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FAQ About Taking the Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) On-Line (CBT)

Dr. Bland
Correct as of 8/24/06

1. Where can I take the PPST on-line? Take them at a Sylvan Learning Center that also has a Technology Center. The nearest can be found in Topeka, Lees Summit, and Wichita. You will want their Technology Centers not their Learning Centers. In some cases the two are in different locations. Some universities such as KU and Pittsburg State also offer CBT.
2. When are the PPST available to take on-line? You must go to the Sylvan Center or test location to take the tests. The Sylvan Centers are normally open 5 or 6 days a week, depending on the location and demand. Some Centers have a limited number of computer stations, so be sure to plan ahead and register well in advance. Allow at least 6 weeks from your last testing attempt to the start of your Phase I semester to be sure your scores will be received by ESU in time.
3. How do I register to take the PPST on-line? You can call the Center and register over the telephone with a live person if you can get one. Some of the Centers have automated telephone registration. You can also register on-line through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) national registration. Go to the Educational Testing Service website to do this.
4. How soon after I register can I take the PPST? If there is a computer station available, you can take the tests the day after you register. At test locations that have just a few computer stations, you may have to wait for several weeks. For example, the Topeka Sylvan Center has 7 computer stations and a several-week waiting period due to demand. According to Sylvan Center staff, Fridays and Saturdays fill up the fastest.
5. How much does it cost to take the tests on-line? One test costs $75, two tests cost $110, three tests cost $145.
6. How long do the tests take? Right now, the tests take 2 hours each. There is also a test that combines the 3 PPST, available at some locations, that takes 4 ½ hours and costs $125.
7. If I don’t meet the cutoff score, how long is the waiting period before I can take the test again? This depends on whom you talk to. Some Centers say you must wait 30 days before you can register for the test again. Other Centers say as soon as the next calendar month arrives, you can register again. Either way, you can take a test a maximum of 6 times a year.
8. Can I go to a different site and skip the 30-day re-take waiting period? You can do this, but your new scores won’t be recorded by ETS.
9. How long does it take for me to get my test results? The on-line exams are scored at ETS, not by test center staff. Two tests are scored immediately: the reading and the math. You can see your unofficial scores for these 2 tests on the computer screen when you complete them, but you cannot get a print-out showing your scores. You won’t know your writing test results until you get official notice of test results from ETS. Official notice of test results, including the reading and math, usually takes 4-6 weeks. Emporia State University requires the official notice of test results.
10. Can I take the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam and the new content area tests on-line? No. At this time those exams are paper/pencil only.
11. For more information on On-Line testing: go to www.ets.org/praxis/prxcbt.html

Registration for all testing formats: www.ets.org/praxis