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PRAXIS Testing

PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II testing is part of the Educational Testing Service series. PRAXIS II testing is available only in paper/pencil format on national test dates at national test sites, including Vanderbilt.

PRAXIS exams are required in Tennessee, and in most other states, for teacher licensure. Each state selects its own tests within the PRAXIS series and sets its own minimum score requirements for specific licensure endorsements. At Vanderbilt, students may take the tests on whichever test date(s) they choose. Most students take the exams the semester before student teaching and/or while student teaching.

Exams are proctored on national Saturday test dates through the Educational Testing Service across the country. Tests may be taken in the Nashville area at Vanderbilt.  Proctored by the Psychological and Counseling Center (615-322-2571). Optional test sites in Nashville are David Lipscomb University and Tennessee State University. Tests are available in September, November, January, March, April, June and July. Registration deadlines generally are 30 days before the test date. Consider registering early for the test date(s) of choice for best chances of testing at first or second-choice test site and/or for ETS-granted financial aid for the test and registration fees.

Every teacher candidate needs to take one "Principles of Learning and Teaching" test, which tests basic knowledge of general pedagogy (there are four choices: Early Childhood [E.C.], K-6, 5-9, and 7-12). In addition, specialty tests are required, depending on the endorsement(s) being sought for the license.

List of PRAXIS tests and scores for all licensure candidates. (PDF), effective September 1, 2009.

PRAXIS I

PRAXIS I is a series of three basic skills tests (reading, writing, and math) required in some states without any exemptions. In Tennessee, students are exempt from PRAXIS I testing if they earned an SAT score of at least 1020, an ACT score of at least 22, or if they have earned a master's degree when they receive initial licensure. Students are urged to check testing requirements in states other than Tennessee (if they plan to apply for licensure in other states) to determine if the states require PRAXIS I testing without exemptions.

PRAXIS II

PRAXIS II testing requirements change frequently in Tennessee and other states. Students must meet the testing requirements at the time they are recommended for licensure (not the requirements at the time they enter the teacher education program). Each Tennessee teaching license application must include passing scores on a general professional education test at the appropriate grade level (Principles of Learning and Teaching E.C., K-6, 5-9, or 7-12) and passing scores on the appropriate specialty test(s) for each endorsement. The examinations can be taken in any sequence on the same or different time of year, at any stage in the program. However, most students take all tests when they are nearly finished with all course work.

The exam reports must be sent from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the Vanderbilt Office of Teacher Licensure (ETS code for Vanderbilt is 1871) before a recommendation for teacher licensure can be made to the Tennessee Department of Education.

It usually takes 4-6 weeks for score reports to be received by the student and the other requested facilities. Please be sure to view the list of Tennessee-required PRAXIS II exams and scores that correlate with Vanderbilt licensure programs. Be sure to be informed about requirements at the time you register for the tests. Tests may be retaken as many times as necessary. PRAXIS preparation materials for some of the tests can be found in the Reference Department of the Peabody Education Library. In addition, ETS provides "Tests At A Glance" information at www.ets.org/praxis. More detailed study guides for some of the tests may be purchased from ETS; information for purchase is available in the registration materials.

Title II: Vanderbilt Pass Rate

The federal government, under Title II, requires that states report PRAXIS II scores for institutions that receive federal funding and that provide teacher training. The Tennessee Department of Education calculated a composite pass rate of 100 percent for Vanderbilt students taking the tests within the state-prescribed time period for 2007-2008.