Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) :
WCU's School Code: 5897
PPST stands for Pre-Professional Skills Tests and is also referred to as Praxis I: Academic Skills Tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Teacher candidates or those wishing to become certified are required to take the Praxis I tests to demonstrate their qualifications. The State Board of Education sets minimum scores that students must meet for admission to teacher education. Students who already hold a four year degree and are seeking a second degree or licensure-only certification are not required to fulfill this requirement.
Required Praxis I (PPST) scores are:
Reading 176
Writing 173
Mathematics 173
Additionally, a combined Praxis I (PPST) score of 522 meets the Praxis I requirement. If individual test scores do not meet each requirement above, a combined score of 522 satisfies the requirement.
Moreover, individuals with a total SAT score of 1100 (Verbal and Quantitative only) are exempt from Praxis I testing requirements for teacher education program admission.
- Individuals with a total SAT score of less than 1100, but a score of at least 550 on the Verbal test are exempt from Praxis I in Reading and Writing.
- Individuals with a total SAT score of less than 1100, but a score of at least 550 on the Math test are exempt from Praxis I in Mathematics.
Likewise, individuals with a composite ACT score of 24 are exempt from Praxis I testing requirements for teacher education program admission.
- Individuals with a composite ACT score of less than 24, but with a score of at least 24 on the English are exempt from Praxis I in Reading and Writing.
- Individuals with a composite ACT score of less than 24, but a score of at least 24 on the Math test are exempt from Praxis I in Mathematics.
The tests are administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and can be completed in a paper-and-pencil format at scheduled times during the year. To register go to http://www.ets.org/praxis.
Computer-delivered tests are given year round by appointment by calling Educational Testing Sevice at 800.772.9476 or registering online at http://www.ets.org/praxis/register/computer. The computer-based testing center closest to Western Carolina University is the Prometric Testing Center in Asheville.
Prometric Testing Center
31 College Place
Building D, Suite 107
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)-253-4224
For more information about the Praxis tests, including test preparation materials, go to http://www.ets.org/praxis. Free PLATO Praxis I preparation information can also be found through our CEAP Instructional Technology Resources.









