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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Praxis I test?
All education students in North Carolina are required to pass the Praxis I test as part of their certification process as an undergraduate student (once they complete their degree, some also must pass a Praxis II test in their content area as well). The test includes Reading, Writing and Math. Students at Appalachian must pass these tests in order to be admitted to the College of Education. Until a student is officially admitted, that student cannot take some of the key classes to complete their major.

Describe the Reading Praxis I Test. (Students must score 176 or higher )
The reading test is made of varying lengths of short, nonfiction reading passages. Students are then asked to answer a number of multiple choice questions on the passages. These questions test students' ability to identify the main idea, supporting details, and to make inferences (read between the lines) based on the reading. A student's vocabulary also plays a role, since they must understand words in the passage and the questions in order to choose the right answer. Logical thinking and careful reading of the question are also important. Students have about an hour to complete 40-50 questions (depending on format of testing).

Describe the Writing Praxis I Test. (Students must score 173 or higher)
The writing test includes a 30 minute timed point of view essay (similar to the English placement test) and 30 minutes to complete a series of multiple choice questions testing a student's knowledge of grammar. Students need to be able to recognize grammar errors (rather than be able to state grammar rules).

Describe the Math Praxis I Test. (Students must score 173 or higher)
Most of the math problems involve percentage, fractions, geometry, general problem-solving, basic algebra, interpreting graphs, and logical thinking. Students are not allowed to use a calculator.

How to sign up for the Praxis I test: The easiest way is to call the ASU testing center with a credit or debit card to sign up or to come in person with a check (they cannot accept cash). 262-6801. The combined test costs $125 (4 hour test). Students can also pay $145 to take the three tests at different times. Each test takes about 2 hours. These tests are computer-based. More information is available at www.testing.appstate.edu

What about paper-based tests? The testing center is no longer allowed to provide paper-based versions of the Praxis I test. The closest testing site to Appalachian is at Lenoir Rhyne College, though there may also be some locations near your home town. To sign up for paper-based tests, you need to go in through the ETS website and click on links to Register for a test and choose paper-based. You should also look at test dates and test locations for paper-based tests--there are only a few such tests given each semester. We hope to post more detailed instructions this semester, since navigating the ETS website can be challenging.

How to get study materials for the Praxis I test:
*You can buy one from the ASU bookstore, and several copies are available in the library.
* CliffsTestPrep Praxis I, PPST [electronic resource] / by Jerry Bobrow is online via the library website.
*   The Department of Curriculum and Instruction (2 nd floor of Edwin Duncan) checks out copies of Praxis test prep books to education majors.
* My favorite study material if you are going to buy one is the ETS Official Study Guide for Praxis (and actual past tests) sold from the ets website. www.ets.org/praxis / (click on study guides) This review book is also available on reserve in the ASU library. Search Reserves under instructor Cama Duke.
*You might also search for the GRE Powerprep software, free from the GRE website, helpful in getting comfortable with the computer-based testing format. (It's hard to link, so just google GRE Powerprep).

Are some students exempt from this test?
As of Spring 2006, students with a score of 1100 or higher on the SAT or a composite ACT score of 24 or higher are exempt from the Praxis I tests.
Reading: students must score 176 or higher (a SAT verbal score of 550 or higher; ACT 24 or higher on English test will also exempt a student from this test).
Writing: students must score 173 or higher (a SAT verbal score of 550 or higher; ACT 24 or higher on English test will also exempt a student from this test)
Math: students must score 173 or higher (a SAT math score of 550 or higher; or a ACT 24 or higher on the math will exempt a student from this test).