PRAXIS II Testing Information

University of Northern Iowa

Fall 2013 – Spring 2014

Note: In order for the University of Northern Iowa to recommend you for an Iowa Teaching License you must take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam and one content exam associated with your major/endorsement and meet the cut off scores for both exams.

Educational Testing Services [ETS] is the testing agency that conducts Praxis II testing. They set all dates and testing site assignments. The University of Northern Iowa is an approved testing center for computer-delivered and paper-delivered Praxis II exams. Some of the Praxis II content exams are given in both formats and some only given in the computer form. An exam indication of 0### is a paper-delivered exam and an exam indication of 5### is a computer format.

When are the tests given?

Overall testing windows for the PLT and content exams are given on the ETS web site at: http://www.ets.org/praxis/register/centers_dates

·  Testing dates for UNI for computer format: Tuesday-Friday afternoon and Thursday and Friday mornings.

·  Testing dates for UNI for paper format: 11/2/13 and 3/8/14. Dates tests are offered at other testing sites: 9/21/13 and 6/7/14.

·  Saturday testing times for UNI are: Generally the first and third Saturday mornings of each month. If a Saturday is needed, make sure you register early, times fill up fast.

How do I register for Praxis II tests?

All registrations must be completed through (ETS): http://www.ets.org/praxis/register

Online registration is preferred. This requires use of a credit/debit card. Registration by mail requires a check or money order. The web site provides a form to be printed and mailed.

Allow a minimum of two weeks prior to computer-delivered exam dates for your registration. Paper-pencil exams specify deadlines listed on

www.ets.org under paper-delivered test. Note - If a testing window is full that option will not be offered to you at registration.

What tests do I take?

You will need to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) designated for your major/licensure area AND one content knowledge exam. UNI will provide a spreadsheet with exam titles, exam numbers, cut off scores and testing dates. You can also access Iowa information at:

http://www.ets.org/praxis/ia

What are the fees for Praxis II tests?

Fees for Praxis II tests vary based on the test. The fee at present for the PLT is $139. The content tests vary in cost due to type of testing (some have listening components, some have speaking components, some require submission of artistic performance, etc.), generally ranging from $115 - $150.

You must pay ETS direct. You cannot put Praxis II charges on your U-bill.

How do my scores get reported to UNI?

UNI’s score recipient code is 6307. In order for UNI to receive a copy of your score report you must use 6307 to indicate the institution. Use of any other code will result in your score report being sent elsewhere and not to UNI. If UNI does not receive your test score, you will need to pay ETS an additional fee to have the score reported to UNI. Though you can access your score, self-reporting scores to UNI is not official. It is your responsibility to make sure UNI receives a copy of your score report.

In 10-15 working days after the close of the testing window you will receive notification of your exam score(s) to be viewed online. Print out a copy or save a pdf copy. ETS only allows the scores to be available for one calendar year. After that time you will need to pay ETS a fee if you need a copy of your score report.

Where and when do I report for taking my Praxis II? What do I need to take with me?

You will receive information from ETS telling you where/when to report and what to do on test day. Print this information and take it with you to your testing center. Also be sure to take your government ID, driver’s license or passport (i.e. photo ID) for identification. Passport is required for NON U.S. citizens*.

Acceptable forms of ID*:

Take formal identification with you to the testing center the day of your test. Acceptable forms are:

·  Driver’s license with photo and signature

·  State ID with photo and signature

·  Passport with photo and signature

When you register for the Praxis II tests be SURE that you use your name exactly as it appears on the acceptable ID that you are using. Do NOT use nicknames. The test center personnel cannot allow you to take the test if the name on your ID does not match the name on the registration list that they have.

Note: If you do NOT have your ID to present at the testing site you will NOT BE ALLOWED to take the exam! This results in you having to register again (and pay again!!)

Can I retake a Praxis II exam?

Yes you can and there is no limit to the number of times. Just remember – each time you take an exam there is a fee! You must wait 30 days after the testing window for the retake. We suggest preparing for the very first exam you take!

How should I prepare for the Praxis II?

(NOTE - this does not say “should I prepare?”, it says “prepare”)

ETS site support – The ETS web site provides multiple test preparation materials. Go to http://www.ets.org/praxis and then to “Prepare for a Test” under quick links. Some of the following items are available once you select the specific test (i.e. not all tests have all items): Study Companion (pdf), Tests at a Glance (pdf), Strategies for Success video, Computer-Delivered Test Demonstration, and What to expect on the day of your computer delivered test.

You can also purchase a Study Guide in print ($40) and for some tests a Practice test eBook ($13.95).

Rod Library - Rod Library Learning Express web-site.

a) Long way, http://www.library.uni.edu/ ; Click on Databases A-Z in the article tabs; Click on "L"; Click Learning Express Library OR b) go to the Learning Express link; http://www.learnatest.com/LEL/index.cfm/; Click on Jobs and Careers tab on the left; Click on Teaching, then on the appropriate exam information and the prep link/practice test.

Departmental assistance

Some secondary teaching major departments make available study guides and/or help sessions. Check with your department.

July 2013