No, not really. Like many professions, you have to take an exam to prove what you know. I feel it makes the profession more respected. If you have gone to school for 4-5 years and have trouble passing it, then there is an issue with the curriculum at the university. Believe me, I am not the best test taker nor student for that matter, but I passed on the first try. I have known many people from other universities that have taken it 3-5 times before passing. We were not allowed to graduate from the university until we passed all parts of the PRAXIS. I think the semester after I graduated, they changed it to you having to pass the test before you student taught. It is a very expensive test, but so are most professional exams in other professions.

I thought the Praxis I was a big waste of time because at my college, they kept on changing the rules. When it was my turn to take it, I had to take it and play the $120 (+?), but the very next semester, they decided that if your combined SAT score was over 1100, you didn’t have to take it, so I just wasted $120 right there.

I thought that the Praxis II was much better since they were subjected. Of course, $190 is also a bit much for a test since we are going to be teachers and really don’t make that much money. Of course, my opinion might change because I’m still waiting for my scores to come in.

No, not at all. They are a really good estimate of how much you have learned and whether or not your reasoning skills are good. I think it does STINK however, that they cost so much. I took mine this past August. Between the two tests my state requires and the registration fee, I paid $200.

No, I didn’t like having to take them. However, they are a means to an end. Especially if your college requires them to graduate. I taught in another state that does not use Praxis and still had to take the 2 tests of the praxis 2 when I moved to Kentucky. Luckily, I did not have to take the p1.

Think of it this way…. you want to teach right? Then you should be willing to take this step to do that. I know it is frustrating and tense and very hard to wait for your scores, but, it’s only a test. You can take it again if you have to.

Also, did you know that in some cases you can get a scholarship that pays for your registration fee and one test? Check the website for more info.

Take your tests and don’t stress too much. A teacher friend of mine reminded me that just by reviewing the study prep books will boost your scores. I did that and I think it helped. Pay special attention to the sections that help you prepare for the writing in the case studies section.

I will be thinking of you. Good Luck!

Probably depends on the Praxis. I think the Praxis II (subject matter) is very important. It helps insure that the teacher know what they are doing (and I passed mine on the first try as well)

It was boring and easy for me, but it weeds out the functionally retarded.