The Praxis Series
Praxis I / Core and Praxis II
What is the PRAXIS?
The Praxis Series are assessments for teacher candidates administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS). The number of assessments required depends on the content area in which a candidate will teach. Praxis I and Praxis Core assesses basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills and a passing score is required for all teacher education candidates. Praxis II assesses subject matter and pedagogy skills in one of 25 content areas. In content areas without an assessment, the teacher candidates only need to pass one of the Maryland approved test options.
The Board of Education approved qualifying Praxis I composite scores effective July 1, 2002. The composite score is defined as the combined total of the state qualifying scores on the three basic skills tests. The combined, composite score for candidates who have taken the Praxis I is 527. Candidates who take the Praxis Core need to pass all three tests. Passing scores on the Praxis Core are Reading (5712) 156, Writing (5722) 162, and Mathematics (5732) 150.
In place of the Core tests, Maryland will accept the following options from candidates:
- The PPST taken prior to September 2015: combined math, reading and writing score of 527
- The SAT taken after April 1995: combined math and verbal (critical reading) score of 1100
- The SAT taken prior to April 1995: math and verbal (critical reading) score of 1000
- The ACT composite score of 24 (ACT composite score is the average of the tests)
- The GRE revised General Test: composite of the combined verbal and quantitative score of 297. Candidates who took the GRE test prior to September 2011 will use the old composite score of 1000.
Why do I need to pass an approved Maryland test option?
These tests are required by state departments of education of colleges and universities to measure the academic achievement and proficiency of individuals entering or completing teacher preparation programs.
How can I study for the PRAXIS?
Currently, there is a Praxis Lab available for UMES students to practice taking a test that can be used for admission to the Education program. Praxis classes (EDCI 201) will be offered throughout the semester for UMES students. To sign up for a class and/or obtain more information, please contact the Praxis Coordinator, Dr. Michael Nugent, at 410-651-8362 or via email at manugent@umes.edu
Where can I take the PRAXIS?
ETS administers these assessments on at least six Saturdays throughout the year, to see test dates and testing sites near your area visit ETS’s website or Click Here. This assessment schedule is offered in all 50 states and in a number of foreign countries. Test sites and dates are listed on the www.ets.org website
Free Praxis / Sat / GRE / ACT Preparation Material:
Visit the Testing & Education Reference Center to obtain free test preparation material.
- If you are trying to access the above link from an OFF – CAMPUS computer you must log in via Research Port to be able to access these resources. *
Visit ETS’s Website for further information on the Praxis and to sign up for a test at the nearest testing site.
The Praxis program has published Praxis webinar schedule. These free webinars deliver in-depth information about the tests and offer teacher candidates the opportunity to interact and ask questions. Webinar attendees are also presented with a plan to help guide their preparation for the Praxis tests.
Registration opens approximately one week in advance of the webinar date. To register, visit the Praxis Prepare for a Test website.
