsible to teach. In the elementary program, this test includes all primary subject matter areas and content related to the student's middle school specialty. These tests may be taken at the same time as the pedagogy test or separately, at the student's convenience. These tests are also only offered a few times a year, and scores must be received before licensure application can be processed.

PPST Information

What is the Pre-professional Skills Test?

The Pre-professional Skills Test (PPST) is a standardized, secure examination that provides objective measures of academic achievement for college students entering or completing their training programs. The PPST Reading, Mathematics, and Writing tests are designed to provide information about basic proficiency in communication and computation skills.

When should the test be taken?

It is a requirement that you take the PPST before being admitted into the Education Department Program. You do not need to pass every section to be admitted into the program. However, all three sections must be passed before applying for state licensure.

What version should be taken?

The test is offered as both a written test and a computer-based test. The computer-based test can be taken at a Prometric Testing Center or at certain universities. This version offers a wider choice in testing dates and allows you to see your scores for the reading and mathematics sections upon completion. To register for a computer-based test, contact the testing center directly. A list of testing centers and their phone numbers is available on the Praxis website. The paper-based version is only offered on specific dates throughout the year. Registration may be completed online, or a mail-in form can be downloaded.

Will test confirmation be sent?

If you register for the paper-based test online, you must print out your admission ticket. If you register by mail or phone, you will receive an admission ticket which will indicate where you should report to on the day of the test. If you have not received the ticket by the Monday preceding the test day, you should call 1-800-772-9476.

Can I take this test outside of Minnesota?
Yes. You may take the test in any location that is convenient for you. However, be sure to mark NCU as a recipient of your test scores.

Is this a timed test?

Yes. The computer-based test has a few more questions and gives a longer time allowance. The number of test questions and testing time involved in each test are as follows:

The scores are based on the number correct. Don't waste time on one question that is unknown to you. Complete the test, and then return to those questions of which you were unsure. Also, remember that a lucky guess could increase your score.

How can I prepare?

Most of the preparation will be the knowledge and experience which has been gained from your educational background. This is just like any other test. You need to be mentally prepared the day you walk into the testing center. You can download a free "Test at a Glance" booklet for each test from the Praxis website; this includes helpful information on what the test covers, as well as sample questions. In-depth study guide books are available at most bookstores or from the Praxis website. The guides include actual PPST test questions that were administered in the past, as well as the answer key, an explanation of the correct answer, scoring instructions, test-taking strategies, and a helpful review of the necessary skills. A limited number of guides are available for check-out in the Curriculum Lab.

Who should I send the test results to?

Be sure to mark NCU as the recipient of your scores! Provide #RA6505

Praxis II Information

Teachers seeking licensure in Minnesota must complete an appropriate Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam and Content Knowledge test(s). These tests are available only as paper-based tests and are typically taken during the semester before or during student teaching. Registration and study information can be found at www.ets.org/praxis. Below are the required tests for each area of licensure offered at NCU:

A limited number of Praxis II study guides are available in the Curriculum lab. Test-at-a-Glance guides may also be downloaded from the Praxis website.