Qualifying Test Scores—Praxis I/SAT/ACT/TOEFL

Praxis I (http://www.ets.org/praxis/)

The Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Assessments is an exam designed to measure basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.  The Praxis I exam is an admission requirement to the FAST TRAIN program for both elementary education and ESL applicants.  However, qualifying scores on SAT/ACT exams can be used in place of taking the Praxis I.  Qualifying scores for the paper-based Praxis I are:

  • Mathematics:  178
  • Reading:  178
  • Writing: 176
  • Composite: 532

Qualifying scores for the computer-based Praxis I are:

  • Mathematics: 323
  • Reading:  326
  • Writing:  324
  • Composite:  973

The Praxis I exam is available in two formats: paper-based or computer-based.

  • Paper-based:   To register and determine test sites, you can apply online or call.  Go to http://www.ets.org/praxis/register.html or call 1-800-853-6773. 
  • Computer-based:  You must take the computer based test at a Prometric testing site.  The nearest testing center to GMU is 2810 Old Lee Highway, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA  22031.  To register, call Prometric Candidate Services, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays, at 1-800-853-6773 or 1-443-751-4859.  You may also register by calling the site directly at 703-204-9060 (8:30 am to 5:30 pm). You cannot register online for computer-based tests.

The Praxis exams do have overseas testing centers, although the number of sites available is limited.  To determine the testing site nearest you, go to the ETS list of testing centers at http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/01361_listb.pdf.

If you are a test taker with disabilities, refer to the “Test Takers with Disabilities” page or visit the “Computer-Based Test Centers” page. For complete testing information for PRAXIS I, go to the ETS website at http://www.ets.org/praxis.

SAT and ACT as Substitute Tests for Praxis I

SAT® and ACT tests may be used as substitute tests for Praxis I (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics).  The following test scores qualify as a substitute for Praxis I.  Please note:  Virginia Department of Education requirements are subject to change without notice.  For the most up-to-date requirements, go to the VDOE website at: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/newvdoe/praxis.pdf. 

SAT as Substitute for Praxis I

The following test scores qualify as a substitute for Praxis I:

  • SAT taken prior to April 1, 1995:  A score of 1000 with at least 450 on the verbal test and 510 on the mathematics test;
  • SAT taken after April 1, 1995:  A score of 1100 with at least 530 on the verbal test and 530 on the mathematics test.

Please order official SAT scores from the College Board and have them sent to your home address by calling 609-771-7600 (scores archived back to 1940’s) or online at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/scores.html.  PLEASE MAIL THE UNOPENED SCORES TO:

Lynn Walker Levy
FAST TRAIN Program
University Townhouses, A-1
4260 Chain Bridge Road, MS 1E8
Fairfax, VA  22030

You may also provide an official high school or college transcript listing SAT scores.  The above address should be used for submittal.

ACT as a Substitute Test for Praxis I

The following test scores qualify as a substitute for Praxis I:

  • ACT taken October 28, 1989 to April 1, 1995:  A composite score of 21, with the ACT mathematics score no less than 21, and an ACT English Plus Reading score no less than 37. (Due to VDOE regulations, ACT taken before October 28, 1989 will not be accepted.)
  • ACT taken after April 1, 1995:  A composite score of 24, with the ACT mathematics score no less than 22, and an ACT English Plus Reading score no less than 46.

Please order an official ACT score report and have it sent to your home address by ordering online at http://www.actstudent.org/scores/send/costs.html.  PLEASE MAIL THE UNOPENED SCORES TO THE ADDRESS LISTED ABOVE.

TOEFL/IELTS Test Scores

TOEFL
Proof of scores for the TOEFL test for non-native English speaking applicants must be submitted with an application.  For ESL Program applicants, scores must be at least 600 for the paper test, 250 for the computer-based test and 100 for the internet-based test, with a minimum of 23 on each subtest.  For Elementary Education Program applicants, scores must be at least 575 on the paper test, 230 on the computer-based test and 88 on the internet-based test, with a minimum of 20 on each subtest.  The scores can be no more than two years old.  Click here for information on taking the TOEFL test.

IELTS
Non-native English speaking applicants may use the IELTS test in lieu of the TOEFL test. For ESL Program applicants, scores must be at least 7.0. For Elementary Education Program applicants, scores must be at least 6.5.