Western Carolina University

WCU's School Code: 5897

What are the Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST)?

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.

---

Test Score Requirements 

PPST Praxis I

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.

 

---

Registering for Tests

 

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 WCU is the Prometric Testing Center in Asheville.

Prometric Testing Center
31 College Place
Building D, Suite 107
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)-253-4224

 

---

Study Materials

• Free and priced test preparation materials (print & ebook study guides, tutorials, webinars, strategies and tips) can be found through Educational Testing Service by selecting Prepare for a Test.
• Free Praxis Test Preparation Webinar Video (Flash, 11 min, 49 sec.) for teacher candidates preparing to take a Praxis test. This on-demand video gives candidates a perfect starting place for their test preparation and can be viewed online at their own convenience. 

 

---