State Testing- Philadelphia Requirements

New teachers are required by Urban Teachers and the state of Pennsylvania to complete a pre-professional test prior to the start of a teacher preparation program. In Philadelphia, you must take the Praxis Core Subject assessment(s) associated with your program of study and grade level placement. Acceptable exams and passing scores are listed below. 

All incoming participants must complete the Philadelphia entrance exam requirement to remain eligible to join our 2023 Cohort. 

• Candidates (accepted prior to May 1st) must complete their testing and enrollment steps by May 8th, 2023
• Candidates (accepted on or after May 1st) must complete their testing steps by May 15th, 2023

After a candidate accepts their offer to join the upcoming cohort, the Cultivation Team will work with the candidate to schedule and pass their assigned Praxis Exam(s). 

You will work with your Program Coordinator to create a test plan within two weeks of signing your Letter of Intent (offer letter) from Urban Teachers. 

We require candidates take these exams by their assigned testing and enrollment deadline to ensure they have time to get their results, and retake the exam if necessary. 

Acceptable Tests and Passing Scores: All testing options are provided on the ETS website. 

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE PRAXIS EXAM(S)?

Create an account and register for your exam(s) here. DURING REGISTRATION, Be sure to include the Urban Teachers Code (PHILLY - #2221) so your scores are sent directly to Urban Teachers.  Download this guide for more detailed instructions. 

ARE EXAMS OFFERED VIRTUALLY? 

Yes, Praxis Core Subject Assessments are offered in-person as well as virtually.  Find at-home testing procedures here. 

HOW MUCH DOES THE EXAM COST? 

DOES URBAN TEACHERS OFFER FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE EXAM REQUIREMENT? 

Upon request, Urban Teachers provides an exam voucher for your initial exam and an additional voucher for an exam retake.

WHAT TEST PREPARATION RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE? 

Grades 4-8:

•  #5154 Study Guide + Practice Test
•  #5155 Study Guide + Practice Test
•  #5156 Study Guide + Practice Test
•  #5158 Study Guide + Practice Test 

Grades 7-12:

•  #5038 Study Guide + Practice Test
•  #5165 Study Guide + Practice Test 

WHAT IF I NEED TO RETAKE MY EXAM?

If you do not pass your Praxis Core Subject Assessment, you will need to sign up to retake the exam. Please keep in mind that you must wait at least 28 days, not including your initial test date, before ETS.org allows you to take the exam again. During that time, we recommend you complete practice exams from Khan Academy, and review the test preparation materials provided by Urban Teachers.