College of Education Advising Center PPST (PRAXIS I) GENERAL INFORMATION

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College of Education Advising Center
PPST (PRAXIS I) GENERAL INFORMATION

The PPST is offered by:
Educational Testing Services (ETS)
http://www.ets.org/praxis
1-800-772-9476

1. What is the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)? The PPST (Praxis I) is a basic skills test required of all Education majors (except Physical Education non-license option, and Postsecondary Workforce Education majors), which assesses an individual's knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics. All UNLV teacher-licensure students must pass all three portions of the PPST; there are no exceptions.
2. When should I take the PPST? The PPST should be taken as soon as possible. New students should take the PPST within their first three semesters at UNLV. Transfer students should take the PPST immediately. The College of Education Advising Center must have a student’s official scores (either via phone or paper) from ETS in order to register for classes that require the PPST. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Advising Center receives the scores.
3. How much does it cost to take the PPST? In general, the test is $130. To determine if you are eligible for a fee waiver, please contact ETS.
4. What scores are considered passing in Nevada?

Passing Scores	Reading	Writing	Math
Paper-Pencil	174	172	172
Computerized	174	172	172

Note: Previous computer scales were 321, 318, 317.
If the PPST was taken BEFORE 07/01/2000,
passing paper-pencil scores were 172, 172, 170,
and passing computer scores were 319, 318, 315.

1. Should I prepare for the PPST? Yes, it is recommended that you review the type of material on the PPST to determine if you will require additional preparation before taking the test.
2. How can I prepare for the PPST? First, visit ETS’s site to download the ‘Test at a Glance.’ The Test at a Glance is a free practice test that enables students to see the general format and content of the PPST. In addition, test preparation books are available at most major bookstores and libraries, or directly through ETS. UNLV also offers free tutoring for the math portion through the Math Center, 895-1197. Free tutoring for the writing portion is available through the UNLV Writing Center, 895-3908. Or, students may utilize tutoring through the Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach, 895-4782.
3. How can I take the PPST? The PPST may be taken on the computer at Prometric Testing Center (800-853-6773) or paper-based (http:www.ets.org/praxis/). It is generally offered Monday through Saturday at Prometric Testing Center, while the paper-based format is usually offered once every two months. Students should register for the test as soon as possible. When registering for the PPST, the test codes are 0710, 0730, and 0720.
4. How long does it take to obtain my official scores? Please contact ETS to determine their processing time. If the scores will not arrive before a deadline, students may schedule an appointment with the Advising Center’s front desk staff to hear their scores by phone (contact ETS to determine the fee). ETS may not give scores by phone until the computer testing center and/or paper-based scores have been reported.
5. What if I do not pass one section of the PPST; can I just retake that section, or must I retake all three parts? You will be required to only retake the section(s) in which you did not pass. Please contact ETS to determine how many times the test may be repeated in any given period.

Passing the PPST: Strategic Tips


I have taken the PPST, and did not pass one or more sections. What should I do now?

First, do not panic…you are not alone! Many students do not pass one or more sections of the PPST. Second, determine why you think that you did not pass the section(s). If you did not review with a test preparation book, now is the time to do so. If you did prepare with a test preparation book and did not pass, the following is a list of suggestions to help you succeed in passing the PPST. For recommended courses at the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN), please contact CCSN for details. Students may apply to CCSN at, https://studentsfirst.ccsn.edu/, or call (702) 651-3000 for details. Students are immediately admitted and pay a $5 application fee upon registering for courses. If you have detailed questions about the CCSN PRAXIS I REVIEW courses, call 651-4400.

I. Reading

1. CCSN course: EDUC 198B-PRAXIS I REVIEW: READING (This course is one credit pass/fail and meets for 5 weeks), 651-4400.
2. CCSN course: READ 097-READING SKILLS IV (This course is a three credit letter grade and spans the duration of the semester), 651-4005. This course cannot be used in lieu of the PPST for UNLV initial licensure students.

II. Writing

1. UNLV Writing Center, 895-3908. You may bring a writing sample and obtain free assistance, or obtain help with the best way to outline and structure an essay.
2. CCSN course: EDUC 198B-PRAXIS I REVIEW: WRITING (This course is one credit pass/fail and meets for 5 weeks), 651-4400.

III. Math

1. Obtain free tutoring through the UNLV Math Center, 895-1197.
2. CCSN course: EDUC 198B-PRAXIS I REVIEW: MATH (This course is one credit pass/fail and meets for 5 weeks), 651-4400.
3. CAEO tutoring, 895-4782. Math lab-hourly fees apply.
4. Bill Hanlon’s PPST math videos and packet ($10). Contact 799-3832, ext 249.

OTHER:
Are you running out of time when taking the test?

1. You could improve your scores by working on your time-management techniques in the testing setting. Contact CAEO at 895-4782 for possible workshops or services.
2. You could explore the possibility that you have a disability related to the section/type of test. For testing, contact the Disability Resource Center at 895-0866. Students with certain documented disabilities may receive extended time. Contact ETS for details.
3. Were you born in a country other than the United States, and English is not your primary language? If so, you may be eligible for additional time. Contact ETS for details. If a Certification of Documentation form is required, students must bring their out-of-country birth certificate and/or Green Card to the UNLV English Language Center, CDC-Bldg. 1-11.

Not sure how or where you are going wrong? ETS can provide you with a Diagnostic Preparation Program. This program will assess your strengths and weaknesses by evaluating your previous test results. The fee ranges from $65 to $150 depending on which section you would like analyzed and how the test was taken.

Praxis II: Subject Assessments
Important Notice Regarding Praxis II

All students on teacher licensure tracks must take the PRAXIS II prior to graduation. In addition, students will be required to take and pass the PRAXIS II in order to have a 'Completion of Approved Program' letter submitted to the Nevada State Department of Education for initial licensure (for students pursuing a degree leading to teacher licensure). In order to ensure that UNLV receives the PRAXIS II scores in time to submit the 'Completion of Approved Program' letter, students should take it at the end of the semester prior to student teaching. Students should list both UNLV (RA4861) and the Nevada State Department of Education (R8670) as score recipients.

The Clark County School District will not hire any new teachers unless they have passed the specialty area Praxis II Test.

To determine which PRAXIS II tests(s) are required for your major, please see the Nevada section of the Praxis Registration Bulletin. Additional details regarding the PRAXIS II may be obtained from the Nevada State Department of Education or Undergraduate Advising Center staff.