PRAXIS™ CORE ACADEMIC SKILLS FOR EDUCATORS

The Praxis Series is an Educational Testing Service (ETS) program that provides tests and other services for states to use as part of their teacher certification process. The Praxis Series assessments are also used by colleges and universities to qualify individuals for entry to their teacher education programs.

The Standards for Practitioner and Administrator Preparation Programs of the Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 79.13(2)c, states:

“For teacher preparation programs, the system includes the administration of a basic skills test, with program admission denied to any applicant who fails to achieve the institution's designated criterion score.”

To comply with this code, Cornell College chose to use the PRAXIS™ CORE ACADEMIC SKILLS FOR EDUCATORS from the Praxis Series.  The following are the minimum scores needed for admittance to the Teacher Education Program:

  • Reading, Writing, and Math (combined test code 5751) 
    • Reading (test code 5712) - 150
    • Writing (test code 5722) - 140
    • Math (test code 5732) – 128
      Individual test codes should only be used if a test needs to be retaken. Otherwise, use the combined testing code.

Cornell College requires the minimum scores be met in all three basic skills tests with unlimited attempts.     Payment of the initial registration as well as any retakes is the responsibility of the student. The tests are administered only as computer-based (CPPST). It is highly recommended that students complete the Praxis Core requirement early in their academic career so that they can proceed with the checkpoints of the Teacher Education Program.

Information including registration forms, directions for online registration test sites and dates, test preparation, and more is found at www.ets.org/praxis. Your specific site Education Coordinator will also answer any questions you may have regarding registration.

Non-standard testing accommodations are provided for students with disabilities who meet ETS requirements. The request form for non-standard testing accommodations as well as other information regarding non-standard testing can be found at www.ets.org/exadep/english/disabilities/. All requests for accommodations must be approved in accordance with The Praxis Series Program policies. Because ETS needs to review documentation in order to provide appropriate accommodations, test takers seeking non-standard testing accommodations must register through the Educational Testing Service. Test takers who require only minor modifications to the standard testing environment (e.g. wheel chair access, adjustable table or chair, or special lighting) or who have documented medical needs (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy) that necessitate taking medication or snack breaks will submit a letter of support from a medical doctor or other qualified professional stating the nature of the disability and the minor modifications requested with the test registration form and fee. All other requests for accommodations must be made on the request form for non-standard testing accommodations.

Cornell College provides tutorial support for the Praxis Core exam via the Quantitative Reasoning Studio and the Writing Studio.  Practice tests are available at www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials and at www.testprepreview.com.  

Free PRAXIS math practice is now available through mathhelp.com.  There are approximately 1,000 free practice problems in each of the PRAXIS math courses (PRAXIS Core, Elementary, Middle Grades, etc.) covering every topic on the tests and featuring complete explanations for every problem.

Praxis Core and Praxis II Testing Center:  https://www.prometric.com/en-us/Pages/home.aspx 

Prometric Center, 1305 5th St., Suite 103, Coralville, Iowa, 319-351-1023