INDEX:  Overview | Praxis Series Background | Policy | Praxis I-PPST | Praxis I-CBT | Praxis II-PLT | Praxis II-Subject Assessment | NC NTE Tests

Subject Tests:  Art | Biology | Business | Chemistry | Elementary | English/Language Arts | Mathematics | Middle Grades (see specific area) | Music | Physical Education | Social Studies | Special Education -- LD & MD | Technology Education
 
 

OVERVIEW   OF NORTH CAROLINA LICENSURE  TESTING

The Praxis(NTE) tests are designed to ensure that candidates for licensure possess the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching. Candidates for initial licensure in North Carolina, including out-of-state candidates, must successfully complete the Praxis tests.   Testing is required in the following, three categories:    General Knowledge (reading, writing, and mathematics) - Passing scores on the Praxis I (Pre-Professional Skills (PPST) test or Computer Based Test (CBT) are required by colleges and universities as an entrance requirements to the approved education program.    General Pedagogy - A passing scores on the Principles of Learning and  Teaching (PLT) test is required to qualify for licensure (usually taken near the end of the college/university approved education program).    License Area Assessment - A passing score on a Praxis II (or NTE) subject assessment/specialty area test is required to qualify for licensure (usually taken near the end of the college/university approved education program). Individual's qualifying for their first license must pass at least one area assessment.    Also, individuals adding areas to their certificates must successfully complete Praxis II specialty tests for the area added.

 
 
 

THE PRAXIS SERIES   BACKGROUND  TEST SCORES	Praxis II subject assessments are composed of two or three tests. Each test has a minimum score and a validated score. The sum of the validated scores equals the required total passing score for the assessment.    A compensatory model of scoring allows for some deviation from the validation score for each test, but the score on each test must meet the minimum score requirements. Scores below the minimum on any test are unacceptable, and prevent an individual from successfully meeting the test requirement.
POLICY	The Praxis series of tests is the required testing program.    Praxis I is required for entry into an approved education program.    Praxis II tests assess subject content knowledge and are required for licensure.    Note: For licensure areas not covered by a Praxis II subject assessment, NTE specialty area tests are required.    Praxis - Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) assesses general pedagogy and is required for initial licensure. The test is administered in three versions:    - elementary    - middle grades    - secondary    Candidates choose the version that corresponds to their licensure area. A satisfactory score on any version ful fills the test requirement. A minimum score of 160 is required.   ECSU prospective teachers in the specialty areas of Art, Music, Health & Physical Education, and Special Education may select to take either of the three versions.
PRAXIS I PPST	The table that follows, lists the registration codes and required score for each of the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST).

 

NC NTE Programs Test Requirements

TESTS AND REQUIRED SCORES

The table that follows lists the NTE Programs test required by North Carolina  required scores effective July 1, 1994, and their minimum required acceptable scores.