Praxis Series Tests

When registering for both tests (Praxis I and II), be sure to include St. Norbert College (R1706) as the Score Recipient Institution.

Praxis I—Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)
Wisconsin requires all certification candidates to pass minimum competency tests in three areas: reading, writing and mathematics. Students will be introduced to the Praxis I (PPST) tests during the Education FYI seminars scheduled in conjunction with the EDUC 120 course.

Students are required to take the PPST exams during their freshman or first year in the program. Students can register online or print a registration form from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website to mail to ETS. The ETS site contains specific information about each test as well as registration and test location information. Students must bear the cost for the tests and must pass all three portions of the PPST by the conclusion of their pre-professional block experience.

Currently, the state has established the following minimum scores for entry into teacher preparation: Reading - 175, Writing - 174 and Mathematics - 173. Students will not be allowed to continue in the teacher-education program without successfully passing the PPST tests. Students may retake the portions of the test until these requirements are met. Waivers may be granted after two unsuccessful tries on any portion of the PPST. See the PPST waiver guidelines for more information on the waiver process.

Praxis II—Content Assessment
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) requires that all pre-service teachers, in order to be certified to teach in the state, demonstrate their content knowledge by passing a standardized test — the Educational Testing Service’s Praxis II Series.

In order to take the exam, a pre-service teacher must have passed the PPST (or had it waived), be in good standing in the St. Norbert College teacher-education program and have declared a major/minor/concentration area/certification program. For pre-service teachers student-teaching in the fall semester, the Praxis II must be passed by January of the calendar year in which the student-teaching will occur. For those student-teaching in the spring semester, the Praxis II must be passed by August of the previous calendar year.

The Praxis II is required to be passed before a student is placed for student-teaching. No waivers are allowed on the Praxis II tests. View the test codes for each certification area/major.

More information about the state requirement for Praxis Series Tests can be viewed on the ETS web site.

Praxis II Content Exams - Which Test Do I Register For?