Praxis Information

All students seeking admission into the Watson School of Education Teacher Education Programs are required to take and pass all three sections of PRAXIS I, unless SAT or ACT scores allow exemption. Students must request that PRAXIS I scores be sent to UNCW, even if the test is taken at the UNCW Testing Center.

Read this document completely. It is your responsibility to be prepared for the test.

Praxis I Workshop - Rescheduled math review session - Saturday, February 20, 2010, from 8:30 - 10:30 AM. * This session has been rescheduled due to the cancelation of original January 30 math workshop.*Only those who previously registered may attend.

General Information
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Helpful Information

SAT or ACT Score Exemption Policy

Students with an SAT score of 1100 or higher (Math + Verbal) are exempt from the Praxis I exam. The Writing SAT score is not counted in the total of 1100 needed for exemption. Students with SAT scores of less than 1100, but with SAT scores of 550 or higher on Verbal are exempt from Praxis I Reading and Writing, SAT of 550 or higher on Math are exempt from Praxis I Math.
Students with an ACT composite score of 24 or higher are exempt from the Praxis I exam. Students with a composite score of less than 24, but with a score of at least 24 on the English test are exempt from the Praxis I Reading and Writing, ACT of at least 24 on the Math test are exempt from the Praxis I Math.
Students are required to provide the Watson School of Education Associate Dean’s Office with official SAT or ACT scores.

Helpful Information about Praxis 1

PRAXIS 1 is often referred to as PPST (paper-based) or C-PPST (computer-based).
There are two ways to take the PRAXIS I: Computer-Based and Paper-Based.
There are three required sections in the PRAXIS I: Reading, Writing, and Math
Required passing scores are: Reading = 176 , Mathematics = 173, Writing = 173, or combined Score of 522
Allow 4-6 weeks (minimum) for official test scores to arrive at the Watson School of Education. Students must request that UNCW be listed as a score recipient.
Current students should plan to take the PRAXIS I before the end of first semester sophomore year.
Transfer students should plan to take the PRAXIS I prior to enrolling at UNCW or early in the first semester at UNCW.

Computer Based Testing

Each section of the PRAXIS I can be taken once every calendar month, up to 6 times per year.
Appointments to take the test are available almost daily. Call the UNCW Testing Center at 910-962-7444.
Testing is available at Sylvan Learning Centers w/ testing capabilities as well.
Scores are available for student viewing immediately for Math and Reading. However, official scores needed for Watson admission may take as long as 6 weeks to arrive.

Paper-Based Testing

Offered multiple times a year- test dates are provided on the ETS website: www.ets.org/praxis1

Tips & Recommendations

Take the computer-based version of the test. It offers greater flexibility with scheduling.
We recommend that students take a maximum of two sections of the test per day. Pick your best two areas and then take the third area on a separate day.
To get a combined testing discount, schedule and pay for all tests together.
Accommodations can be made for students with disabilities by special request.
Fee Waiver- if you are receiving Financial Aid and are enrolled in the university, you may be eligible to receive a fee waiver, but you must apply well in advance.
DO NOT FORGET, students MUST request that their PRAXIS I scores be sent to UNCW since this is not automatically done, even if the tests are taken on the UNCW campus. An additional fee is charged to have official scores sent at a later date.

Test-Day Tips

Arrive at the test site at least 30-minutes prior to your test time. Late arrivals are not allowed to enter the testing room once the test has begun.
Test takers must bring all appropriate and required materials to the test. This includes (but not limited to): 2 appropriate forms of picture ID, pencils, sweaters/coats, etc.
Test takers are expected to be prepared and behave in a professional manner. UNCW will not tolerate inappropriate or unprofessional behavior by exam test takers.
READ the Praxis Informational Bulletin COMPLETELY before coming to take the test- it provides vital and useful information. It is available at www.ets.org/praxis1.
Be well-rested & eat before taking the exam, this allows you to concentrate on the test rather than your hunger and/or sleep.
Read the question(s) first, before you begin reading the passage(s) - this allows you to know what information you need to look for. Make sure you know what the question is asking.
Note that each section is timed, work at an appropriate speed.
Answer the questions you know first (only possible on paper-based Praxis), then eliminate answers you know are incorrect, narrowing down your correct choices.
Answer every question.

Study Resources & Workshops

Workshops - if funding is available: The Watson School offers PRAXIS I workshops approximately three times per calendar year.
Learning Express (Skills Improvements & Practice Tests) - Go to http://library.uncwil.edu click on “Databases & Articles”, once there, Click L, then Learning Express Library. Click on “New User”, create a username and password. Your first login needs to be done on UNCW campus. Under “Learning Centers” select level and “Skills Improvement courses” in the subjects you need review. For Practice Tests, type “Praxis 1” in the search box. There are two full length Praxis 1 practice tests.
ETS Praxis Website: www.ets.org/praxis
Study Guides/Practice Books: Available in the UNCW bookstore, websites (such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble), and through the UNCW Library Reserves Area.
The University Learning Center - Tutoring is available by appointment or by drop- in for the following areas: Reading, Writing, and Math. For Further information, call the University Learning Center: 962-7857 or visit our website: www.uncw.edu/uls.

Contact Information

UNCW Testing Center: (All PRAXIS I Registration and test-oriented questions)
The PRAXIS I tests may be taken on the UNCW campus in Westside Hall. Testing is scheduled by appointment by the Campus Testing Center. For registration or questions, please call the testing center at 910-962-7444.

Be sure to code UNCW as a score recipient