Praxis II Exam: FAQ
This page contains a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Praxis II exams. If your question is not answered on this page, feel free to contact Education Student Services at 801-422-3426 or ess@byu.edu.
What is Praxis?
No Child Left Behind (NCLB), an act passed by Congress in 2002, states, “Every child is entitled to a ‘highly qualified’ teacher.” To assist states in identifying "highly qualified teachers," Educational Testing Services (ETS) developed a series of nationwide exams known as Praxis I, II, and III (www.ets.org/praxis), which provide evidence of a teacher's content knowledge. From over 200 different Praxis exams, each state selects the exam it will require a teacher to pass in order to be licensed and considered "highly qualified" in a specific teaching area.
Who is required to take the Praxis?
To graduate from BYU with a teaching major students must (1) pass the Praxis II exam(s) approved by the Utah State Office of Education (USOE) for their teaching major and (2) provide Education Student Services at BYU with a score report prior to graduation. Some students will also be required pass the Praxis II in their teaching minor. (Contact Education Student Services for addional information (ess@byu.edu or 801-422-3426). Students in a BYU teaching program can neither graduate nor be recommended for licensure unless they have passed the required Praxis II exam(s).
There is one exception. No test has been approved for Dannce Education. To complete this degree and receive certification, dance education majors must complete a portfolio in place of a Praxis II.
When should I take the Praxis?
You should take the Praxis II exam in the semester immediately prior to your student teaching in order for test results to be received on time for graduation.
The Praxis II exam tests your knowledge of the content in your major. You may wish to review a sample test or purchase a study guide from ETS to determine your readiness for the exam. BYU also has some study guides available for free checkout--contact Education Student Services (ess@byu.edu) to find out where your major/minor study guide is located.
How do I know which tests to take?
This link will take you to a list of Utah State Board of Education Approved Praxis II tests.
How do I register
→ Register and pay your Praxis II exam fee online at www.ets.org/praxis
→ When registering there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Register for the "paper-delivered" test**.
- Include your social security number as an identifier used for licensing.
- Identify both Brigham Young University-Provo and the Utah State Office of Education (USOE) as recipients of your test results.
**Some Praxis II exams have an approved "computer-delivered" version. Currently the Elementary Education, French, German, and Spanish exams are available through computer-testing at Prometric Test Centers. Registration is still completed online at www.ets.org/praxis
What are the 2011-2012 Praxis II test dates?
| Test Date | Registration Deadlines |
| January 14, 2012 | December 15, 2011 |
| March 10, 2012 | February 9, 2012 |
| April 28, 2012 | March 29, 2012 |
| June 9, 2012 | May 10, 2012 |
| July 21, 2012 | June 21, 2012 |
What if I have a disability and need special testing accommodations?
Students with disabilities and others who need special testing accommodations will need to follow instructions provided on the ETS website. After declaring your disability, you must be sure to check the status of your disability request with ETS one month before the test to verify that your paperwork has been correctly processed.
What if English isn't my primary language?
Students whose primary language is not English may work with ETS to request extended time to take the Praxis II exam. Please plan ahead because space is limited and the time extension is only offered on certain testing dates.
What if I register but later find I can’t test on the scheduled day?
Contact ETS (1-800-772-9476) and request a change in test date.
What if I miss the test for illness/hospitalization?
Contact ETS (1-800-772-9476) and request a change in test date.
How can I study for the test?
Six strategies have been helpful to students in the past:
- You may benefit from reviewing notes and textbooks from past coursework, especially in areas suggested by the “Topics Covered” section of the Test at a Glance (TAAG) publication, which is available online at no charge.
- You may find it helpful to practice with the sample test questions in TAAG and compare your responses to the answers provided in the booklet.
- You might consider asking a mentor or professor to discuss the sample questions.
- You are encouraged to form study groups with other examinees and to prepare for the tests as you would for any professional examination.
- You may benefit from reviewing a study guide. BYU has study guides for some Praxis II exams, available for free checkout. Contact Education Student Services, at ess@byu.edu, to find out where your major/minor study guide is located. You may also purchase your own copy of a study guide from www.ets.org/praxis.
- It is helpful to complete the sample tests.
Page updated 6/30/11
Although Education Student Services makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information found on this website, we reserve the right to make changes at any time. Students should regularly consult with their department, college advisement center, the university catalog, and Education Student Services for updates and changes.