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The Praxis® Tests

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Select a step to learn more about your Praxis® journey.

 

At Home Testing

Knowing what to expect when you take your Praxis test at home will help ensure you're ready to do your best on test day. Review this information to learn about the at home testing procedures for the Praxis tests, including the materials you'll need and how to prepare the room where you'll test.

 

Review The Praxis® Tests Information Bulletin for more information, including unscheduled breaks, canceling your scores and dismissal from a test.

   

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At Home Testing with ProctorU® Tutorial Video

This video offers a closer look at how to prepare your testing area, the check-in process and what you should expect during your at home test.

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What to expect on test day

  • If you’re taking the Art: Content and Analysis test, upload four digital images of your artwork to your Praxis account no later than 3 days before test day by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. For more information about the requirements for these images, please see the Study Companion (PDF).
  • Print a copy of each of the four images from your Praxis account and be prepared to show your proctor the printouts during check in. This is extremely important, as the image ID number appearing on the printouts is a critical part of the art-making responses. You'll need to enter this image ID as the first line of your response when taking the test.

  • Run a final ProctorU Equipment Check and fix any issues before you attempt to check in for your test. All issues must be resolved before your appointment time.
  • Close all browsers and applications not needed for the test. This can help prevent bandwidth issues while you test.
  • Make sure any other devices in your home that use the internet aren’t running.
  • Gather the materials you'll need for your test session. (All other materials are prohibited.)
    • Passport or other acceptable ID
    • Acceptable note-taking materials, such as a whiteboard or plastic transparency sheet, that can be erased in view of the proctor
    • Cellphone or hand-held mirror for check in
    • Art: Content and Analysis (5135) test takers only: copies of the four images uploaded to your Praxis account (see above for more information)
  • Make sure your testing area meets all environment requirements, including:
    • The room is quiet and well lit.
    • The table and surrounding area are clear.
  • Make sure you’re dressed appropriately, with your ears and face visible to the proctor. Avoid wearing any jewelry or other accessories.
  • Face masks may not be worn during check in or any part of the at home testing session.

Checking in for your Praxis test at home will take about 20 minutes. Follow these steps for your appointment.

  1. At your appointment time, click the "At Home Check In" link in your confirmation email or the home page of your account to begin your appointment. We recommend launching your test 15 minutes before your start time to allow time for the check-in process. You'll have up to 12 minutes after your scheduled time to begin your check in. If you haven't checked in by that time, your test will be canceled, and your fee will not be refunded.
  2. Select "Start Session."
  3. Complete the authentication steps, which include showing your ID to the proctor. The name on your ID must match the name on your account.
  4. The proctor will review the exam rules and request access to your computer screen for monitoring purposes.
  5. The proctor will ask you to use either a hand-held mirror or cell phone to show your computer screen.
  6. The proctor will ask you to use the camera on your computer to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface.
  7. The proctor will launch the ETS Test Browser and enter the ETS ID and password to access the test.

Your entire test session will be recorded by ProctorU and monitored by a human proctor, and your photo will be taken.

Interacting with the proctor

Having technical issues?

If you experience a technical problem during the test, notify the proctor by speaking out loud or via the LogMeIn chat function. The chat icon (a blue owl) can be found on the task bar for a PC and on the menu bar for Mac®.

If you lose your internet connection momentarily, you'll automatically be reconnected to the proctor when your connection is restored. If your exam can be reopened, your proctor will do so for you. If you can’t reconnect and speak to the proctor, call ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678 for assistance.

  

  • During the test, the proctor will monitor you (via video camera) and your computer screen to ensure you follow all testing procedures.
  • Make sure you can be seen on camera by the proctor. To ensure the security of the test, the proctor must be able to see your face from forehead to chin at all times. Suspicious movements could invalidate your test.
  • If you need to contact the proctor during your test, speak to get their attention and/or use the LogMeIn chat. It may take 30–60 seconds for the proctor to reply.
  • If the proctor is attempting to chat with you, the blue owl will bounce up and down.

Testing policies and procedures

Be sure to follow all testing rules. Otherwise, your test can be canceled, and your fee won't be refunded.

  • Don't use any unauthorized materials, including mobile devices, prewritten notes or textbooks.
  • Personal recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited.
  • You must disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software (such as Zoom, Skype™, TeamViewer™, Microsoft Teams™ and Apple Remote Desktop™) prior to the test. It must remain disabled throughout the test. Make sure that the software will not open automatically during the test.
  • Don't communicate with anyone else except the proctor, including during scheduled and unscheduled breaks.
  • There may be references to using a headset during your test. Ignore them; headsets are NOT allowed in the tests at home.

Unscheduled breaks

Most tests don't include a break. However, you have the option to take a 5- to 10-minute unscheduled restroom break. See the Bulletin to learn more about unscheduled breaks.

Canceling your scores

If you think you didn't perform to your potential, you will have the option to cancel your scores at the end of your test, but before viewing your unofficial score. See the Bulletin to learn more about canceling your scores.

What if I fail the ProctorU Equipment Check?

You must resolve all issues and pass the equipment check before checking in for your test. If you can't resolve the issues yourself, contact ProctorU. Live Help Desk technicians are available to assist you.

Live Chat:

Live Chat

Phone:

1-855-772-8678

If you can’t resolve all issues before your test begins, your test will be canceled. You will not receive a refund and will have to pay to reschedule the test.

What can I do ahead of time to prevent issues?

  • Run the ProctorU Equipment Check at the time of day you plan to test to make sure you don't have any bandwidth issues.
  • Run a final equipment check shortly before your test session starts.
  • Close all browsers and applications not needed for the test. This can help prevent bandwidth issues while you test.
  • Make sure any other devices in your household that use the internet are not running.

For additional information and troubleshooting help, visit the ProctorU Test-taker Resource Page.

What if I have an issue right before my test starts?

If you have technical issues immediately before your test, contact ProctorU via the Live Chat feature in your ProctorU account or call ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678. Support is available 24/7.

What if I have a technical issue and my start time is extended?

This won't affect the amount of time you have to complete the test. The timer for your test doesn't begin until the proctor enters the password.

What if I have a technical issue during my test?

If you have a technical issue during your test that prohibits you from speaking to the proctor, notify the proctor via the LogMeIn chat function. The chat icon (a blue owl) can be found on the task bar for a PC and on the menu bar for Mac.

What if I lose internet during the test?

If you lose your internet connection momentarily, you'll automatically be reconnected to the proctor when your connection is restored. If your exam can be reopened, your proctor will do so for you.

If you can't reconnect and speak to the proctor via the LogMeIn chat function, call ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678 for assistance.