FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington Testing Services, a facility offering professional and educational certification and placement tests and proctoring services, has recently received approval to administer the computer-based Praxis Series exams. With this endorsement, UMF becomes the only testing facility in western Maine, and one of only four centers in the state, to offer the computer-based Praxis I and Praxis II exams.

The Praxis Series exams are taken by individuals in the teaching profession as part of the licensing and certification process. Computer-based Praxis exams are offered year-round by appointment as opposed to paper-based tests that are given only on several fixed-dates during the year.

This new service offers pre-service teachers and teachers in the field consistency in test administration, faster scoring and reporting and the convenience of being able to complete their testing at a time most suitable for their schedule. Online registration for the computer-based Praxis exams began Nov. 7, with the first exam offered at UMF on Nov. 16. Anyone interested in future exams can register online at www.ets.org.

“We’re excited about being able to provide this service for students and teachers throughout the region,” said Ann Lynch, director of Field Services at UMF. “Technology plays an increasingly important role in the preparation of today’s educators. Being able to offer computer-based licensing and certification testing helps streamline the credentials process to make sure educators have the specific skills and knowledge they need to be effective professionals in today’s classrooms.”

UMF Testing Services administers more than 350 exams ranging from graduate school placement to professional licensure exams. In addition to the Praxis Series exams, the service also partners with ACT and ISO Quality for professional licensing tests, Accuplacer, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), College Level Exam Program (CLEP), College Credit Exam (DSST), Graduate paper-pencil subject tests (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), proctoring for distance learning exams and many others.

For more information contact Susan Ronald, UMF program coordinator at [email protected] or 778-7666. For a complete listing of services, fees and hours of operation visit the UMF Testing Services website at testing.umf.maine.edu.