Testing Requirements

To ensure that Fellows enter their teaching careers as highly qualified new educators, ready to earn their teaching license, Fellows must register for, study for, and pass the Praxis II and/or PLACE exams before the start of the Training Institute and before enrollment in the program can be finalized. Fellows should have the testing agency send their scores to Metropolitan State College of Denver, code #4505.

The Praxis II is a subject area-specific exam. Generally speaking, candidates invited to interview with the Denver Teaching Fellows will need to take and pass EITHER the Praxis II or the PLACE exam (see more on PLACE exam below). Please note that taking the Praxis II exam is highly recommended for all subject areas except math and early childhood education.  Early childhood education Fellows must take the PLACE exam. Candidates should review the program eligibility requirements, consider their eligibility when stating subject area preferences on the Fellows online application, and then wait for specific, individualized testing directions from our program office before registering for this exam. Candidates invited to interview with the Teaching Fellows program will receive individualized guidance on the appropriate exam for their candidacy with their invitation to interview, and are urged to register at that time for their exam. The appropriate Praxis II or PLACE exam will vary for each candidate, depending on a candidate’s eligibility and the subject he/she may teach in the fall. The Praxis II is offered in a paper-based test administration, and registration is handled by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Click here for more information about the Praxis II and click here to register for the Praxis II exam (exam dates listed below) once you have received instructions from the Fellows office.

The PLACE is a subject area-specific exam. Generally speaking, candidates invited to interview with the Denver Teaching Fellows will need to take and pass EITHER the Praxis II or the PLACE, with the exception of early childhood education candidates. (Please note that taking the Praxis II exam is highly recommended). Candidates should review the program eligibility requirements, consider their eligibility when stating subject area preferences on the Fellows online application, and then wait for specific, individualized testing directions from our program office before registering for this exam. Candidates invited to interview with the Teaching Fellows program will receive individualized guidance on the appropriate exam for their candidacy with their invitation to interview, and are urged to register at that time for their exam. The appropriate PLACE or Praxis II exam will vary for each candidate, depending on a candidate’s eligibility and the subject he/she may teach in the fall. The PLACE is offered in a paper-based test administration, and registration is handled by the National Education Services (NES).

Click here for more information about the PLACE and click here to register for the PLACE (exam dates listed below) once you have received instructions from the Fellows office.

*The Spanish Language Proficiency (SLP) Exam consists of three components – oral, written, and reading, and is administered by a SLP Exam Specialist from the Department of English Language Acquisition. Candidates accepted to the program will schedule a time to take the exam on their “My DTF” site. To learn more about the exam, visit the DPS website.

Praxis and PLACE Preparation

It is imperative that all candidates STUDY thoroughly for the Praxis II and/or PLACE exams. These exams often prove difficult even for individuals with deep content knowledge or relevant professional experience. As you prepare, consider the following recommendations and resources:

• Visit www.ets.org for information about the Praxis II. Select the Tests at a Glance feature to access an overview of the material covered on the exam and download sample test problems. Consider purchasing ETS’ Praxis Study Guides. However, please note that many candidates report needing study materials beyond these ETS resources
• Visit www.place.nesinc.org for information about the PLACE. Review and practice with the PLACE Study Guides. However, please note that many candidates report needing study materials beyond these NES resources. Refer to college and high school textbooks focused on the appropriate subject matter for your Praxis II or PLACE
• Consider purchasing study guides from major test prep providers at a local library or bookstore
• Actively search the internet for additional test prep materials and resources
• Form study groups with other candidates or teachers

Note that it is common for candidates to need to take the Praxis II and/or PLACE a second time due to failure on the first attempt. Therefore, the Fellows program strongly recommends that candidates invited to interview with the program register for the Praxis II and/or PLACE as soon as possible upon receiving individualized direction on which exam to take. This will allow candidates to maximize their chances to have time to re-take the exam if needed.

All candidates will be required to submit proof of test registration and/or scores if invited to interview with the program, and all Fellows must prove that they have passed the Praxis II and/or PLACE prior to the start of the Training Institute. Candidates who do not meet these testing requirements will not be permitted to continue on in the Teaching Fellows program. Please note that it takes approximately one month to receive scores.

The following tables list upcoming dates for paper-based test administrations for the Praxis II and PLACE as well as their registration deadlines:

Candidates are responsible for all Praxis and/or PLACE registration costs (note that there is an additional fee for late registration).

All Fellows will enter their careers in education teaching the students in the schools and in the subject areas where high-quality teachers are needed the most. By teaching math, science, special education, bilingual Spanish (K-6), or early childhood education, you will have the opportunity to impact student achievement in significant and meaningful ways for your students.

If you have further questions about exams required to teach in Denver Public Schools through this program, please contact us at info@denverteachingfellows.org.

Please click here for additional information on program eligibility requirements.

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