Testing

TWO TEST TYPES:
 In Colorado there are two types of tests used for licensing teachers.  Prospective teachers do not have to take both.  If you can pass one or the other then you are all set.

PLACE:
The older test is the PLACE test.  The PLACE test is administered in Colorado only.  PLACE stands for Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators. 

PRAXIS II:
The other test is known as the Praxis test.  The Praxis is somewhat newer and nationwide.  This test is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) out of Princeton New Jersey.  When taking the Praxis, you will want to sign up for the Praxis II test.*   If you are out of state and want to teach here in Colorado, this could be the better test for you to take, because, unlike the PLACE, this test is offered in all 50 states.

STUDY:
Historically, there has been no limit to the number of times you can take these tests.  If you don't pass the first time, try to register again, study harder, and pass the second time (or 3rd).  Resources are available for studying for these tests (try Googling it).  Some are harder than others (Math & Science, etc.).

WHICH TEST?
There is no particular advantage to taking one test over the other, both are accepted by CDE (Colorado Dept. of Ed.) in relation to licensure in Colorado, and furthermore, both are accepted as a key component of attaining Highly Qualified Status in relation to the No Child Left Behind Federal Legislation.  If you pass one of these tests then you are considered to be Highly Qualified in that content area provided you have a 4 year degree (the 4 year degree could be in anything, it does not have to be in that subject matter).  Example:  You graduate from a 4 year school with your bachelors in Political Science, you go out in the world and work for a few years as a realtor, then you take the PLACE test in math and pass, you are now considered to be Highly Qualified to teach math according to the federal NCLB (No Child Left Behind) laws.  

HQ = HIRED?
Keep in mind that, Highly Qualified does not mean you will necessarily get hired by a school and does not mean you are even ready to apply for your teacher’s license. If you can achieve Highly Qualified status in a high need endorsement area (like math) this is a very significant achievement, but it is only a milestone in the process of establishing yourself as a successful licensed and experienced educator. Colorado Learning would like to help guide you through this process.

LINKS:
For more information and to register for these exams, see links below.
*  There is a Praxis I and III as well, but these are for other purposes.  Praxis I is for College students and Praxis III is for evaluating existing (newer) teachers.

PLACE:  http://www.place.nesinc.com/

Praxis:  http://www.ets.org/praxis/prxaboutII.html

ONLY 5 AREAS AVAILABLE:
The following PRAXIS II tests are the only PRAXIS II exams accepted in Colorado:

#10014 Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (Session 1, 2 hour exam).
Score required to pass in Colorado: 147. 

#10041 English Language, Literature and Composition: Content Knowledge
(Session 1, 2 hour exam). Score required to pass in Colorado: 162. 

#10061 Mathematics: Content Knowledge (Session 1, 2 hour exam).
Score required to pass in Colorado: 156. 

#10435 General Science: Content Knowledge (Session 1, 2 hour exam).
Score required to pass in Colorado: 152. 

#10081 Social Studies: Content Knowledge (Session 1, 2 hour exam).
Score required to pass in Colorado: 150.