E-mail this pageThe Pre-Professional Skills Test (P.P.S.T.)
What Is the P.P.S.T.?
The P.P.S.T. is designed to be taken early in your college career to measure your reading, writing, and mathematical skills. The reading and mathematics tests are one-hour, multiple-choice assessments. The writing test includes both a 30 minute multiple-choice and a 30 minute essay section. (For more information, please refer to the PRAXIS Registration Bulletin which is available in the Education Office.)
Please be advised that as of fall 1999, all freshmen, transfer students, and internal transfers who recently declared Education as your major will be required to take the P.P.S.T. as one of the entrance requirements for any of the Education programs. The only students exempt from taking the P.P.S.T. are those who were matriculated into an Education major prior to fall 1999.
Why Is the P.P.S.T. Required?
The P.P.S.T. is a requirement of a large percentage of teacher education programs nationwide designed to improve the standards of the teaching profession. In addition, Plattsburgh State University is required to evaluate the progress of students prior to entering the education sequence of their program by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.).
Test Dates
The P.P.S.T. is a national, standardized test and is offered six times annually. However, the P.P.S.T. is only administered on the Plattsburgh State campus every November, January, and April. Please contact the Education Office for updated information.
When Should You Take the P.P.S.T.?
At least one to two semesters prior to registering for EDU330. Freshman Education majors should consider taking the P.P.S.T. during the first semester of the sophomore year.
Note: transfer students from Clinton Community College who successfully completed ENG237, Exploring Educational Issues Through Writing, are still required to take and pass all sections of the P.P.S.T.
Fee Waivers
If you are currently enrolled as an undergraduate and receive financial aid, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. (Refer to in the PRAXIS Registration Bulletin for more information.)
Test Takers with Disabilities
Testing accommodations are available for test takers who meet the PRAXIS eligibility criteria. For more information, please refer to the PRAXIS Registration Bulletin.
How Do I Register?
Stop by the Education Office to pick up a copy of the bulletin. If you have any questions, please contact the PRAXIS Customer Service (609) 771-7395 or Connie Marsh, P.P.S.T. Coordinator, at the Education Office (518) 564-5140.
Important Notes When Registering:
- For item #9, fill in 10710 (Reading Test) and 10730 (Math Test) for the Session I one hour tests. For the Writing Test, fill in 20720 for the Session II one hour test.
- For item #12, please make sure you fill out R2544 (P.S.U.) as the agency to receieve the score reports.
Scoring of the P.P.S.T.
You must take and pass all sections of the P.P.S.T. prior to enrolling in EDU 330. Passing the P.P.S.T. is a prerequisite to enrolling in EDU 330 which, in turn, is a prerequisite to entering the initial course in each professional education program.
| Component | P.P.S.T. Minimum Passing Score: |
| Reading | 166 (scaled score out of a possible 190) |
| Math | 165 (scaled score out of a possible 190) |
| Writing, including essay | 167 (scaled score out of a possible 190) |
| Please note that if you do not achieve the minimum passing score on the P.P.S.T., you will not be allowed to register for any Education courses. You will then be required to meet with your advisor to formulate an action plan. | |
P.P.S.T. Alternative: Computerized P.P.S.T.
The PRAXIS I Computer-Based Test (C.B.T.) is an alternative method for taking the P.P.S.T. There are 20 authorized C.B.T. Testing Centers throughout New York. Please refer to the Registration Bulletin for more information.
Contact Information
Ms. Connie Marsh, Assistant Director of Student Teaching and Field Placement
Undergraduate Advisor
Office: Sibley 304
Phone: (518) 564-5140
E-Mail: Connie.Marsh@plattsburgh.edu
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you would like more information about education programs at Plattsburgh State, please contact
Educational Studies and Services
Departments
Office: Sibley 302
Phone: (518) 564-2122
Fax: (518) 564-2149
E-mail: education@plattsburgh.edu