General Information on Praxis Tests

What you need to know!

All applicants for a first-time Minnesota teaching license must complete required teacher licensure tests in:

1. basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics;
2. professional knowledge; and
3. content/subject matter.

Minimum passing scores set by the State must be achieved on all tests to be eligible for licensure.

All tests are offered on six different Saturdays scheduled throughout the academic year. Only PPST may be taken computerized at one of the computer-based testing centers.

For state teacher testing requirements, go to http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Teacher_Support/Educator_Licensing/Teacher_Testing_Requirements/index.html

Praxis 1: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)

The Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) is a basic competency test in reading, writing and mathematics. Evidence of having taken the test is required as part of the admission process for Professional Education.

Professional Education admittance is required before students can continue with certain courses in their program (EEC 333, Block I, II, III for Elementary Majors; EEC 365/6, 368/9, 370/1, Blocks for Early Childhood Majors; or Blocks 2, 3, 4 for 5-12 or K-12 Majors) Students will want to plan accordingly so they are not held up for registration.

Praxis 2: Principles of Learning and Teaching and Content/Subject Assessment Tests

The Praxis 2 test consists of the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) which measures general pedagological knowledge and the Content/Subject Assessment tests which measure general and subject-specific pedagological skills and knowledge.

Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) consists of three levels of assessment. Students take one test within the scope of their licensure:

• El. Ed. or Early Childhood (K-6 level)
• Secondary (5-9 level or 7-12 level)
• K-12 Specialists (K-6 level, or 5-9 level, or 7-12 level)

Students will need to take a Content/Subject Assessment Test for each teaching field. For example, a Social Studies and ESL Major would take the Social Studies content and the ESL content tests.
Note: Elementary Majors take a content test for their middle level specialty area.

It is recommended that you take the PLT as late as possible during student teaching. The Content/Subject Tests can be taken at the same time or prior to student teaching.

Registration materials including inserts listing required tests for each teaching field and sample registrations are available outside the College of Education Academic Advising Office, Armstrong Hall 117, 507-389-1215.