What is the difference between the PLACE and the Praxis II exams?
Scores from the PLACE are applicable in earning a teaching certificate exclusively in the state of Colorado, while scores from the Praxis II can be used to earn a teaching certificate in any state. The PLACE is the Colorado certification test for educators, and the Praxis II is a nationally recognized certification test for educators.
PLACE Exam: The PLACE measure the level of knowledge and skills judged important for educators in Colorado schools. For test dates and registration for the PLACE exam, visit www.place.nesinc.com.
Praxis II Exam: The Praxis is a national test that measures knowledge of specific subjects that K-12 educators would teach. For test dates and registration for the Praxis II exam, go to www.ets.org/praxis.
Should I take the PLACE or the Praxis II?
You can take either the PLACE or the Praxis II. DTR does not preference one exam over another.
What are the testing dates for the PLACE and Praxis II?
Visit the web sites for testing dates and registration deadlines:
What if I don’t have my scores before the application deadline?
You MUSTprovide a passing score for the PLACE or Praxis II exam (secondary math/science candidates may be eligible with required undergraduate credits). The March 10, 2012 PLACE test and Praxis II tests are the last tests for which you can be registered and consider your application complete. You may provide your test score results after you submit your application and your candidacy will be contingent on a passing score. If you are an elementary education candidate and are taking the computer-based test, you must register for that by January 15, 2012. Elementary education candidates – we strongly encourage you to take the computer-based Praxis II test from a timing perspective.
Once I decide to take either the PLACE or Praxis II test, which subtest should I take?
Elementary Education applicants (will be eligible for certification in grades K-6):
If taking the PLACE, register for Elementary Education (01)
If taking the Praxis II, register for Elementary Education: Content Knowledge, test code 0014.
A computer-based version of the Praxis II Elementary Education: Content Knowledge exam is also available. Test code 5014.
Secondary Mathematics applicants who do not have 24 credit hours of undergraduate mathematics (will be eligible for certification in grades 6-12):
If taking the PLACE, register for Mathematics #04
If taking the Praxis II, register for Mathematics #0061
Secondary Science applicants who do not have 24 credit hours of undergraduate mathematics (will be eligible for certification in grades 6-12):
If taking the PLACE, register for Science #05
If taking the Praxis II, register for General Science #0435
I’m interested in Special Education. Do I take the Special Education PLACE/Praxis II exam?
No. Special Education candidates will take the Elementary Education PLACE/Praxis II. Through Denver Teacher Residency, Special Education candidates will earn an elementary teaching license with an additional endorsement in Special Education.
Where do I send my test scores?
If taking the PLACE, all scores are automatically sent to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). You must also send a copy of your score report to DTR. You can fax it to (720) 423-3810 or scan and email to info@denverteacherresidency.org.
If taking the Praxis II, the CDE must be selected as a designated score recipient (Institutional Code 7040) when registering for the exam. You must also send a copy of your score report to DTR. You can fax it to (720) 423-3810 or scan and email to info@denverteacherresidency.org.
When should I start preparing for the PLACE or Praxis II, and what is the test format?
Start preparing immediately.
If taking the Elementary Education PLACE, sessions are four and one-half hours in length, covering six subareas (Language Arts & Literacy, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Humanities, and Wellness & Physical Education) and include 100-130 multiple-choice questions.
If taking the Secondary Mathematics PLACE, there are multiple choice questions in the areas of foundations of mathematics, functions and relations, measurement and geometry, probability and statistics, and calculus and discrete mathematics.
If taking the Elementary Education Praxis II, sessions are two hours in length, covering four subareas (Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science) and include 120 multiple-choice questions.
If taking the Secondary Mathematics Praxis II, sessions are two hours in length and include 50 multiple choice questions.
How should I prepare for the PLACE or Praxis II?
We encourage all our applicants to take either test seriously. For specific preparation materials, please consider obtaining outside resources in addition to resources given on each test’s respective website. Below is a list of some of the available resources for each test. The DTR does not endorse any specific preparation program.
PLACE & Praxis II Exams