Praxis II Exams

The Praxis II Tests are divided into subject areas. The tests last one, two or four hours, and each test gauges what the test-taker knows about various K-12 teaching areas of knowledge. They also determine the test-taker's general knowledge base on teaching, particular subject expertise and understanding of a chosen field. Praxis II assessments have been designed and created for people who want to be teachers.

Passing the Praxis II is a requirement in certain states in order to be licensed and certified as a teacher. Each state or group that uses this assessment individually determines what constitutes a passing score. States have certain standards that must be met, including a corroboration method to ensure the scoring is fair. State panel members decide how hard they think the questions are for an entry-level teacher, and these determinations are used to set what a passing score will be. For this reason, a test-taker's score may vary from one state to the next.

Certain specialized groups also use the Praxis II assessments for licensing purposes. There are three types of tests:

• Subject Assessments - Assessments of the person's knowledge regarding broad teaching and particular knowledge of specific subjects. The questions are in multiple-choice and constructed-response form.
• Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) - Assessments of a candidate's broad knowledge of teaching students. There are different PLT tests for Early Childhood, K-6th, 5th-9th and 7th-12th. There are multiple-choice questions and constructed-response forms. This test employs case studies.
• Teaching Foundations - Assessments of a candidate's knowledge of how to teach certain subjects. The assessment categories are: multi-subject (for elementary school teachers), English, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science and Social Science. The questions are in multiple-choice and constructed-response format.