Praxis Test – Must Know Test Format, Structure And How The ETS Praxis Exam Is Scored
The following provides a better Praxis test prep framework to boost your score. Understanding the development of your ETS teacher certification exam improves the effectiveness of your test preparation. It also helps you pass the Praxis test quicker and easier.
Keep these paradigms in mind as you take Praxis 2 practice tests and review your study guides.
American schools aim to teach children the knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful adults in our democratic society. But how do schools provide the path to success?
In 1996, the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future published findings from a study whose premise was “what teachers know and can do is most influence on what students learn.”
Florida International University researchers Donna Fong-Yee and Anthony H. Normore recently wrote an article called “The Impact of Quality Teachers on Student Achievement.” They state “teachers do matter, and their cognitive ability and knowledge of the subject matter and of teaching and learning, licensure, and teaching behaviors in the classroom are related to teacher quality.”
If these are the components of a quality teacher, how can schools provide quality teachers?
One way is to test teachers’ knowledge, skills and abilities before they enter the classroom.
That’s where Praxis test comes in. Its creator, The Educational Testing Service (ETS), was founded in 1947. Its mission is to “advance quality and equity in education by providing fair and valid assessments“…
If a quality teacher can be defined—at least in part—by “knowledge of subject matter and of teaching and learning, licensure, and teaching behaviors in the classroom. . .” then it makes sense to test those skills before a teacher enters the classroom.
Although standardized tests like the ETS Praxis test do not guarantee success in the classroom, the purpose of the Praxis series exams is to do just that: attempt to measure knowledge, skills and abilities of those entering the teaching profession.
More than 45 states in the U.S. include some form of Praxis tests in their teacher licensure program.
Praxis Test: Purpose and Rationale
Quick review of the laws attempting to ensure equal access to quality education for all students:
- President LBJ signed the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) into law in 1965. Part of his Great Society program, it aimed to bridge the achievement gap (https://education.laws.com/elementary-and-secondary-education-act)
- Additions and improvements were made in 1981 and 1994
- The No Child Left Behind Act, signed by President George W. Bush in 2002, reauthorized the ESEA and included Title 1 provisions for disadvantaged students
- The Every Student Succeeds Act is signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2015 https://www.ed.gov/essa?src=rn
What do these three have in common? An effort to show accountability.
Praxis Test: State Organizations Involved
Though the federal government has become more involved in education, the 10th Amendment to the Constitution is the basis for making education a function of the states. Here’s where it gets tricky:
Each state’s constitution requires it to provide a school system to educate children
BUT
Schools that need state and federal funding must follow state and federal laws and policies.
Funding | Policies | Laws | Curriculum, teaching methods and materials | |
Federal Gov’t | X | X | X | |
State Gov’t | X | X | X | control varies state to state |
Local Gov’t | X | X | X |
(https://education.findlaw.com/)
Each state has its own department of education to oversee licensure. State departments of education answer to the U.S. department of education, a cabinet-level department created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. The national secretary of education advises legislators and ensures their legislation is enacted.
Development of the Praxis Test
Steps in the development of a Praxis tests:
- representative groups of teachers and teacher educators are surveyed to find what a beginning teacher should know;
- an Advisory Committee of teachers and teacher educators add survey results to national standards which apply to that particular discipline;
- the Committee defines the content for the Praxis ;
- test specifications are created to guide development of the Praxis exams;
- educators develop the Praxis tests;
- advisory committees of teachers, teacher educators, administrators and professional organizations help review, revise and approve the questions and applications;
- ETS validates each exam using technical guidelines in 2014 AERA Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing;
- each Praxis test is reviewed regularly to revise based on standards, state licensure and current relevant job analyses.
What Can I Expect on the Praxis ?
Each Praxis exam focuses on measuring three things:
- knowledge of content;
- skill at understanding what that content means to students; and
- ability to apply the content to students
This is no easy task. How is it done?
Each grade level and content area has national and state standards. The Praxis tests base questions on national standards for that discipline. However, some states such as Pennsylvania do have their own Praxis exams which focus on their state standards (4-8 grades).
Praxis test questions range from 90-150 selected response (selected-response) questions. Some exams include 1-3 constructed response (short answer or essay) questions.
The time given for each ETS Praxis test depends upon the type and number of questions examinees must answer.
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests are designed to measure the current academic skills of candidates for teacher preparation programs. They measure reading, writing and mathematics skills.
- Reading and mathematics = 56 selected-response questions; 85 minutes*mathematics selected-response includes use of an onscreen calculator
- Writing = 40 multiple-choice questions; 2 constructed response; 100 minutes
There are many ETS test centers around the globe. You may register for a Praxis by registering online at https://www.ets.org/praxis/register/ or by mail (page 20 of the bulletin found at https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/bulletin). Payment must be made at the time you register.
The cost of each Praxis test ranges from $90-$210. Most tests are 90 or 120 dollars, but it is important that you know the precise exam you need. Each state has different requirements. Pennsylvania, for example, has its own tests for teachers grades 4-8. Check your state’s tests at https://www.ets.org/praxis/states.
The ETS has some fee waivers for enrolled under-graduate or graduate students who meet eligibility requirements. You must be:
- receiving financial aid
- enrolled undergraduate or graduate student
- meet income guidelines
- the test must be required by an authorized score recipient.
Find more information at https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/fee_waivers/. You must apply by the appropriate deadline on the form.
All Praxis testing is done on computer except the Braille Proficiency exam.
Praxis test-takers with disabilities who need accommodations must submit a request to the ETS Disability services at www.ets.org/praxis/register/disabilities. Depending upon your needs, the review and accommodations may take up to 12 weeks.
There are two ways to receive your Praxis score. They are available online at the ETS website on the score release date. It is also possible to access test scores by phone, but costs and additional $30, and is only available to test takers, not institutions. In order to receive your Praxis score by phone, you will need your social security number, date of birth, the test date, and a credit card.
When the ETS Praxis scores are available they will show a “passed” or “not passed” status, the range of possible scores. The raw points are provided in each category which allows candidates to compare their score with the maximum number of points that could have been earned. The degree of variation between the raw score and potential score is an indication of what is needed to pass the Praxis test, in the event of a failure. The official testing website can assist you in understanding your score further.
The reality of the Praxis exam is that the more detailed and persistent you are in learning the study material, exam format and structure of test question styles, the more likely you are to get a passing score. As an educator and assessment specialist for many years, I can tell you that these are the recurring elements of success, but what are the components of being detailed and persistent? How do we translate these behaviors into a Praxis exam study schedule?
Praxis testing is comprised of multiple-choice and essay questions. There are a number of different styles of selected-response questions used in these assessments. The ETS Praxis series will verify your skills on many levels but the more challenging questions are those that test at the analyses and evaluation levels. Understanding the structure of the questions will help you answer more effectively. The main reason for not passing this evaluation for educators is failing to understand the structure and content of the questions. Highly effective test preparation material offers Praxis practice tests and study guides which are important resources to pass and get your teacher certification.
Kelly Moser reviews the Praxis test in the online magazine, “Current Issues in Education.” She follows several students who take the ETS examination in several subject areas. She concludes that the high failure rate of this teacher certification test is because test takers are not prepared for higher order questions that require higher order, critical thinking skills such as analysis and synthesis of test content and teaching knowledge they already know and apply it. The fatal mistake most teacher certification candidate make is they focus their Praxis exam practice efforts on comprehension and memorization rather than analysis and evaluation required by real ETS test questions which require knowledge from two or more areas (Moses, 2012)
Analyzing assessment questions typically involve breaking material into constituent parts and seeking to understand the relationship between components. A typical example of an analyses question would be the following given in the Praxis practice question:
The underlying concepts of division most likely will be understood by the greatest number of children if the teacher
(A) presents the concept of division in several ways √
(B) thoroughly explains the theory of division
(C) provides one easy step-by-step procedure for dividing
(D) stresses the everyday usefulness of understanding division
This Praxis analysis question will determine if the candidate understands the underlying principles of multiple learning styles. In order to pass the ETS Praxis test, make a note of all the key concepts in each section and devise situations that illustrate the underlying principles. For example, a “student centered approach” could be demonstrated by asking for student for input on a project, or following a line of questioning from the students rather than the lesson plan. Get a good Praxis study guide or practice test for more examples.
Praxis test evaluation questions challenge the candidate’s ability to detect variation in the material or judge a particular scenario. An example of typical evaluation question would be as follows and can be also be found in a Praxis exam Study Guide:
A high school teacher is trying to help non-fluent speakers of English understand an English text. During the class, the teacher asks the students to read aloud and focuses on correcting errors in pronunciation. Which of the following is a principle of second language development that this approach fails to take into account?
(A) For most non-fluent speakers of a language, the fastest way to learn a language is to imitate the way native speakers speak it.
(B) Reading skills have to be well established before a student of a language can learn a language.
(C) Non-fluent speakers of a language can understand what they are reading before they can accurately pronounce all the sounds in the language. √
(D) Students should not attempt to read aloud before they can read grade-level texts silently with understanding.
Evaluation questions require Praxis test takers to break down the material into component parts and identify differences and similarities. The test taker must identify that the teacher is working on the assumption that understanding and pronunciation are linked. This is not correct, and as a result (C) is the right answer. More examples are available in practice exam questions for the Praxis exam.
When studying for this type of Praxis question, create a list of principles and practices that seem related. For each principle and practice listed on the chart, write the degree of similarity between them and why. Review the list until it becomes second nature and imagine scenarios in which they might occur. This will give you a time advantage and help you get a passing score on the ETS Praxis exam.
Get a Praxis study guide and start preparing at least 6 weeks before the scheduled exam. Don’t gamble with your future. Use the Praxis exam preparation material, including prep books and preparation courses. Create a daily study routine as this will help you remain focused and write it on a calendar as this will further your commitment. Make sure you study not only the subject matter, but the structure of selected-response questions, as understanding the formats, will give you a distinct advantage and help you get a passing Praxis test score.
- In order to pass the Praxis exam, consult study guides and practice test questions. Some of the Praxis test preparation material is free, but the best Praxis study guides require payment. There are also Praxis test preparation webinars that can be very helpful in assisting candidates to pass.
- Praxis selected response questions that contain “not”, “least”, “except” can be very difficult and should be thoroughly studied using preparation material before taking the test. Failing to understand clearly the details and wording in selected response or constructed response questions can also prevent test takers from passing. A considerable amount of time should be spent using the Praxis test prep materials, especially practice questions, to resolve these problems ahead of time as evaluators cite these issues as one of the main reasons for failing an exam.
- There is a lot of Praxis preparation material available for those seeking to take the ETS exams. The best study guides, practice materials and other review resources are all designed to ensure the success of test takers. In order to succeed, study hard and use all the resources available.
For more Praxis prep and study help, go to: How To Pass The Praxis now.
Works Cited
Moser, K. (2012, August 5). Current Issues in Education. Retrieved from ASU Mary Lou Fulton Teacher College, Arizona State University.
Praxis Test ‘Quick Reference’ Prep Guide
Check out this test at a glance below to get a focus in your test prep. Make sure your Praxis study guide books cover this essential content knowledge!
Scroll down to learn about your specific ETS test.
5701: Praxis Agriculture
The Agriculture test gauges the proficiency of junior and high school agriculture teachers on the topics listed in the test framework on the official Praxis Series website. Test takers need to finish answering a total of 120 selected response questions within the allotted time of 120 minutes. This Praxis exam is specifically designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree program majoring in agricultural education.
The scope of the exam consists of 14-20 questions each from the following subjects: agribusiness systems; animal systems; food science and biotechnology systems; environmental and natural resource systems; plant systems; power, structural and technical systems; and leadership and career systems.
5162: Praxis Algebra I
Algebra I assesses math knowledge and competency needed for beginning Algebra I teachers. It is designed for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on mathematics or mathematics education. The test is 150 minutes in length with 60 questions that are selected-response or numeric entry. The exam consists of approximately 30-38% of questions from these categories: principles of algebra; functions; and number and quantity/probability and statistics.
5135: Praxis Art: Content and Analysis
Art: Content and Analysis appraises a prospective teacher’s subject knowledge of art. A time limit of two hours is given to the examinee to finish the two parts of the exam. Part A, selected response, consists of approximately 85 questions in these areas: 48% will be about art-making, (general; media and processes) and 27% on historical and theoretical foundations of art (materials and processes in an art historical context; the Western tradition in art history; art beyond the Western tradition; and responding to art). Part B asks for three essay responses about art analysis (historical and theoretical foundations of art and art making) and is worth 25% of the score.
5134: Praxis Art Content Knowledge
Art: Content Knowledge evaluates the training of a prospective art teacher. 2 hours is given for an examinee to answer 120 selected response questions based on the following content areas: the making of art (64%); and historical and theoretical foundations of art (36%). There are illustrations in some of the questions.
5342: Praxis Audiology
The Audiology test determines a prospective audiology teacher’s subject knowledge. This exam is intended for individuals with a master’s or doctorate degree. This teacher certification exam consists of 120 selected-response questions that must be answered within 120 minutes. The questions are taken from the following subjects: foundations (10%); prevention and identification (10%); assessment (40%); intervention (30%); and professional issues (10%).
5235: Praxis Biology: Content Knowledge
The Biology: Content Knowledge gauges the knowledge of a prospective teacher of biology in a secondary school on the given test subject. 150 minutes is given to the examinee to finish answering 150 selected-response questions taken from the following content areas: history and nature of science (14%); molecular and cellular biology (20%); genetics and evolution (20%); diversity of life and organismal biology (20%); ecology: organisms and environment (16%) and science, technology and social perspectives (10%).
5101: Praxis Business Education
The Praxis Business Education exam appraises the proficiency of prospective high school level teachers of business. The test is composed of 120 selected-response questions of varying difficulty. All questions must be answered within the time allotment of 120 minutes. Praxis study must cover the following content areas: (15% of questions in each category) accounting and finance; communication and career development; information technology; law and international business; (10% of questions in each category) economics; entrepreneurship; marketing and management; professional business education. Examinees can use calculators as long as these don’t have a QWERTY keyboard.
5245: Praxis Chemistry Content Knowledge
The Chemistry: Content Knowledge test measures prospective teachers’ proficiency in secondary school level chemistry. There are 125 selected-response questions in the exam. 150 minutes is allotted for the test. Content areas covered by this Praxis exam are as follows: basic principles of matter and energy/thermodynamics (14%); atomic and nuclear structure (12%); nomenclature/chemical composition/bonding and structure (15%); chemical reactions/periodicity (20%); solutions and solubility/acid-base chemistry (15%); scientific inquiry and social perspectives of science (12%); and scientific procedures and techniques (12%). Examinees are prohibited from using calculators.
5665: Praxis Chinese (Mandarin): World Language
Chinese (Mandarin): World Language uses listening, reading, writing and speaking to assess the readiness of prospective teachers to teach in a K-12 setting. The test is designed for both undergraduate and graduate students. There is a listening practice component of 10 minutes with 6 questions which is not scored. The rest of the exam takes three hours and consists of 75 selected-response questions and 8 constructed response tasks. The four parts (besides listening practice) are as follows: interpretive listening, including embedded linguistic content (26%); interpretive reading, including embedded linguistic content (26%); cultural knowledge (part of both the listening and reading sections) (12%); writing (18%); and speaking (18%).
5087: Praxis Citizenship Education: Content Knowledge
The Citizenship Education: Content Knowledge test assesses how knowledgeable a prospective teacher of citizenship education in a secondary school is in the following content areas: (22% in each of these three) government, civics, and political science; United States history; world history; (17% in each of these two) geography; and economics. The examinee has two hours to finish the Praxis test consisting of 120 selected-response questions.
5651: Praxis Computer Science
This Computer Science test determines the skills of beginning computer science teachers. The test is 3 hours with 100 multiple-choice questions. The questions are in three areas, with approximately 1/3 from each area: technology applications core; program design and development; and programming language topics.
5652: Praxis Computer Science
The Computer Science 5652 test is designed for beginning teachers of secondary school computer science who have completed a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on computer science or computer science education. The selected response questions on this exam may ask for more than one answer or may include applications of skills such as entering responses in a text box. The test is 3 hours and includes 100 questions from the following categories: impacts of computing (15%); algorithms and computational thinking (25%); programming (30%); data (15%); computing systems and networks (15%).
5025: Praxis Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education test assesses the content knowledge needed for prospective teachers to support young children’s learning. This 2-hour test asks 120 selected-response questions in 5 categories: language and literacy (30%); mathematics (25%); social studies (14%); science (14%); and health/physical education/creative and performing arts (17%).
5571: Praxis Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge
The Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge measures the mastery of prospective secondary school teachers in the Earth and space sciences subjects. The test has 125 selected-response questions, which the examinee is given 120 minutes to finish answering. Be sure you seek Praxis practice test questions based on this content: (12-17% from these areas) astronomy; basic principles and processes; history of the Earth and its life forms; (23% from these areas) Earth materials and surface processes ; and (15-19% from these areas) Earth’s atmosphere and hydrosphere; and tectonics and internal Earth processes.
5911: Praxis Economics
The Economics exam gauges a prospective teacher’s subject knowledge of secondary school level economics. There are 110 selected-response questions in this assessment. The allotted duration for the exam is 2 hours. There are three sections of the test: fundamental economics concepts (20%); microeconomics (45%); and macroeconomics (35%).
5024: Praxis Education of Young Children
The Education of Young Children test is intended for teachers of children ages birth-8. The test consists of 120 selected-response and 3 constructed response questions. 150 minutes is allotted for the exam.
Content categories are as follows: childhood development and learning (17%); observation, documentation and assessment (13%); developmentally appropriate practices (13%); professionalism, family and community (13%); content pedagogy and knowledge (24%); and knowledge of teaching (20%).
5018: Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge
The Elementary Education: Content Knowledge determines the knowledge of an elementary teacher in these subject areas: reading and language arts (35%) mathematics (29%); science (18%); social studies (18%). This teaching exam is composed of 140 selected-response questions with a 150 minute allotted time. The examinee is expected to know how and when to use the onscreen scientific calculator. That may mean downloading the calculator for practice prior to the examination.
5017: Praxis Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
The Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment exam checks prospective kindergarten through grade five teachers’ knowledge on content and pedagogy. This teacher certification examination is in selected-response format with a total of 120 questions to be answered in 130 minutes. The content areas which the test questions are taken from are: mathematics (26%); language arts and reading (31%); science (16%); social studies (14%); physical education, music and art (13%).
5019: Praxis Elementary Education: Instructional Practice and Applications
The Elementary Education: Instructional Practice and Applications exam tests the material a prospective elementary teacher. Examinees usually have completed a bachelor’s degree program. This test consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and 4 constructed response questions. The time allotted is 2 hours 50 minutes. The parts of this test include the following: reading/language arts (23%); mathematics (23%); science (23%); social studies (23%); art, music and physical education (10%) and applications (short answers: 25%).
5001: Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects
This test is intended to support a generalist elementary education license. It seeks to measure the content knowledge necessary to enter the elementary education profession. The test consists of multiple-choice and numeric-entry questions (*using an on-screen calculator, not a hand-held) in 4 separately timed subjects.
- Reading and Language Arts: reading (47%); writing, speaking, listening (53%). 90 minutes
- Mathematics: numbers and operations (40%); algebraic thinking (30%); geometry and measurement, data, statistics, probability (30%)
- Social Studies: U.S. history, government and citizenship (45%); geography, anthropology and sociology (30%); world history and economics (25%)
- Science: earth science (32%); life science (34%); physical science (34%)
5039: Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis
The English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content Knowledge diagnoses the standards-relevant knowledge of secondary school prospective teachers. This test is composed of 130 selected-response questions (150 minutes) and two constructed response questions (30 minutes). Test questions are taken from these content areas: reading (48 selected-response; 1 constructed-response, 40%); language use and vocabulary (33 selected-response, 19%); and writing, listening and speaking (49 selected-response; 1 constructed-response, 41%). Note that selected-response questions may be audio, visual, select-in-the-passage, multiple-selection multiple-choice, or table/grid.
5038: Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge
The English Language Arts: Content Knowledge exam assesses the subject knowledge of prospective English teachers in a secondary school. The Praxis has 130 selected-response questions which may be single response, multiple response, audio stimulus, visual stimulus, order/match, table/grid, or select-in-the-passage questions. The categories are as follows: reading (38%); language use and vocabulary (25%); and writing, speaking and listening (37%).
5122: Praxis Family and Consumer Sciences
The Family and Consumer Sciences exam was created for prospective teachers at the middle and high school levels. Two hours are allotted for the 120 multiple-choice questions on the exam. The areas tested are as follows: food and nutrition (22%); housing and design (12%); textiles, fashion and apparel (12%); human development and interpersonal relations (20%); foundations of family and consumer sciences education (16%); and resource management (18%).
5511: Praxis Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge
The Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge test evaluates a prospective teacher’s knowledge on general topics. This is a selected-response exam that is comprised of 120 questions. The duration of this examination is 2 hours. Test questions are taken from these areas: citizenship and social science; mathematics; English language arts; and science. Each area accounts for 25% of the exam coverage. The examinee is allowed to use an onscreen calculator for this test.
5435: Praxis General Science: Content Knowledge
The General Science: Content Knowledge exam gauges a prospective secondary school level general science teacher’s mastery of the subject. There are 135 questions in this selected-response format. The examinee is expected to finish the test in 135 minutes. The exam covers the following: scientific methodology, techniques and history (11%); physical science (38%); life science (20%); earth and space science (20%); and science, technology and society (11%).
5921: Praxis Geography
The Geography exam is a measurement of a prospective secondary school teacher’s mastery of the subject of geography. This teacher certification test is composed of 120 questions in selected-response format and covers the following topics: (20% on each of the following) geography literacy and tools; physical geography; environment and society; (25%) human geography; and (15%) regional geography. The examinee must finish the test within 120 minutes.
5358: Praxis Gifted Education
The Gifted Education exam assesses the skills and knowledge of a prospective gifted education teacher. Often, that teacher is a graduate student or has participated in extensive work with GT programming. The exam is a 120 multiple-choice test. Examinees are allotted 2 hours. The exam has five parts: development and characteristics of gifted students (21%); learning environment for gifted students (19%); instruction of gifted students (28%); identification and assessment of gifted students (18%); professionalism (14%).
5931: Praxis Government/Political Science
The Government/Political Science test is an evaluation of a prospective secondary school teacher’s proficiency in the subject of political science and government. This examination is in selected-response. format. The examinee must answer all 120 questions within 120 minutes. The test questions are taken from these content areas: U.S. Constitution (22%); U.S. government: federal, state, and local institutions (28%); civil rights and civil liberties: landmark court decisions (16%); U.S. politics (20%); comparative politics and international relations (14%).
5857: Praxis Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge
The Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge test is an assessment of prospective teachers’ proficiency in the field of physical education and health. This is a selected-response format type that covers the following topics: health education as a discipline/health instruction (20%) health education content (25%), disorders, and diseases (17%); and physical education: content knowledge and student growth and development (17%); management, motivation and communication/collaboration, reflection and technology (22%); planning, instruction and student assessment (16%) The examinee has 130 minutes to finish the 130-question exam.
5551: Praxis Health Education
The Health Education exam measures the professional knowledge of prospective health educators who have earned a bachelor’s degree. It is intended for those who wish to teach at the elementary, junior high or senior high level. The test is 120 minutes and asks 120 multiple-choice questions. The five parts of the test are the following: health education as a discipline (16%); health promotion and prevention of injury and disease (30%); healthy relationships and mental and emotional health (30%); community health and advocacy (12%); and health education pedagogy (12%).
5161: Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge
The Mathematics: Content Knowledge test is an evaluation of a prospective secondary school teacher’s proficiency in mathematics. This ETS exam is in selected-response format. Questions may be drag and drop, text completion, numeric-entry or “other innovative” types. There are 60 questions and the examinee must finish the test within 150 minutes. Two major categories make up this exam: number and quantity, algebra, functions and calculus (68%); and geometry, probability and statistics and discrete mathematics (32%) This exam requires the use of graphing calculators.
Don’t Miss: It Felt Like I Got Hit By A Semi-Truck During My Praxis Exam…Here’s Every Test Prep Mistake You Need To Avoid…
5146: Praxis Middle School: Content Knowledge
The Middle School: Content Knowledge gauges the thinking skills in higher order and knowledge of a prospective middle school teacher. This standardized test for educator certification has 120 questions based on the following topics: literature and language studies (25%); mathematics (25%); history/social studies (25%); and science (25%). The examinee can use a non-programmable calculator when taking the exam. The time limit for this test is two hours.
5047: Praxis Middle School English Language Arts
The Middle School English Language Arts test evaluates the mastery of a prospective middle school teacher in English language arts. The test has 110 questions in a selected-response format as well as 2 questions in the format of constructed response. Questions may be audio, visual, select-in-the-passage or other types of selected-response. The exam has a time allotment of 160 minutes. The selected-response Praxis test questions are taken from these topics: reading (46%); language use and vocabulary (11%); writing, speaking, listening (18%); and English/language arts instruction (25%). The two questions in constructed response format make up 25% of the total score and are included in the reading and language arts instruction sections.
5169: Praxis Middle School Mathematics
The Middle School Mathematics is an assessment of a prospective middle school teacher’s knowledge of math. The test is composed of 55 selected-response items; some are numeric entry. An on-screen graphic calculator is provided. The examinee is given two hours to finish the examination that covers these topics: arithmetic and algebra (62%); and geometry and data (38%).
5440: Praxis Middle School Science
The Middle School Science exam gauges prospective middle school teachers’ mastery of the science subject. The exam has two parts consisting of 125 questions in selected-response format. The test has a time limit of 2.5 hours. The selected-response portion of the exam has questions taken from these topics: (12% from each of these areas) scientific inquiry, methodology, techniques and history; basic principles of matter and energy; science, technology and society; (22%) physical sciences; (24%) life sciences; (18%) earth and space sciences.
5089: Praxis Middle School Social Studies
The Middle School Social Studies assesses the proficiency of a prospective middle school teacher in the subject of social studies. This ETS exam is made up of 90 questions following a selected-response format and 3 questions in constructed response format. The exam duration is two hours. The selected-response questions count as 75% of the total score. They are based on these content areas: U.S. history(19%); world history (15%); government/civics (14%); geography (14%); and economics (13%). The constructed response questions are taken from these three categories: U.S. history related to government/civics; world history related to geography; U.S. history related to economics or geography OR world history related to economics or government/civics.
5114: Praxis Music: Content and Instruction
The Music: Content and Instruction exam tests the readiness of prospective music teachers to begin teaching K-12 students in three areas: general, instrumental, and vocal music. The 2-hour test includes a 25-minute listening portion and a 95-minute non-listening portion. There are 84 multiple-choice and 3 constructed response questions. The categories of the test are as follows: music history and theory (29%); performance (21%); instruction, professional issues and technology (25%); and instructional activities (constructed response; 25%).
5113: Praxis Music: Content Knowledge
The Music: Content Knowledge exam evaluates a prospective teacher’s knowledge of the general, vocal and instrumental music in elementary through senior high school levels. This is a selected-response Praxis exam that has a total of 120 questions. The examinee has 120 minutes to finish the exam. Thirty items of the test are based on recorded excerpts of music and are played during the test. Your study guide for the Praxis must include the following topics: music history and literature (15%); theory and composition (16%); performance (22%); and pedagogy, professional issues and technology (47%). The first three categories include both a listening and a non-listening portion.
5095: Praxis Physical Education: Content and Design
The Physical Education: Content and Design test measures a prospective teacher’s proficiency in the subject of physical education in elementary through senior high school levels. The test asks 90 selected-response questions and 2 constructed response questions, which the examinee must answer within 120 minutes. The following are the topics: content knowledge and student growth and development (23%); management, motivation and communication (19%); planning, instruction and student assessment (19%); collaboration, reflection and technology (14%); and instructional design (2 constructed response questions; 25%).
5091: Praxis Physical Education: Content Knowledge
The Physical Education: Content Knowledge test assesses the professional knowledge of beginning teachers of physical education from elementary through high school levels. Examinees have 120 minutes to answer 120 multiple-choice questions. The topics covered are as follows: content knowledge and student growth and development (30%); management, motivation and communication (25%); planning, instruction and student assessment (25%); and collaboration, reflection and technology (20%).
5265: Praxis Physics: Content Knowledge
The Physics: Content Knowledge is a measurement of a prospective teacher’s mastery of secondary school level physics. This is a selected-response type of exam with 125 questions. 150 minutes is given to the examinee to answer all the questions. These questions are based on these topics: mechanics (32%); electricity and magnetism (19%); optics and waves (13%); heat, energy and thermodynamics (12%); modern physics and atomic and nuclear structure (12%); and scientific inquiry, processes and social perspectives (12%). The examinee is not allowed to use a calculator during the test.
5531: Praxis Pre-Kindergarten Education
The Pre-Kindergarten Education test assesses teachers of children ages two to five. The two-hour test asks 100 multiple-choice questions based on these five areas: early childhood development (17%); teaching and supporting diverse children (14%); creating a developmentally appropriate learning environment (20%); teaching and learning (25%); and professionalism, family and community (24%).
5621: Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood
The Teaching and Learning Principles: Early Childhood determines the holistic teaching skill and knowledge of a prospective preschool teacher. This Praxis exam is composed of 4 questions in short answer format and 70 questions in selected-response format. The duration of the test is 2 hours. The questions of the selected-response subtest are taken from these topics: students as learners (22.5%); instructional process (22.5%); assessment (15%); and professional development, leadership and community (15%). There are four instructional scenarios to analyze for the short-answer subtest and account for 25% of the total score. The questions in this subtest are based on the same topics listed above.
5622: Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6
The Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6 exam assesses the knowledge of educational practices of a prospective teacher in kindergarten through grade 6. This ETS test is made up of 4 questions in short answer format and 70 questions in selected-response format. The exam duration is two hours. The selected-response subtest covers these topics: students as learners (22.5%); instructional process (22.5%); assessment (15%); and professional development, leadership and community (15%). There are four instructional scenarios to analyze for the short-answer subtest and account for 25% of the total score. The questions in this subtest are based on the same topics listed above.
5623: Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching : Grades 5-9
The Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 determines the knowledge of educational practices for a prospective teacher in 5th grade through 9th grade. This test consists of 4 questions in short answer format and 70 questions in selected-response format. The exam duration is two hours. The selected-response subtest covers these topics: students as learners (22.5%); instructional process (22.5%); assessment (15%); and professional development, leadership and community (15%). There are four instructional scenarios to analyze for the short-answer subtest and account for 25% of the total score. The questions in this subtest are based on the same topics listed above.
5624: Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12
The Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 is an evaluation of a prospective 7th grade through 12th grade teacher’s knowledge of educational practices. The test is made up of 4 questions in short answer format and 70 questions in selected-response format. The exam duration is two hours. The selected-response subtest covers these topics: students as learners (22.5%); instructional process (22.5%); assessment (15%); and professional development, leadership and community (15%). There are four instructional scenarios to analyze for the short-answer subtest and account for 25% of the total score. The questions in this subtest are based on the same topics listed above.
5301: Praxis Reading Specialist
The Reading Specialist test gauges the proficiency of a prospective K-12 teacher in reading. This exam is designed for those with advanced academic preparation. The test has 80 questions in selected-response format; 1 constructed response; and 1 case study. See that your Praxis test prep book covers these topics: (selected response topics) assessment and diagnostic teaching (20%); reading and writing development (45%); leadership skills and specialized knowledge of pedagogical principles and instructional practices (15%). The constructed response topics are professional learning and leadership (10%) and analysis of individual student case study (10%). The exam has an allotted time of 2 hours.
5086: Praxis Social Studies: Content and Interpretation
The Social Studies: Content and Interpretation determines a prospective secondary school teacher’s social studies subject mastery. The exam includes 90 selected-response questions and 3 constructed response questions. Two hours is the exam time limit. The questions are taken from these topics: U.S. history (15%); world history (15%); government/civics (15%); economics (11%); geography (11%); behavioral science (8%); and short content essays on historical events, issues and fundamental social studies concepts (25%).
5081: Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge
The Social Studies: Analytical Essays is an evaluation of a prospective secondary school teacher’s knowledge and proficiency in the subject of social studies. This Praxis exam has 130 multiple-choice questions which the examinee is given two hours to answer. The questions are taken from these topics: U.S. history (20%); world history (20%); government/civics/political science (20%); economics (15%); geography (15%); and behavioral science (10%).
Links To Praxis II Prep Tools And Tactics
- Free Praxis Practice Test Secrets
- Free Praxis Study Guide Reviews
- Praxis Test
- Praxis Prep
- Praxis Math
- Praxis General Science
- Praxis Middle School Science
- Praxis Social Studies
- Praxis English Language Arts
- Praxis Special Education
- Praxis Chemistry
- Praxis Physical Education
- Praxis History
- Praxis Biology
- Praxis Business Education
- Praxis Teaching Reading
- Praxis School Psychology
- Praxis SLP
- Praxis Practice Test
- Praxis Study Guide
- Praxis Elementary Education
- Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 5001
- Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge 5018
- Praxis PLT K-6
- Praxis PLT 7-12
5952: Praxis Sociology
The Sociology exam evaluates the mastery of a prospective teacher grades 6-12 in the subject of sociology. The test is in selected-response format and has 120 questions taken from these topics: social perspectives and methods of inquiry (20%); culture, socialization and social organization (25%); social stratification (15%); deviance and conformity (15%); social institutions (15%); and demography and social change (10%). The exam has a time limit of 120 minutes.
5354: Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications
The Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications exam measures the knowledge of basic principles of special education for beginning teachers for any age level, preschool through high school. The test is a two-hour test of 120 multiple-choice questions. The five categories of questions are as follows: development and characteristics of learners (16%); planning and the learning environment (23%); instruction (23%); assessment (18%); and foundations and professional responsibilities (20%).
5543: Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications
The test for Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications is designed to
assess the knowledge of principles and practices related to teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities in any grade, preschool-grade 12. The test is a two-hour test of 90 multiple-choice questions with 3 integrated constructed response questions. The five categories of questions are as follows: development and characteristics of learners (14%); planning and the learning environment (17%); instruction (17%); assessment (14%); foundations and professional responsibilities (13%); and integrated constructed responses (25%).
5545: Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Severe to Profound Applications
The Special Education: Core Knowledge and Severe to Profound Applications assesses the examinee’s knowledge of principles and practices related to teaching students with severe to profound disabilities in all levels preschool through high school. The test is a two-hour test of 90 multiple-choice questions with 3 integrated constructed response questions. The five categories of questions are as follows: development and characteristics of learners (14%); planning and the learning environment (17%); instruction (17%); assessment (14%); foundations and professional responsibilities (13%); and integrated constructed responses (25%).
5272: Praxis Special Education: Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Special Education: Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Praxis exam measures knowledge, skills and abilities needed for safe and effective teaching practice at the entry level of teaching. This 120 minute, 120 multiple-choice question test is divided into these five categories: characteristics of learners and their development (16%); assessment, diagnosis, evaluation and program planning (23%); instructional content and general pedagogy (23%); planning and managing the teaching and learning environment (18%); and foundations of deaf education and professional practice (20%).
5691: Praxis Special Education: Preschool/Early Childhood
The test for Special Education: Preschool/Early Childhood measures knowledge, skills and abilities of early childhood special educators. The two-hour test includes 130 multiple-choice questions. The content areas covered are as follows: development and characteristics of learners (17%); IFSP, IEP development and delivery of services, and assessment and eligibility (25%); planning and managing the learning environment (37%); and family, community and professional relationships (21%).
5881: Praxis Special Education: Teaching Speech to Students with Language Impairments
The ETS Special Education: Teaching Speech to Students with Language Impairments exam measures the specialized knowledge needed to teach students speech to students with language impairments safely and effectively. This multiple-choice test consists of 120 questions in these categories: foundations of speech and language development (25%); identification and assessment of communication impairments (25%); planning and managing the learning environment (30%); and legal, ethical and professional aspects of the job (20%). Test-takers are given 120 minutes for this test.
5372: Praxis Special Education: Teaching Students with Behavioral Disorders/Emotional Disturbances
The test for Special Education: Teaching Students with Behavioral Disorders/Emotional Disturbances is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities of an entry-level teacher of students with behavioral disorders and/or emotional disturbances. The test is 120 minutes and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions in these categories: development and characteristics of students with EBD (18%); planning and managing the learning environments (26%); instruction (26%); assessment (17%); and foundations and professional responsibilities (13%).
5383: Praxis Special Education: Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
The Special Education: Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities assessment is a selected-response ETS exam that determines a prospective teacher’s knowledge of students with disabilities in learning. This test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) has 120 questions with a 120-minute time allotment. Questions are taken from these topics: development and characteristics of students with learning disabilities (17%); planning and managing the learning environment (26%); instruction (28%); identification, eligibility and placement (12%); and foundations and professional responsibilities (17%).
5322: Praxis Special Education: Teaching Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Special Education: Teaching Students with Intellectual Disabilities assessment is a selected-response exam that tests a prospective teacher’s knowledge of students with intellectual disabilities, preschool through grade 12. This test has 120 questions to answer within 120-minutes. Questions are taken from these topics: development and characteristics of students with intellectual disabilities (18%); planning and managing the learning environment (26%); instruction (26%); assessment (16%); and foundations and professional responsibilities (14%).
5282: Praxis Special Education: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
The test for Special Education: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is administered by ETS to assess the knowledge of beginning teachers of students with visual impairments. The test has 120 multiple-choice questions. Examinees are allotted 120 minutes for the questions in these categories: principles and educational rights for students with disabilities (12%); development and characteristics of students with visual impairments (19%); planning and managing the teaching and learning environment (18%); implementing instruction (23%); assessment (16%); and professional practice, collaboration and counseling (12%).
5221: Praxis Speech Communication and Content Knowledge
The Speech Communication and Content Knowledge exam offered by ETS assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a beginning speech teacher for students in junior and senior high school. The test is 120 minutes and contains 120 selected-response questions. The areas tested are as follows: (11% each) communication fundamentals; oral interpretation and performance; forensics: competitive speech and debate; (13% each) interpersonal communication; group communication; media and their influences; (18%) public speaking; (10% each) assessment and evaluation issues.
5204: Praxis Teaching Reading
The Praxis Teaching Reading test is for both becoming a licensed reading teacher and for adding a reading endorsement to a license. There are 90 multiple-choice and 3 constructed-response questions on this two hour exam. These are the areas tested: (12% each) emergent literacy (oral language and concepts of print); phonological awareness; alphabetic principle/phonics and word analysis; (14%) vocabulary; (25%) comprehension and fluency; and (25%) for the constructed responses on instructional processes (one question each on instructional practices; curriculum materials; and assessment).
5203: Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary Education
The Teaching Reading: Elementary Education test given by ETS assesses the skills and knowledge of a beginning teacher who will support reading at that level. There are 90 multiple-choice and 3 constructed-response questions on this 2.5 hour exam. Each of the major areas tested will include a constructed-response question.
The three areas and their sub content areas are as follows: assessment and diagnostic teaching of reading (27%); reading development: including phonemic awareness and oral language development; phonics and alphabetic principle; word analysis skills and vocabulary development; development of reading fluency and reading comprehension; reading comprehension strategies across text types (46%); and writing in support of reading, which includes interdependence of reading and writing and reading and writing as tools for inquiry (27%).
5051: Praxis Technology Education
The Technology Education exam measures the knowledge and skills of a teacher who will support the technology curriculum. The test is two hours and contains 120 multiple-choice questions. These are the areas tested: (15% in each area) technology and society; energy, power and transportation; information and communication technologies; manufacturing and construction technologies; (20% in each area) technological design and problem solving; and pedagogical and professional studies.
5641 Praxis Theater
The Theater exam assesses a beginning theater teacher’s knowledge of the theater and theater education. The test is two hours and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. These are the categories:
curriculum instruction and classroom practices (29%); creating and performing (29%); production (25%); and history, literature and criticism (17%).
5941: Praxis World and U.S. History: Content Knowledge
The World and U.S. History: Content Knowledge exam gauges a prospective secondary school teacher’s knowledge of U.S. and world history. This teacher certification test is selected-response and has 120 questions. The duration of the test is 120 minutes. Topics covered by the Praxis exam are: world history to 1450 CE; world history 1450 CE to the present; U.S. history to 1877; and U.S. history: 1877 to the present. 25% of the exam is allotted for each of the four topics. However, there are “historical thinking” questions within each category which will account for 25% of the total score.
Author: Mark Dahlson