Praxis

PRAXIS

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Praxis II® Subject Assessments measure knowledge of specific subjects that K–12 educators will teach, as well as general and subject-specific teaching skills and knowledge. Individuals entering the teaching profession take the Praxis II tests as part of the teacher licensing and certification process required by many states, including Wyoming. The Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) of Wyoming requires that students in the Elementary Education and Social Studies Education take and pass subject-specific Praxis tests to be eligible for licensure. 

For Praxis pass rate data, see these reports for Single Assessment Pass Rate 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 and Summary Pass Rate 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.

Effective July 2014: Praxis testing requirements for a WY Standard Certificate (initial licensure 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 here.

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Frequently asked questions

Must all WTEP candidates take a Praxis exam?
No. Candidates must take a Praxis exam for Wyoming certification if their major is Secondary Social Studies or Elementary Education.

What exam do I take?
Elementary Education majors are required to take the following Praxis assessments for Wyoming Certification:

Test Name and Number	Required Passing Score	Cost
Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001)		$150
Subtest: Reading & Language Arts (5002)	157	Cost incurred only on re-test
Subtest: Mathematics (5003)	157	Cost incurred only on re-test
Subtest: Social Studies (5004)	155	Cost incurred only on re-test
Subtest: Science (5005)	159	Cost incurred only on re-test

 

Secondary Social Studies majors are required to take the following Praxis assessment for Wyoming certification:

Test Name and Number	Required Passing Score	Cost
Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081)	158	$115

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

Secondary Science majors are strongly encouraged to take the following Praxis II assessment for his/her content area. The candidates are also strongly encouraged to take the Middle School Science test.

Test Name and Number	Required Passing Score	Cost
Biology: Content Knowledge (5235)	148	$115
Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245)	151	$115
Earth & Space Science: Content Knowledge (5571)	150	$115
Middle School Science (5440)	150	$115
Physics: Content Knowledge (5265)	137	$115

How do I prepare?
At Tests at a Glance (on the Praxis website), you can familiarize yourself with the structure and the content of the test. Test preparation books are available by mail or online. Click here for details.

When should I take the test?
We recommend 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 many times per year and dates are available here. You can register for the test online. You can take the test as many times as you wish.

Where do I take the test?
In Wyoming, tests will be administered in Casper and Laramie.

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? 
At the University Testing Center website, PTSB (800-675-6893), or the Praxis website.