CAREER SERVICES &
PROFESSIONAL LIFE DEVELOPMENT

Services for
TEACHERS & EDUCATORS  

Praxis I Exam

The State of Maine has mandated that anyone applying for initial teacher certification must take and achieve qualifying scores on Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST).

WHAT IS THE PRAXIS I EXAM?

An Academic Skills Assessment to measure your reading, writing and mathematics skills available in two formats: The paper-based and computer-based (CBT) versions.

WHEN DO I TAKE THE TEST?

The Praxis is required for application to the Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP), and at various points before internships in the following USM education programs: Art Education, Music Education, Technology Education, Teachers for Elementary and Middle Schools (TEAMS), and Collaborative Learning and School Success (CLASS).

HOW DO I REGISTER?

For the paper-based version, you can register online at www.ets.org/praxis .

For the computer-based version, call Prometric Test Center (Sylvan Learning Center) in South Portland at

(1-800-967-1100) to schedule Praxis I and Praxis II exams.

OR 

Registration Bulletins are available from USM's Career Services and Professional Life Development office in Gorham, 128 School Street (780-5337), and the Office of Academic Assessment, 122 Payson Smith, Portland Campus (780-4383).

IS THERE A FEE TO TAKE THE TEST?

 Yes

WHERE DO I TAKE THE TEST?

The paper-based version is offered at USM in September, January, and April.    Upon registering with Educational Testing Service, you will receive an admission ticket that will indicate the location of the testing site.

The computer-based version is administered at the Sylvan Learning Center in South Portland, ME.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE?

Go to the Educational Testing Service website at www.ets.org/praxis.  Review "Tests At A Glance," your quick guide to each test, including sample test questions with answers and explanations.

WHAT ARE THE MAINE QUALIFYING SCORES?

• You need a composite score of 526 and you must pass two sections with the third being within three points of the passing score.
• Please note that different states may require different tests/different passing scores.

WHERE SHOULD I HAVE MY SCORES SENT?

USM and Maine State Department of Education should be designated as recipients on your registration form.  Test takers automatically receive a copy of their score report.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY RESULTS?

Score reports for the paper-based test will be mailed approximately four weeks after the test date.

Computer-based test scores will be mailed approximately two to three weeks after the test date.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T ACHIEVE QUALIFYING SCORES?

You may retake the test on the next available date.  You need only repeat the part of the test you failed.

STILL NEED  MORE HELP ?

 Career Services and Professional Life Development can help.We are located at 128 School Street, Gorham Campus. Walk-in hours are most Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  You can schedule an appointment by calling (207) 780-5330. 

 Check us out on the web,  WWW.USM.MAINE.EDU/CAREERS

Rev. Oct. 2005