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Assessment Requirements

Praxis I | Praxis II | Registration and Test Dates

Passing Scores | Virginia Reading Assessment

PRAXIS I

There are two forms of the PRAXIS I: Academic Skills Assessments

The Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) and
The Computerized Pre-Professional Skills Tests (C-PPST)

Both forms of the test assess reading, writing, and mathematical skills and are identical in content and design. They differ only in test administration format; the PPST is a pencil-and-paper test and the C-PPST is taken on the computer.

Passing scores on the PRAXIS I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) are required for acceptance into the Center for Teacher Education at VSU. Please note that all students must be accepted into the Teacher Education program prior to registering for the Student Teaching Internship (EDUC 402).

Waive Praxis I with SAT Scores

Approved by the Virginia Board of Education on 3/24/2004...You can be waived from taking the Praxis I tests if your SAT® scores meet certain minimums:

For SAT® tests taken after April 1, 1995: 1100 total with at least

530 on the verbal test and
530 on the mathematics test

For SAT® tests taken before April 1, 1995: 1000 total with at least

450 on the verbal test and
510 on the mathematics test

PRAXIS II

Passing scores on the PRAXIS II: Specialty Area Subject Assessment Tests are a prerequisite for student teaching. The Virginia Board of Education has adopted new specialty area tests and new minimum scores for many of the teacher licensure areas. Changes in specialty area test requirements may occur over the next several years. Please make sure that you have the most current requirements before registering for a specialty area test.

Tests at a Glance (TAAG) – It is important to review subject content prior to taking the Praxis II tests. Click here to download the Tests at a Glance booklet for your subject area. TAGG provides information on the design and content of each test, as well as sample items.

Virginia State University is an official testing site that offers the

Paper-Based PRAXIS I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST)
Paper-Based Specialty Area Subject Assessment Tests (PRAXIS II)

Be sure to have your scores sent to VSU. The VSU test code is RA5860.

Virginia Reading Assessment
Virginia has developed a Reading Instructional Assessment that will be required for elementary and special education teachers effective July 1, 2004. For elementary teachers, the Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA™) will satisfy the reading component of the teaching skills requirement mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The test will help identify those teaching candidates who have the knowledge and skills that are important for performing the job of an elementary (preK–3 or preK–6) or special education teacher or reading specialist in Virginia public schools.
The Reading Instructional Assessment is in addition to Praxis I (reading, writing, and mathematics) and Praxis II (Subject Area Test).
For Virginia Reading Assessment program information, registration bulletin, Internet registration, and study guide, Click Here.