Educational Testing Service (ETS), the provider of the PPAT, has announced it will sunset the assessment. Oklahoma is therefore selecting a new certification exam that maintains high standards for teacher preparation while also considering accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
FAQs Regarding the Discontinuation of the PPAT
As the state agency responsible for developing Oklahoma’s pedagogical teacher assessment, the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA) is overseeing the transition from the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) to a new certification exam. We are committed to providing clear and timely information to all stakeholders, including higher education institutions, teacher candidates, and school leaders.
This FAQ page addresses common questions and concerns regarding this transition. OEQA is working closely with stakeholders to select a high-quality certification exam that aligns with Oklahoma standards, ensures high-quality teaching practices, and meets the needs of Oklahoma's teacher candidates.
Please note that this information is subject to change as we continue to gather input and finalize the new certification requirements. We encourage you to visit this page regularly for the most up-to-date information.
1. Transition Details
The decision to discontinue the PPAT was made by Educational Testing Service (ETS), its provider, and came as an unexpected change for OEQA as well. We understand that this transition may cause uncertainty and challenges for teacher candidates, and we are working diligently to find the best possible replacement as quickly as we can. While this change is out of our control, we are committed to supporting teacher candidates throughout the transition and minimizing any disruption in the certification process.
The PPAT will be discontinued in December 2025. The Spring 2025 exam will be the last full administration, with the Fall 2025 term offering retakes and corrections only. OEQA expects the new assessment to be available by Fall 2025, with the selected assessment announced by summer 2025. Additional details will be provided as they become available.
Candidates actively completing the PPAT during the transition may either finish under the current requirements or choose to take the new certification assessment starting in Fall 2025.
The certification testing requirements for alternative and emergency certification candidates are the same as traditional candidates. Candidates in these pathways may either complete the PPAT under current requirements or opt to take the new certification assessment in Fall 2025.
This change only affects candidates currently in the certification process or those seeking certification. Teachers who are already certified will not experience any impact on their credentials.
2. Assessment and Preparation
The new pedagogy assessment will be a standalone requirement, similar to the PPAT, and will not replace the OSAT, which assesses subject-area knowledge. Candidates will have to take both the OSAT(s) as required for their subject area in addition to the pedagogical exam.
Yes, study materials will be provided to help candidates prepare, and we aim to make resources available as early as possible before the new assessment’s implementation.
Cost is one of the factors being considered in selecting a new assessment. OEQA has included questions regarding cost in the feedback survey to gather insights from candidates. Additional details about costs will be shared once the selection process is complete.
OEQA is collaborating with teacher preparation programs, teacher candidates, current teachers, school leaders, other K-12 stakeholders, and national assessment experts to gather feedback to ensure the new assessment meets Oklahoma’s standards and supports teacher success.
3. Special Situations and Accommodations
Teacher candidates on a 3-year pathway who are employed may apply for a one-year extension during their third year if they need additional time to complete certification requirements. Those seeking employment may also apply for this extension. Applications for the one-year extension should be submitted through the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).
Candidates who have certifications expiring in June 2025 who do not pass the PPAT by Spring 2025 should work with OSDE to obtain an extension. They may then retake the PPAT components as necessary in Fall 2025 or take the newly approved assessment once it is announced.
Candidates who do not pass the PPAT will have until December 2025 to retake it. Alternatively, candidates may choose to complete the new pedagogy assessment after its implementation in Fall 2025.
4. Support and Feedback Opportunities
OEQA is committed to ensuring the continuation of scholarship programs for aspiring educators. Details regarding the scholarship will be provided once the new assessment is announced. All new scholarships will be for the new assessment or the OSAT. OEQA will not issue any new scholarships for the PPAT in Spring 2025 as it is being discontinued.
OEQA will analyze survey responses in mid-November and expects to publish the results on our website in December.
Please note that this is a preliminary FAQ and may be subject to change as more information becomes available.
Last Modified on
Nov 12, 2024
