Go to the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis) and review the content. This is one-stop-shopping for initial PRAXIS information. Pay particular attention to the Test-at-a-Glance (TAAG) section. This will provide you with a detailed content summary of each exam you will take. Your preparation should begin here…not end here. Ninety percent of the students who fail the exams, fail to read the TAAG.

A summary of required exams for your major(s) is provided in the teacher education packet. Summaries are also posted in the departmental office and on the PRAXIS bulletin board. The Pennsylvania Department of Education website (www.pde.state.pa.us) provides a summary of test/certification requirements in PA. Interstate requirements are described on the individual state's DOE website. Use the numerical codes rather than exam titles to identify the required tests.

Seven times per year, you can take the PRAXIS I (PPSTs) and PRAXIS II exams at BU and various universities across the country. The sites are listed on-line. You may also take the PRAXIS I exam on-line at a Sylvan Learning Center that is equipped for web-based testing. These locations are also provided across the country. You can schedule a web-based test location and time by calling 1-800-439-6282. The closest sites to BU are Clark Summit, Allentown, Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

Tests at university sites are provided in a "mass" test environment, similar to your SAT experience. If you aren't comfortable in this test structure, consider taking the PRAXIS I exams at a Sylvan Learning Center web-based site. Examination at a Sylvan site can take place throughout the week. Reservations must be made through Sylvan to reserve a seat. Make sure you are comfortable and "fluent" with use of a computer for testing. You get unofficial, immediate feedback on your exam score at the completion of the reading and math PPSTs. The writing exam must be scored by ETS evaluators at a later date. Results can take up to one month to return. PRAXIS II exams are not offered at Sylvan sites at this time.

Take your PRAXIS I exams prior to the completion of 48 credits. Pass the tests early! Scheduling gets extremely tight as you approach 48 credits earned. You will not be able to schedule advanced courses in the major until this requirement is met. Schedule your tests strategically. Identify a period of time that allows for focused preparation prior to the test. Scheduling the test between semesters or during the summer usually allows for this. If you have a history of solid performance in reading, writing and math, you may elect to take all PRAXIS I tests at a single sitting. If you are unsure of your abilities or struggle on standardized tests, you may wish to start with a single test in your area of strength/comfort. Your application for licensure must occur within five (5) years from the date of the PRAXIS I exam. The tests expire after the five (5) year deadline and must be retaken.

In accordance with university policy PRP3810: Admission, Monitoring, and Exit Procedures for Teacher Education Initial (First) Certification Program, students must complete the PRAXIS II prior to student teaching (August 15 for fall student teaching or by January 2 for spring student teaching). These tests include, Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (30511), Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge (20353). Special Education/Elementary Education majors must also complete Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (10011). Students must pass all Praxis II tests required by their program in order to graduate. As with PRAXIS I, allow time for focused preparation. Additionally, consider allowing time for retaking the exams if you do not pass. Many students prefer to "split" the three test sequences across two test dates!

1) Know the exam content and structure. See the TAAG on the ETS website. Talk to your classmates who have completed the exam.

2) Evaluate your abilities in the area of exam content. You can do this by using the PLATO System (enroll on the BU website) or purchasing commercial preparation guides (ETS, Barrons, Cliffs Test Prep, etc.) that are available in bookstores. ETS materials are expensive, but they provide "retired" tests for review. Students report that Cliffs Test Prep is inexpensive and effective.

3) Complete workbooks, review course notes, read course text highlights and practice. Develop a plan for how you will prepare for the exam. Based on your preference, you may study individually or in small study groups. Practice reading and responding with a time requirement. Attend a periodic training session on our campus.

4) Review test-taking strategies for standardized tests. PRAXIS workbooks and the departmental bulletin board contain valuable information.

Achieving a passing score on each test is a requirement for graduating with teacher certification. You may take the tests repeatedly until you have passed. Repeated failure on the exam slows your matriculation through this program and eventually prevents your graduation from your degree program. This may lead to additional costs or semesters that you are enrolled.

NOTE: It is critical that you are prepared for the PRAXIS I and II exams ... the effectiveness of BU's special education program is evaluated, in part, on your pass rates. Preparation is the key to passing the exams!