Test Information

General Testing Information

This information refers to both the PPST and the Praxis II test.
Test Dates/Registration Information

PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Test)

The PPST is required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and is part of the Praxis I Series published by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is an academic skills (reading, writing, mathematical, and listening) assessment designed to be taken early in your college career to measure the basic academic skills vital to all teacher candidates.

Copies of the test manuals and a previous test are on reserve in the lower level of the library. Books of sample tests are available for purchase at the University Bookstore (262/472-1280). Academic Support Services (262/472-1114) and the Minority Teacher Preparation Program (262/472-3216) administer practice tests at the beginning of each semester and offer test preparation services.

The reading, writing, and mathematical assessments are available in two formats:

The paper-based tests in reading and mathematics are one-hour multiple-choice tests. The writing test includes both a 30-minute multiple-choice and a 30-minute essay section. These paper-based test are administered on selected Saturday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:15 PM by the UWW Testing Center (262/472-5613) at least four times each year (requires one month advance reservation). Students are required to pay "ETS-Praxis I Series" for the tests (this is done online during the registration process). Information about registering for the paper-based test is available in the Testing Center, which is located in Roseman 2042 or at the Winther Hall Information Desk.

The computer-based tests in reading, mathematics, and writing contain computer-delivered questions that require selecting single responses, highlighting or providing a constructed response. Computer-based PPST is offered on a daily basis at specific testing sites. Each testing session is two hours to allow sufficient time for tutorials on computer use, the test itself and the collection of background information for score reporting

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) determines passing scores on each of the three tests.

Passing Scores Table

Mathematics 173
Writing 174
Reading 175

Official scores are received in approximately eight weeks from the UW-Whitewater test sites and in approximately four weeks from the individual testing sites. Students who fail one or more of the tests may make additional attempts to achieve a satisfactory score. Even though the College of Education should receive verification of the scores, it is the student's responsibility to keep original scores. UW-Whitewater does not archive PPST scores.

Praxis II

Praxis II Content Test:  Useful information for students and their education advisors

  • PART ONE:     General information on preparing for the Praxis II Content Test
  • PART TWO:    Preparing to re-take the Praxis II Content Test
  • PART THREE:  Options for students who have not passed the Praxis II Content Test

Praxis II Deadlines for student teachers (full semester), graduate practicums, and/or inservice practicum placements for SPRING 2010, FALL 2010, SPRING 2011, FALL 2011, SPRING 2012, FALL 2012 (Date of publication: August 24, 2009)

Content Examination Type and Passing Scores For Specific License Areas

To receive the test number for your program, please look at your Admission to Professional Education acceptance packet. The accurate test is displayed in the bottom right hand corner of your accepted application. Accurate test numbers will not be given over the phone.

In order to obtain a copy of the "Test At A Glance" for your discipline, go to the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis/). Under "For Test Takers" click on "Prepare for a Test." Click on the name or number of test that will be used for your discipline. (See chart below.)

Examination Required
(Test Name)
ETS Test Number Specific Licensure Area
(Major and/or Minor)
Passing Score
General Administration TBD School Business Administrator  
Pupil Services
School Counselor On Hold School Counselor  
School Psychologist 0400
0401
School Psychologist (National Certification Only - NASP) 660
165
Special Education
Middle School Content Knowledge
1 test combining Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, & Science Content
0146 Cognitive Disabilities 146
Cross Categorical Special Education
Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Visual Impairment
Emotional Disturbance
Learning Disabilities
Elementary Education
(Not for Elementary Middle 1-8 Majors)
0014 Special Education - Early Childhood: Exceptional Educational Needs (EC:EEN) 147
Speech & Language 0330 Speech and Language Pathology (National Certification Only - ASHA)
General Education (elementary, secondary, and/or K-12)
Art 0133 Art 155
English Language, Literature & Composition
1 test for Language Arts
0041 Broadfield Language Arts 160
English Literature & Composition
Journalism
Speech Communication
General Science 0435 Broadfield Science 154
Earth and space science
Life and environmental science including biology & environmental studies
Physical Science Including chemistry & physics
Social Studies 0081 Broadfield Social Studies 153
Economics
Geography
History
Political Science and Citizenship
Psychology
Sociology
Business Education 0100 Business Education (for function calculator allowed) 580
Mathematics
1 test combining mathematics and computer science
0061 Mathematics 135
Elementary Education
1 test combining Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Science Content
0014 Early Childhood (Dual Licensure Program in Regular Education and Special Education) 147

Early Childhood thru Middle Childhood (PreK-6)
Teaching English as a Second Language
(ESL)
0360 English as a Second Language 530
French
German
Spanish
0173
0181
0191
Foreign Language 156
153
158
Health 0550 Health 610
Marketing 0560
0561
Marketing Education 600
153
Middle School Content Knowledge
1 test combining Math, Social Studies, Language Arts and Science Content
0146 Middle Childhood thru Early Adolescence (Elementary 1-8) 146
Music 0113 Music 150
Physical Education 0091 Physical Education 150
Theatre 0640 Theatre 600

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