Prospective teachers earn their college degrees at a variety of higher education institutions in the United States and abroad. Educational Testing Service (ETS) creates and administers Praxis I and Praxis II assessments to evaluate a test taker's literacy, analytical ability and subject-area knowledge. School districts and competitive education degree programs use Praxis scores to make hiring and admissions decisions.
Praxis I evaluates general knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics. College education departments evaluate Praxis I scores as part of the admissions process. Some state boards of education require prospective teachers to pass customized general knowledge tests in place of Praxis I. Other states allow applicants to substitute different standardized test scores.
Praxis II exams evaluate subject-area knowledge. The exam is required by almost all state boards of education in the United States for teacher certification.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to take Praxis I to take Praxis II. When you are unsure which tests you should take, consult websites for the state boards of education where you plan to apply for teaching jobs or ETS.