Test Information
NEW! Foundations of Reading Test
- As a result of the Wisconsin Read to Lead Task Force recommendations, a new statutory provision was created in ACT 166. The specific statute 118.19 (14) puts into place a require content test in Foundations of Reading for all GradeK-5 teachers, special education teachers, reading teachers, and reading specialists. Please follow this link for additional information.
- You may also visit the Wisconsin Website for the Foundations of Reading Test.
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) 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
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 & Professional Studies 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 2011, FALL 2011, SPRING 2012, FALL 2012, SPRING 2013 (Date of publication: July 30th, 2012)
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.
