Professional Tests Required for Certification in Special Education
Individuals in any certification program must pass one or more professional tests for admission to the program and/or admission to the practicum experience and as a condition for certification. Students in teacher education programs in West Virginia are required to take the Praxis series tests prescribed by this state OR required by this program for program completion even if their own state does not require them. Students in other states or in international areas should consult with the appropriate state agencies about other professional tests that may be required for certification.
For more information about study guides and registration for Praxis tests, please visit Educational Testing Service/Praxis.
Students may also contact the College's Office of Student Advising and Records at 304-293-3637 or mike.sekula@mail.wvu.edu for more information.
Praxis I Preprofessional Skills Tests
Admission to a certification program in special education is contingent upon the individual achieving passing scores on the Praxis Preprofessional Skills Tests.
Number |
Test Title |
Passing Score |
10710* |
PPST Reading |
174 |
20720* |
PPST Writing |
172 |
10730* |
PPST Mathematics |
172 |
*Computerized versions of these tests may be substituted.
Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching Tests
Admission to clinical experiences in special education is contingent upon the individual achieving passing scores on ONE of the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching Tests.
Number |
Test Title |
Passing Score |
30522 |
Principles of Learning & Teaching: Grades K-6 |
165 |
30523 |
Principles of Learning & Teaching: Grades 5-9 |
159 |
30524 |
Principles of Learning & Teaching: Grades 7-12 |
156 |
Praxis II Subject Assessments
Admission to clinical experiences in special education is contingent upon the individual achieving passing scores on ALL of the Praxis Subject Assessments required for the area of specialization.
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Number |
Test Title |
Passing Score |
20353 |
Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge |
146 |
EARLY INTERVENTION/EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION
Number |
Test Title |
Passing Score |
10690 |
Special Education: Preschool/Early Childhood |
550 |
20530 |
Pre-Kindergarten Education** |
590 |
**This test is NOT currently required, but is recommended to ensure current status as a highly qualified teacher.
GIFTED EDUCATION
Number |
Test Title |
Passing Score |
10357 |
Gifted Education |
161 |
LOW VISION/BLINDNESS
Number |
Test Title |
Passing Score |
10280 |
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments | 660 |
MULTICATEGORICAL SPECIAL EDUCATION
Number |
Test Title |
Passing Score |
20353 |
Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge |
146 |
10542 |
Education of Exceptional Students: Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
153 |
SEVERE/MULTIPLE DISABILITIES
Number |
Test Title |
Passing Score |
20353 |
Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge |
146 |
10544 |
Education of Exceptional Students: Severe to Profound Disabilities |
no minimum |
10011 |
Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment** |
155 |
**This test is NOT currently required, but is recommended to ensure current status as a highly qualified teacher.
NOTE: Students are advised to apply for certification IMMEDIATELY upon completion of all program requirements to comply with state policies:
The West Virginia Board of Education's Policy 5100 Approval of Educational Personnel Preparation Programs states in section 10.5.1 "The validity period for a test and a passing score is ten years from the date on which the candidate passed the assessment. In those circumstances where the WVBE has not altered either the required test or the passing score, the test and score shall remain valid beyond the ten-year period. A candidate whose test scores exceed the ten-year validity period at the time of application for licensure is required to satisfy current tests, passing scores and any changes in the program requirements."