The Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) must be taken before a candidate takes the Praxis II. The PPST measures basic reading, writing and mathematics skills. It consists of multiple-choice questions and an essay question. The tests evaluate whether you have the academic skills needed to prepare for a career as an educator. Colleges often use the PPST to evaluate students for entry into teacher education programs. Many states also require you to take the PPST as part of their teacher licensing process.
The Praxis II tests are made up of three groups of tests. They are Subject Assessments, Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Tests and Teaching Foundations Tests. The Subject Assessment tests measure general and subject-specific teaching knowledge and skills. The Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Tests measure general academic knowledge at the Early Childhood level, Kindergarten--6th grades, 5th--9th grades and 7th--12th grades. Teaching Foundations Tests measure teaching proficiency in five areas: multi-subject (elementary), English, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Science.
Most states require the same tests for the same certifications. For example, New Jersey has seven major categories of Praxis II tests. They are Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Secondary Education, All Grades, World Languages, Administrator/School Leader, Career and Technical Education and Instructional Support Personnel. Under these seven categories are the specific tests required for each heading.
For example, in New Jersey under Middle School Education, there are four tests available, depending on what subject your certification will be in. The four tests are Middle School English and Language Arts, Middle School Mathematics, Middle School Science and Middle School Social Studies.
In Alabama, there are nine major categories: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Secondary Education, All Grades, Special Education, Administrator/School Leader, Career and Technical Education and Instructional Support Personnel. Under Middle School Education, there are thirty possible certifications, as opposed to New Jersey, with only four. However, Alabama combines their language, and some arts into Middle School Education.
The Educational Testing Service website gives the complete guide to the Praxis II. It explains what the Praxis II is and it gives links to study materials as well as a document titled "How to Reduce Test Anxiety." Before you register for the Praxis II, go to the ETS website and do your research.