Program Completion Testing:

Praxis II Frequently Asked Questions

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• Which content test should I take? Would I have a better chance of earning a higher score on one of these tests?

  This is your decision. Considerations in choosing which of the two tests to take may include:

  • The content of each of the tests.
    Sample test questions can be viewed in the Test at a Glance materials at http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/praxisii
    by clicking on the tab "Prepare for a Test."
  • The state in which you plan to teach.
    Other states may have different requirements for Praxis II content tests. See the question about other states (below) for Praxis II content test requirements for other states.

  Either elementary education content test will meet the new Iowa elementary teacher program content requirement. You may take either test in either the paper-delivered or computer-delivered format.

• When should I take the test?

  Because this test is a requirement for program completion, a Designated Institution Score Report must be received in the Office of Education Services, N310 Lindquist Center, before you can be recommended for licensure to any state. For timely recommendation for licensure it is recommended that you take the test prior to your student teaching semester. If you are unable to take the test prior to student teaching, plan to test at least six weeks before the end of student teaching.

  Be aware that the registration deadline for a paper-delivered test date will be more than one month in advance of the test date, and that computer-delivered testing may need to be scheduled weeks in advance.

• Where and how can I take the test?

  You can take Praxis II at any location where it is offered in Iowa, elsewhere in the United States, or around the world. Paper-delivered tests are offered on fixed dates throughout the year. Computer-delivered tests are offered year-round at Prometric testing centers, by appointment.

• What is the cost of this test?

  The most recent published cost of the paper-delivered test is $130.00; this includes $80.00 for the test and $50.00 for the registration fee. The most recent published cost of the computer-delivered test is $110 (there is no additional registration fee for computer-delivered tests).

• What is the minimum score I must attain for Iowa elementary teacher program completion?

  After September 1, 2007 elementary education candidates for licensure must receive the following:

  • 0011/5011 Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment:
    A score of 151
  • 0014/5014 Elementary Education: Content Knowledge:
    A score of 142

• If I plan to teach outside of Iowa, do I need to take this elementary education content test?

  Yes. Because this testing requirement is a requirement for program completion, you cannot be recommended to any state for licensure until you have satisfied this requirement.

• Will this elementary education content test (Praxis II) satisfy any other state’s licensure test requirements?

  Listed below are some other states that require a Praxis II Elementary Education content test, including the name of the test and the qualifying score, as reported by ETS. Information on other states can be found under State Requirements on the Praxis II section of the ETS website. If you plan to teach in a state other than Iowa, always verify current testing and licensure requirements with the state's department of education.

  Praxis II Tests/Required Scores of Some States
  (Information on other states can be found at http://www.ets.org/praxis/states/state_requirements)

  State/Territory	Test	Qualifying Score
  Alabama	0014/5014	137
  Alaska	0011/5011 or 0014/5014	156 143
  Colorado	0014/5014	147
  Connecticut	0011/5011	163
  Delaware	0014/5014	151
  District of Columbia	0014/5014	145
  Hawaii	0011/5011	153
  Idaho	0014/5014	143
  Indiana	0011/5011	165
  Kansas	0011/5011	163
  Kentucky	0014/5014	148
  Louisiana	0014/5014	150
  Maine	0014/5014	145
  Maryland	see state information	see state information
  Minnesota	see state information	see state information
  Mississippi	0011/5011	158
  Missouri	0011/5011	164
  Nebraska	0011/5011	159
  Nevada	see state information	see state information
  New Hampshire	0014/5014	148
  New Jersey	0014/5014	141
  North Carolina	see state information	see state information
  North Dakota	0011/5011	158
  Ohio	see state information	see state information
  Pennsylvania	0011/5011	168
  Rhode Island	0014/5014	145
  South Carolina	see state information	see state information
  South Dakota	0014/5014	140
  Tennessee	0011/5011 0014/5014	159 140
  US Virgin Islands	0014/5014	140
  Utah	0014/5014	150
  Vermont	0014/5014	148
  Virginia	0014/5014	143
  West Virginia	0011/5011	155
  Wisconsin	0014/5014	147
  Wyoming	0011/5011	160