PRAXIS Information for Teacher Education Candidates

Registration pamphlets with information on both Praxis I and Praxis II are available on the PRAXIS display outside of the Teacher Education Office, 212 McClurg.

When registering for both Praxis I and Praxis II, it is critical that you list Newberry College (5493) and the South Carolina Department of Education (8108) as score recipients.

Tests at a Glance booklets that include practice test questions for Praxis I and II are available online at www.ets.org.praxis and on the PRAXIS display.

When do I take PRAXIS I?

All teacher candidates must meet a testing requirement for admission to any teacher education program in South Carolina. Students may meet this requirement in any of the following ways:

Test Minimum score required in South Carolina as of September 14, 2006--

• ACT 24
• SAT (old version) Verbal + Math = 1100
• SAT I Verbal + Math + Writing = 1650
• PRAXIS I (computerized) Reading = 175 Writing = 173 Math = 172

Students who do not already meet the admissions testing requirement through the ACT or SAT as listed above are encouraged to take (or retake) the ACT, SAT, or Praxis I as early as possible during their college career . Admission to the Teacher Education Program is dependent on meeting the minimum score required on one of the tests listed above.
These testing requirements will also apply for recipients of the South Carolina Teachers Loan.
There are no exceptions to these policies.

Students who must take a test for admission: If you do not already meet the minimum scores on the ACT or SAT as listed above, it is necessary for you to take the ACT, SAT, or PRAXIS I Series early in your college career.
To register for the ACT, please visit www.actstudent.org.
To register for the SAT, please visit www.collegeboard.com.
For PRAXIS I: You may take the test with pencil and paper (PPST, for which the minimum scores are R=322, W=319, M=317 ) or on the computer (Computerized PPST).

The Computerized PPST is encouraged for several reasons:
1. The testing environment is more private.
2. Students receive score reports on reading and math as the test is completed. (Writing scores are received within 4-6 weeks of taking the test).
3. The passing percentages tend to be higher on the Computerized PPST.
4. Convenience of scheduling test time.
5. Test time is shorter (1.5 hours).

There are several testing sites for Praxis I exams, computerized version only, within driving distance of Newberry College. Visit www.ets.org to obtain a list of testing centers. PRAXIS I tests are given by Prometric Testing Centers (Phone: 803-354-9221) and also by the University of South Carolina (USC), Columbia (Phone: 803-777-2782). 

When do I take PRAXIS II?

Specialty Area Exams and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
Newberry College Teacher Candidates must take Praxis II exams as a graduation requirement.
You are encouraged to take the Praxis II as close to your internship semester as possible.

New PLT Requirement effective July 1, 2006

The Principles of Learning and Teaching exam (PLT) is a requirement for South Carolina initial certification. Therefore, for all students who will be completing a teacher education program and graduating in December 2006; subsequently, the PLT will be required before the initial certificate may be issued.

Currently required Praxis II exams are listed on the South Carolina Department of Education's website: www.scteachers.org/cert/exam.cfm and are posted on the bulletin board outside the Teacher Education Office.
The PLT is offered for three grade levels: K-6, 5-9 and 9-12. All early childhood and elementary majors should take the K-6 exam, and secondary majors should take the 9-12 exam. Students majoring in areas that lead to certification in grades K-12 should choose either the exam for grades K-6 or 9-12.
Note: Praxis II scores are reported approximately six weeks after the tests are taken.