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PRAXIS

General Information

The Praxis® exams are a series of tests to measure the academic skills and subject-specific content knowledge needed for teaching. Individuals must pass the exams or an equivalent assessment to become certified through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and enter the teaching profession. The exams fall into two categories:

• Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) — comprehensive assessments that measure candidates’ skills and content knowledge entering teacher preparation programs
• Praxis® Subject Assessments — tests that measure the general and subject-specific content knowledge needed for beginning teaching.

Please refer to the  for eligibility standards, certification requirements, passing score thresholds, and reciprocity agreements. The following links provide greater detail into each aspect of the examination process.

Online Praxis Testing

ETS offers an at-home Praxis testing option for test takers living in the United States, its territories, or Canada. These tests are identical to those taken at a test center, whether on your computer at home or in another secure location. Before your appointment, ensure that your testing area meets the environmental requirements set by ETS. A human proctor monitors All at-home tests online, and testing is available 7 days a week.

Available Test Titles:

• Over 100 Praxis tests are available for at-home (including Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Tests). 
• if your program’s required test is available
• Praxis TRE Exam Information:
  • The Teaching Reading: Elementary Education (TREE) is a Praxis subject assessment designed to measure a teacher's knowledge and skills to support reading development at the elementary level. It reflects the five essential components of effective reading instruction, as identified by the National Reading Panel and informed by the most current research and scientifically proven methods of reading pedagogy. 
  • The current incarnation of the exam received MSDE adoption on July 1, 2019, for teachers in the following content areas.

Testing Rules:

• Follow all of the following rules. Otherwise, you risk having your test canceled and forfeiting your fee (there are no refunds).
• Don't use unauthorized materials, including mobile devices, prewritten notes, or textbooks.
• Personal recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• You must disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software (such as Zoom, Skype®, TeamViewer®, Microsoft Teams®, and Apple Remote Desktopâ„¢) prior to the test and remain disabled throughout the test. Make sure that the software does not open automatically during the test.
• Don't communicate with anyone except the proctor during scheduled and unscheduled breaks.
• There may be references to using a headset during your test. Ignore them; headsets are NOT allowed in the tests at home.
• ETS is monitoring the reuse of devices and testing locations for unauthorized purposes. Frequent, inappropriate reuse of shared testing devices and common testing locations may result in score delay and/or cancellation, impacting your eligibility for future ETS exams.

Unscheduled Breaks:

• Most tests don't offer a scheduled break. However, you have the option to take a short, unscheduled break. If you choose to take an unscheduled break, your test clock will NOT stop. Since timing continues during this break, we recommend returning as quickly as possible.
• If you are taking any of the following tests, you can take a short, unscheduled restroom break after the conclusion of one test but before completing a review of the General Directions for the next test. Your test clock will start once you return and complete the General Directions. 
  • Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators combined test (5752)
  • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test (5001) 
  • Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching (7811)
  • Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle—Mathematics, Social Studies and Science (5901) 
  • Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core Assessment (5152)
  • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (7001)
  • Early Childhood Assessment (5026)
  • Elementary Education Assessment (5006) 

Equipment:

• Desktop or laptop computer. You cannot use a tablet, Chromebookâ„¢, or mobile device.
• A licensed and approved operating system is required. Unlicensed or test-mode versions are not permitted.
• PC: Windows® operating system, version 10 or higher
• MAC: Mac OS X 10.13 or higher
• Chrome® browser.
• Multiple monitors, use of more than one mouse or keyboard, and dual screens are prohibited.
• Download and install the ETS® Secure Test Browser on the computer you'll use to test.
• To fully install the browser, run the file after downloading it.
• Close the browser once you see the message: "Success: You have installed the ETS secure test browser."
• Download the ETS Secure Browser by selecting one of the links below.
• Download the Mac® OS version
• Download the Windows® version
• Then, run the file to complete the installation. While in the browser, click the Equipment Check button to confirm your equipment is ready for test day.
• We strongly recommend checking your equipment before registering for a test. You will also be required to check your equipment after you register. If you fail the equipment check, you must fix any issues before test day. Live representatives are available to help.
• Computer firewalls and security applications can interfere with the test delivery software. If you experience this issue, you may need to disable or reconfigure your applications prior to the test.
• The equipment check includes a bandwidth check. Since bandwidth differs depending on the time of day and network usage, perform the equipment check a few times and in other environments, including one similar to what you would experience on test day.
• Use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor.
• Headsets and earphones aren't allowed.
• Use an internal or external microphone, not part of a headset, to talk to the proctor.
• The camera may be a built-in camera or a separate webcam.
• Before the test, the camera must move to show the proctor a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface.

Environment and testing space:

• You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.
• You can't take the test in a public space such as a park, internet café, or restaurant.
• Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
• The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test, including cell phones (except when used for check-in), cameras, notes, and study materials.
• The furniture and décor in the room do not need to be modified or removed.
• You must sit in a standard chair; you cannot sit or lie on a bed, couch, or overstuffed chair.
• Food and drink are not allowed during the test.

Testing Materials:

• You cannot take notes on regular paper for security reasons, and the proctor will require you to erase all notes in their view at the end of the test. You may use one of the following to take notes:
  • One small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker
  • One sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker.

Dress and Attire:

• Your ears must remain visible throughout the test without covering them with hair, a hat, or other items.
• Religious headwear is permitted if your ears remain visible.
• Wearing face masks during check-in or any part of the at-home testing session is prohibited.
• Dress appropriately for your test. You'll be monitored via camera by the proctor.
• Avoid wearing items such as jewelry, tie clips, cufflinks, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands, and other hair accessories.

In-Person Praxis Testing

The active Praxis testing location sites in Maryland are listed below:

Some test centers require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within a specific time frame before testing. Check with your local test center for a complete list of required health and safety procedures.
 

What to Bring:

• Admission ticket
• Acceptable, valid photo ID
• Calculator, if allowed for your test
• Acceptable face mask or covering, if required
• If you require any health-related accommodations, you must 
   

Check-In:

• Arrive 30 minutes before your testing time for check-in procedures.
• Plan to be there up to an hour longer than the actual test duration.
• An administrator or supervisor will check you in and assign your seat.
• During check in, you can expect the staff to conduct routine visual inspections, take your picture, and check your ID, among other things.
• You'll be instructed to store any personal items not permitted in the testing room in a locker or on-site storage area. You won't have access to them during your test except for food, beverages, and medication, which may be accessed during a break. 

Disabilities Accommodation Requests
Please submit all disability accommodation requests and supporting documents electronically to ensure that ETS can receive your application. Due to limited staffing, there could be delays in processing accommodation requests.  Submit via your. See  for resources for test takers with disabilities and health-related needs.   

Praxis test preparation

• Praxis has partnered with Study.com to provide discounts on high-quality Praxis prep for over 60 test titles.
• These materials include four months of access to tools such as diagnostics, video lessons, study guides, chapter quizzes, and practice tests.
• Save 25% on the Official Praxis Test Prep suite through this partnership for $180.
• • The Educational Testing Service (ETS) offers interactive practice exams for $24.95 per test. Each Interactive Practice Test lasts for a 90-day subscription or 10 uses, whichever comes first. 
• • Free webinars with in-depth information and demonstration
• • The Praxis® Learning Pathsâ„¢ Program is a new, online, asynchronous way to prepare for the Praxis® tests.
  • Current Praxis Learning Paths Products:
    • Elementary Mathematics Course. Tests this course covers:
      • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (code: 5001; subtests 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005)
      • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Mathematics subtest (5003)
      • The Mathematics section of the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge test (5018)
      • Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle Mathematics subtest (5903)
      • Elementary Education: Mathematics (7003)
    • Elementary Reading and Language Arts Course
      • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (code: 5001; subtests 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005)
      • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Reading and Language Arts subtest (5002)
      • Reading and Language Arts section of the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge test (5018)
    • Elementary Social Studies Course
      • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (code: 5001; subtests 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005)
      • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Social Studies subtest (5004)
      • Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle Social Studies subtest (5904)
      • Social Studies section of the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge test (5018)
    • Elementary Science Course
      • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (code: 5001; subtests 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005)
      • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Science subtest (5005)
      • Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle Science subtest (5905)
      • The science section of the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge test (5018)
  • Each course costs $99.99. The current deal offers a buy two Praxis Learning Paths, get two FREE.
  • Buyers can access the course for 180 days starting from the purchase date.
• • Free and fee-based Praxis test prep resources
     

The School Leadership Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
The School Leadership Licensure Assessment (SLLA) exam tests explicitly for certification as an Administrator II (principal). Click the following link for more information.

GRE Overview

The GRE General Test is a standardized aptitude test that reflects what kind of thinking you may do in a graduate program. It measures your skills in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

GRE Exam Testing Updates

• The GRE General and Subject Tests are both available in test centers and at-home.
• Beginning September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test will be shortened from 4 hours long to just under 2 hours long.
  • There are 46 fewer Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning questions for a total of 27 Verbal Reasoning and 27 Quantitative Reasoning questions.
• GRE Discounts
  • Use code GRE602023 to get $60 off test registration through September 20, 2023.
  • Use code GRE502023 to get $50 off a retest through December 31, 2023.

Here is some pertinent information in regards to GRE test preparation:

• To learn more about the at home test, register for an or visit the web pages forand .
• The GRE Program has introduced free for advisors and educators who conduct workshops with students.
• to find current available seats for the GRE exams.
• GRE .
• for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs.
• ETS is posting videos, developing registration checklists, and hosting Facebook Live Events in order to help test takers understand the new online testing process.
• Students can access free directly on the GRE website.

ACTFL

 

Applicants seeking certification in a world language may meet the testing requirement by presenting qualifying scores on the Praxis II Content Assessment for the specific language or by presenting qualifying scores on the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) for that language.

World language graduates of approved teacher preparation programs are not required to take the Praxis pedagogy test 5841. The requirement is only for candidates completing certification through transcript analysis or alternative preparation programs.

World language students must complete either the OPI and Praxis II Content Knowledge or the OPI and the WPT. Candidates taking Latin have an exemption from the OPI and WPT exams. MSDE has yet to set a cut-off score for Italian due to the low number of program completers. Students taking Italian complete the OPI and WPT, an approved alternative.

To meet ACTFL requirements, ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®candidates MUST achieve specific scores on the OPI that exceed MSDE's requirements: ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®candidates must speak in the interpersonal mode at a minimum level of "Advanced Low" (French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish) or "Intermediate High" (Chinese) on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). 
 

Students will use LiveText to complete their edTPA portfolio and document their performance on the Technical Standards/Foundational Competencies and the Maryland Teacher Technology Standards. For more information visit the College of Education LiveText webpage.

Please complete this form for requests, data, projects, and assistance from the Assessment Team .

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