Praxis I requirement
The Praxis I test is one of the requirements for admission to the Education Department.
Once the student passes all sections of the Praxis I test
and meets the other requirements for admission, the student
can be admitted to the education program. Use the links below for assistance with study tips and information about test anxiety.
General Information and Study Tips
Reducing Test Anxiety
Praxis I Assistance Options
- Contact your public libraries and ask if they have LearnATest available on-line.
- VWC Learning Resource Center~ tutors available for math and reading
- Practice Tests available on Blackboard
- Books available for checkout in Pruden 104
SAT as a substitute test for Praxis I
On March 24, 2004 the Board of Education approved the use of the SAT as a substitute test for Praxis I (Reading, Writing and Mathematics) required for initial licensure. The board approved a score of 1000 on the SAT, taken prior to April 1, 1995, with at least 450 on the verbal and 510 on the mathematics tests or a score of 1100 on the SAT, taken after April 1, 1995, with at least 530 on the verbal and 530 on the mathematics tests as a substitute for Praxis I. Please note that the SAT was approved as a substitute test only for Praxis I. individuals also must meet the Praxis II (subject area assessment) for initial licensure.
The Praxis II test must be taken before student teaching. The licensure application can be submitted for teacher certification after the student has passed both Praxis I and Praxis II and has completed all other program requirements.
Virginia Communications and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Requirement
One June 22, 2005 the Board of Education approved the implementation of the VCLA for initial licensure in Virginia. The VCLA is required beginning January 1, 2007. The VCLA measures communication and literacy skills necessary to teach and communicate effectively with parents and others in the education community.
The VCLA is composed of two sub tests: reading and writing. Students must earn a passing score on the VCLA in order to be accepted to the Education Department and to participate in student teaching. Students must earn a total of at least 470 to pass this test.
Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) Requirement
The Virginia Department of Education developed a plan to enhance reading instruction in Virginia. The VDOE and a national testing company developed a test which assesses one's ability to teach reading. This test has been aligned with the Virginia English Standards of Learning and the five key components of effective reading instruction which are phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency.
VRA satisfies required mandates by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Students must earn a minimum score of 235 in order to be accepted to the Education Department and to participate in student teaching. This test is required for those who will be elementary teachers and/or special education teachers.
The VRA should be taken after students have completed EDUC 320 and EDUC 321. These courses provide the material that students need to know to be successful when they take the VRA. Preparation information can be found at he VRA Faculty Resources Website.
Praxis II Requirement
Individuals also must meet the Praxis II (subject area assessment) for initial licensure.
The Praxis II test must be taken before student teaching. The licensure application can be submitted for teacher certification after the student has passed both Praxis I and Praxis II and has completed all other tests required by the state of Virginia and completed the sequence of profession education coursework.
For more information on VCLA or VRA please visit www.doe.virginia.gov
For additional information about Praxis please visit the ETS: Educational Testing website.