Praxis Series Assessments
As part of successful completion of all College of Education teacher preparation programs and in order to be certified to teach in the State of Maryland, students must pass the Praxis Series Assessment Examinations. The Praxis assessments include two different sets of tests: Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) and Praxis II: Subject Assessments. All scores should be sent to the University of Maryland, Institution Code R5814.
PRAXIS I: Pre-Professional Skills Test:
In order to meet the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) certification requirements, students must submit qualifying scores for the Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) which consists of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics assessments. Students must obtain minimum passing scores for the Praxis I tests prior to applying to the professional teacher education programs.
Major |
Praxis I Assessments Institution Code R5814 |
ALL AREAS |
Paper Based:
Computer Based
|
Praxis II: Subject Assessments:
The Content Area assessments vary for each area of certification, based upon your major and the age/grade level of certification you are seeking. The chart below indicates the required test(s) for each area of certification.
Successful completion of Praxis II assessments (passing scores meeting the MSDE requirements) is required for continuation into Phase II of the student teaching internship.
LICENSURE AREA |
TEST REQUIRED |
TEST CODE |
MD SCORE |
Art |
Art: Content and Analysis |
161 |
|
Biology |
Biology: Content Knowledge |
150 |
|
Business Education |
Business Education: Content Knowledge |
154 |
|
Chemistry |
Chemistry: Content Knowledge |
153 |
|
| Chinese Mandarin | Chinese (Mandarin) World Languages: Pedagogy*** |
5655 0841 |
165 158 |
Early Childhood |
Early Childhood: Content Knowledge or |
160 |
|
Earth/Space |
Earth/Science: Content Knowledge |
152 |
|
Elementary Education |
Elementary Education: Instructional Practice and Applications |
161 |
|
English |
English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content and Analysis |
166 |
|
| Environmental Education | Environmental Education | 0831 | 156 |
ESOL |
English to Speakers of Other Languages |
0361 | 149 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | Family and Consumer Sciences Principles of Learning and Teaching:Grades 7-12 (Pedagogy) |
0121/5121 0624/5624 |
159 157 |
French |
World Languages: French |
162 |
|
| Geography | Social Studies: Content and Interpretation Principles of Learning and Teaching:Grades 7-12 (Pedagogy) |
0086/5086 0624/5624 |
153 |
German |
World Languages: German |
163 |
|
| Health | Health Education | 630 | |
| History | Social Studies: Content and Interpretation Principles of Learning and Teaching:Grades 7-12 (Pedagogy) |
0086/5086 0624/5624 |
153 157 |
| Latin | Latin World Languages: Pedagogy*** |
0601 0841 |
152 158 |
Mathematics |
Mathematics: Content Knowledge |
141 |
|
Music |
Music: Content & Instruction |
0114 | 162 |
Physics |
Physics: Content Knowledge |
143 |
|
Physical Education |
Physical Education: Content and Design |
169 |
|
| Political Science | Social Studies: Content and Interpretation Principles of Learning and Teaching:Grades 7-12 (Pedagogy) |
0086/5086 0624/5624 |
153 |
Physical Science |
Chemistry, Physics and General Science |
520 |
|
Social Studies |
Social Studies: Content and Interpretation |
153 |
|
Spanish |
World Language: Spanish (computer delivered) |
168 |
|
Special Education |
Core Knowledge and Applications or |
151 151 |
|
Technology Education |
Technology Education |
159 |
|
| Theater | Theater Principles of Learning and Teaching (Pedagogy) |
0641 0624/5624 |
151 157 |
School Psychologist |
School Psychologist |
0401 | 161 |
| Reading Option | - | - | - |
Reading |
Reading Across the Curriculum: Elementary or Reading Across the Curriculum: Elementary (computer- delivered) |
173 |
|
Applicants or current certificate holders with certification in early childhood, elementary, or special education at the early childhood and elementary levels may test out of the reading requirement (12 semester hours) by meeting the qualifying score on the above Praxis II assessment. |
|||
Administrator II |
School Leaders Licensure Assessment |
165 |
|
| Middle School (Two content assessments required if graduating from an approved dual program). | |||
| Middle School | Middle School: English/Language Arts or |
160
|
|
|
FAQs
When are the Praxis Series Assessments offered?
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) praxis tests are offered at various locations and dates throughout the United States as well as some international areas. For more information on the praxis tests please view the The Praxis Series Information Bulletin which provides facts on everything from registration through learning to read your scores.
How do I register for the Praxis Series Assessments?
Detailed information regarding the Praxis Series Assessments, including registration procedures, costs, and Maryland qualifying scores, is available at the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website.
(NOTE: The University of Maryland is a testing site for the Praxis through the Counseling Center, Testing and Research Center . The praxis I test is offered in computer format while the praxis II tests are offered in pencil and paper format.)
Why are Praxis tests required?
Praxis I and Praxis II tests are certification requirements, required by the Maryland State Department of Education and are part of the College of Education’s teacher preparation programs. All students enrolled in teacher preparation programs must successfully complete all certification requirements as part of the degree program. Students will be required to submit Praxis score reports to the Maryland State Department of Education upon graduation.
When should I plan to take the Praxis assessments?
You should begin preparing 2-3 months prior to taking the test. The Praxis I assesses basic knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is also a College of Education selective admissions requirement and is typically taken during or immediately following the freshman year. All students must meet the State of Maryland's score requirement on each individual assessment, Reading, Writing, and Mathematics as part of the admission process.
The Praxis II measures your knowledge of subject(s), education methodology, and pedagogy in the subject area you will be teaching. The Praxis II subject exams typically are taken late in the Junior year. However, the questions for the Praxis II pedagogy exams are based on information taught during your education methods courses. Successful completion of the Praxis II assessments is a requirement for continuation ino Phase II of the student teaching internship.
Where should I send my scores?
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) no longer mails score reports. Students are encouraged to print their score reports upon viewing them online. Students should indicate the University of Maryland, College Park as an official score recipient, Recipient Code: R5814, when registering.
How can I prepare for the Praxis I Exams?
Check out the guidelines in Tips to Prepare for the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test.
Students can check out study guide books available from the Office of Student Services, Room 1204 Benjamin Building. You may check out each book for a 24 hour period. Please bring your student ID when checking out these preparation materials.
Visit the Educational Testing Services website for webinars offered for test preparation. Study guides are also available (a cost is associated with them and varies depending on the exam).
Where can I go on campus to get individual help?
Individual help is available from the following offices on campus:
- Learning Assistance Service (LAS), offers workshops and individual help in various academic areas, such as, math and writing. The Math Learning Program helps students reduce anxiety about math by teaching them study and test-taking skills. They are located within the Counseling Center, Shoemaker Building, Room 2202, call 301-314-9685 for more info.
- The Writing Center, offered through the English Department, assists students with tutoring to develop skills in writing, organizing and revising essays. Also, available are workshops throughout the semester. You must make an appointment online, but the tutoring is free. Located in Room 1205 Tawes Hall, 301-405-3785.