Important PRAXIS Information

Registration pamphlets with information on both PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II are available on the rack outside of Student Academic Services, 144 Withers.  When registering for both PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II, it is critical that you list Winthrop University (5910) and the South Carolina Department of Education (8108) as score recipients. 

Tests at a Glance booklets that include practice test questions for PRAXIS I and II are available online at www.ets.org/PRAXIS.

When do I take PRAXIS I?

All undergraduate students must meet a testing requirement for admission to the Teacher Education Program in South Carolina.  Students may meet this requirement in any of the following ways:

Students who do not already meet the admissions testing requirement through the ACT or SAT as listed above are encouraged to take (or retake) the ACT, SAT, or PRAXIS I as early as possible.  Admission to the Teacher Education Program is dependent on meeting the minimum score required on ONE of the tests listed above. 

These testing requirements will also apply for recipients of the South Carolina Teachers Loan. 

There are no exceptions to these policies. 

Students who must take a test for admission:  If you do not already meet the minimum scores on the ACT or SAT as listed above, it is necessary for you to take the ACT, SAT, or PRAXIS I Series early in your undergraduate career.

To register for the ACT, please visit www.actstudent.org.

To register for the SAT, please visit www.collegeboard.com.

For PRAXIS I:  You may take the test with pencil and paper (PPST, for which the minimum scores are R=322, W=319, M=317 ) or on the computer (Computerized PPST).  The Computerized PPST is encouraged for several reasons:

1. The testing environment is more private.
2. Students receive score reports on reading and math sooner.  (Writing scores are received within 4-6 weeks of taking the test).
3. The passing percentages tend to be higher on the Computerized PPST.
4. Convenience of scheduling test time.
5. Test time is shorter (1.5 hours).

There is a testing site in Rock Hill for PRAXIS I exams, computerized version only, at Thompson Prometric, 232 Cherry Road, (803) 980-8025.  You may call to schedule an appointment for the PRAXIS I tests.  This testing center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Learning Plus

Learning Plus is a fully interactive computer delivered instructional program for students who want to improve their reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking skills.  Learning Plus is offered in the Instructional Technology Center, 307 Withers, and PC lab in Withers.  Contact  the ITC at 323-2136 for information about this tutorial program.

When do I take PRAXIS II?

Specialty Area Exams and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)

Undergraduate and MAT students must take PRAXIS II exams as graduation requirements.

Undergraduate students should take the PRAXIS II as close to their internship semester as possible.

MAT students must take and pass their Specialty Area Exams BEFORE they can begin their internship.

The Principles of Learning and Teaching is also recommended because after July 1, 2006, the South Carolina Department of Education will require the PLT for initial certification.  The PLT is offered for three grade levels: K-6, 5-9 and 9-12.  All early childhood and elementary majors should take the K-6 exam, middle level majors should take the 5-9 exam, and secondary majors should take the 9-12 exam.  Students majoring in areas that lead to certification in grades K-12 should choose either the exam for grades K-6 or 9-12.

New PLT Requirement effective July 1, 2006

The Principles of Learning and Teaching exam (PLT) is a requirement for South Carolina initial certification (as of July 1, 2006). Therefore, for all students who will be completing a teacher education program and graduating in December 2006 and subsequently, the PLT will be required before the initial certificate may be issued. 

Currently required PRAXIS II exams are listed on the South Carolina Department of Education’s website:  www.scteachers.org/cert/exam.cfm

Note:  PRAXIS II scores are reported approximately six weeks after the tests are taken.

Changes in PRAXIS II Specialty Area Exams effective July 1, 2006

The following score revisions will be effective as of  July 1, 2006:

• Biology/General Science (0030)-lower from 590 to 570
• Chemistry/Physics/General Science (0070)-lower from 570 to 540
• Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge (0353)-raise from 143 to 150
• French: Content Knowledge (0173)-raise from 156 to 160
• Health Education (0550)-lower from 710 to 680
• Intro to the Teaching of Reading (0200)-raise from 500 to 560
• Library Media Specialist (0310)-raise from 590 to 620

*Individuals graduating in December 2006 or later must present scores at the new passing level.

2008-2009 PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II dates (Paper and Pencil ONLY)