Praxis for Wyoming Certification

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES IN A WYOMING TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM (WTEP)

Effective June 1, 2007: Praxis testing requirements for a WY Standard Certificate (initial certification to teach) have been revised by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board. Rules and regulations governing add-on endorsements to the Standard Certificate have also been revised. Details about PTSB testing requirements and application forms for certification and adding endorsements can be found at http://ptsb.state.wy.us/ . Specific information on Wyoming testing requirements for initial certification and adding endorsements is also located at: http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/ menuitem.22f30af61d34e9c39a77b13bc3921509 /?vgnextoid=d378197a484f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD .

Recipient Code # to have results reported to the WY PTSB: 8500

Must all WTEP candidates take a Praxis exam?

No. In order to meet federal and state requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act and the sections pertaining to Highly Qualified teachers, you must take a Praxis exam for Wyoming certification if your major is Secondary Social Studies or Elementary Education.

What exam do I take?

Elementary: Praxis II Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Code 0011) Passing Score: 160

Secondary Social Studies: Praxis II Social Studies: Content Knowledge, Grades 7-12 (Code 0081) Passing Score: 158

How do I prepare?

At Tests at a Glance (on the website: www.ets.org/praxis), you can familiarize yourself with the structure and the content of the test you must take. You’ll find detailed test descriptions and sample questions with answers and explanations, tips on test preparation and test-taking strategies, and more. Test preparation books are available by mail or online (see www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/01361generalinfo.pdf for details).

When should I take the test?

We are recommending that you take the exam during Phase III of your program. Consider that there will be lag time of 4 to 6 weeks between taking the exam and the reporting of your score to the WY PTSB. PTSB has final approval for certification. Tests are administered seven times per year and dates are available at www.ets.org/praxis/prxdates.html. You can register for the exam by mail or online (see www.ets.org/praxis for details). You can take the exam as many times as you wish.

Where do I take the test?

In Wyoming, tests will be administered at Casper College (Casper), University of WY (Laramie), and Sheridan College (Sheridan).

What does it cost?

Elementary 0011: $75.00 Social Studies 0081: $75 All tests also require a registration fee: $40.00

What happens if I don’t pass?

You have one year from the date of your application for initial certification to present a passing score to obtain a Standard WY Teaching Certificate. You may receive (from the PTSB) a one year authorization to work as a teacher based on your teacher preparation program institutional recommendation and/or other current state certificate during that one year period.

Where do I get additional information?

University Testing Center (utc@uwyo.edu) or PTSB (800-675-6893)