What is the Praxis Elementary Multiple Subjects Exam?
The Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects (5001) Exam is a comprehensive, computer-delivered exam that is intended for educators who require a general license in elementary school teaching. The exam includes four major subtests: Reading and Language (Praxis 5002), Mathematics (Praxis 5003), Social Studies (Praxis 5004), and Science (Praxis 5005). Each subtest has its own format and time allotment, so it is important that you are familiar with each portion of the exam. The Praxis 5001 Exam takes 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete. This article will describe the four subtests included in the exam and list examples of the material each section may cover. It will also provide tips on how to prepare and register for Praxis exam; information about testing fees, locations, and dates; and the Praxis scoring system.
1. United States History, Government, and Citizenship (45%) 2. Geography, Anthropology, and Sociology (30%) 3. World History and Economics (25%)
Reading and Language Arts (5002)
The first subtest of the Praxis 5001 Exam is Reading and Language Arts. This portion of the exam takes 90 minutes to complete and contains approximately 80 questions. While the majority of these questions are multiple-choice, there is a minimum of four unique questions that are not multiple-choice. The Reading and Language Arts subtest can be divided into two major sections: Reading, which accounts for 47% of the subtest with 38 questions; and Writing, Speaking, and Listening which comprises the remaining 53% of the Reading and Language Arts subtest with 42 questions.
Reading and Language Arts Subtest Categories
Number of Questions
Percentage of Subtest
Reading
38
47%
Writing, Speaking, and Listening
42
53%
The Reading section is designed to test your knowledge of foundational reading skills. It will cover such topics as phonological awareness, word analysis, and fluency in literacy development. It will also address literature and informational text while examining concepts like text complexity, comprehension of textual elements, and the comparison and integration of text and multimedia sources. The Writing, Speaking and Listening section tests active listening and communication skills; literature and informational text comprehension, analysis, and interpretation; the processes of writing and speech development; and the use of technology to create and publish content.
Mathematics (5003)
Mathematics is the second major subtest for the Praxis (5001) Exam. This portion of the test takes 65 minutes to complete and contains 50 multiple choice and numeric entry questions. It is important to note that an on-screen calculator will be made available for this section of the exam. The Mathematics subtest is divided into three categories: Numbers and Operations; Algebraic Thinking; and Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics, and Probability. The Numbers and Operations category makes up roughly 40% of the subtest with a total of 20 questions. The final two categories - Algebraic Thinking and Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics and Probability - each comprise 30% of the subtest with 15 questions per category.
Mathematics Subtest Categories
Number of Questions
Percentage of Subtest
Numbers and Operations
20
40%
Algebraic Thinking
15
30%
Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics and Probability
15
30%
Numbers and Operations covers place value systems, forms of number expression, number rounding, rational numbers, percentages, number theory and the reasonableness of results. Algebraic Thinking tests your knowledge of basic mathematical operations, solving expressions and equations, formulas, inequalities, and patterns. The Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics and Probability section includes single and multi-dimensional shapes and their measurements, the coordinate plane, graphing, statistics, representing and interpreting data, and the likelihood of events occurring.
Social Studies (5004)
The third subtest of the Praxis (5001) Exam is Social Studies. This section takes 60 minutes to complete and includes 60 multiple-choice questions. It contains three sub-sections: United States History, Government and Citizenship; Geography, Anthropology and Sociology; and World History and Economics.
Social Studies Subtest Categories
Number of Questions
Percentage of Subtest
United States History, Government and Citizenship
27
45%
Geography, Anthropology and Sociology
18
30%
World History and Economics
15
25%
United States History, Government and Citizenship comprises the largest portion of the Social Studies subtest, accounting for 45% and containing 27 questions. This section focuses on key historical events and their cause and effect on future events, developments of the twenty-first century and their impact on the United States, the structure of the American judicial system, and the duties and responsibilities of United States citizenship. Geography, Anthropology and Sociology covers 30% of the subtest with 18 questions and is designed to test your knowledge on world and regional geography and its influence on culture; human and environmental interactions; and the utilization of geography to inform past, present, and future events. World History and Economics make up the remaining 25% of the subtest with 15 questions. This portion deals with contributions of classical civilizations, basic economic concepts and terminology, and the role of the government in economics and its impact on people and resources.
Science (5005)
Science is the final subtest in the Praxis (5001) Exam; it requires 60 minutes to complete and contains 55 questions. The subtest broadly covers resources and researching scientific materials, comprehension of the unifying processes of science, and understanding science as a worthwhile human endeavor grounded in inquiry. As with the Mathematics subtest, an on-screen scientific calculator will be made available for the Science portion of the exam.
Science Subtest Categories
Number of Questions
Percentage of Subtest
Earth Science
17-19
33%
Life Science
17-19
33%
Physical Science
17-19
33%
There are three sections to the Science subtest: Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All three of these portions account for 33% with roughly 17 -19 questions per section. Earth Science will test your knowledge on Earth systems and their history, processes, patterns, and cycles as well as the Earth's relationship to the solar system and its planets. Life Science covers living systems, their reproduction and heredity, change over time, regulation and behavior, diversity, and interdependence. Additional questions regarding personal health may also be covered in this exam. The Physical Science portion covers physical and chemical properties of substances, the structure of matter, forces and motion, and energy and its interactions with matter.
How to Prepare for the Praxis Elementary Multiple Subjects Exam
Being familiar with your exam material is fundamental to doing well on any test. The Praxis Elementary Multiple Subjects Exam is comprehensive, so bear in mind that this Praxis exam will cover more information than has been listed in this article. Being able to achieve the Praxis passing scores will take a great deal of preparation and planning.
Prior to the exam, you should become familiar with the Praxis testing format and any tools that will be provided for your use. Practicing with your Praxis on-screen calculator before your test date will help you prepare for the Mathematics and Science portions of your exam. You can request access to the on-screen calculator through the Praxis website. The Praxis Study Companion is a resource you can use to begin planning and studying for exam day. It provides Praxis test sample questions, a list of study topics for the test, a fillable study plan schedule to help you stay on track, information about Praxis registration, and some tips and tricks for improving your test scores. You can download the study companion pdf for free from the Praxis website.
Praxis Elementary Multiple Subjects Practice Test
Studying test materials using rote learning may help you remember much of the information required to pass the Praxis 5001 Exam, but it may not help you evaluate areas where your studies may be lacking. One of the best tools available for test-preparedness is the Praxis practice test. Taking Praxis practice tests as part of an integrated study plan will not only give you a feel for the form and flow of the Praxis test, it will help identify your strengths and weaknesses while giving you confidence in your abilities. There are both free practice testing and fee-based study materials for the Praxis 5001 Exam. There are also instructional video libraries, study resources, study plans, webinars, tutoring, strategies and tips, and free study guides to help you succeed in passing the Praxis 5001 Exam.
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How to Register for the Praxis Elementary Multiple Subjects
Prior to registering for the Praxis 5001 Exam, make sure to review the Praxis Tests Information Bulletin. This document has all of the up-to-date information on registration, Praxis test cost, test administration, and other details regarding scheduling and special accommodations. Registration for the Praxis 5001 Exam can be done in one of three ways: online by creating an account on the Praxis website, via mail by completing the Test Authorization Voucher Request Form located on the Praxis website (it can take up to 3 weeks to receive a voucher number in the mail), or via telephone by calling 1-800-772-9476. If registering by phone, you must already have access to an online Praxis account and you must be taking your exam at a Praxis testing center located within the United States.
If a candidate needs to retake Praxis test, they can use the same method of Praxis registration they initially used. However, they must wait a minimum of 28 days from the original test date before they can take the test again.
Disability Accommodations
Disability accommodations are available to test takers who need these services. Some Praxis accommodations include:
Written directions instead of oral directions
Test in Braille
Sign language interpreter
Additional breaks
Individual testing room
Test reader
Candidates must apply for accommodations before registering for the Praxis licensure exam. If these services are needed, it's important to plan far in advance because it could take up to 6 weeks for ETS Disability Services to review and approve any accommodation request.
Testing Fees
Testing fees for Praxis exams are relatively straightforward. The current fee for the Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects (5001) Exam is $180.00. If you are taking the tests separately, the Praxis test cost is $64 per exam. If you are taking the test in Nevada, there is an additional $5.00 state surcharge fee. Other special service fees may also apply. If you wish to change your testing date or location, there is a $40.00 rescheduling fee. Registration by telephone will cost you an additional $35.00, and if you request multiple copies of your Praxis score report, you will pay a fee of $50.00 per report. Prices are subject to change, so please visit the Praxis website to confirm current fees and surcharges.
Testing Locations
Praxis exams are administered at locations worldwide through Prometric testing facilities and at institutions of higher education. Once you have set up an account with Praxis you will be able to access the testing registration page. Locations can be found by selecting your country and state or by entering your local zip code. A populated list of testing sites in your area will appear and you can choose the Praxis testing center you would like to complete your exam. Home testing is also available with certain requirements. To take the Praxis test at home, you must live in Canada or the United States or one of its territories. If you do not have access to a working computer, you may opt to take the test at a secure location of your choice. An online proctor will supervise your test through ProctorU. The Praxis home exam is identical in format and content to the exams given at other testing facilities.
Testing Dates
Praxis test dates are available year-round, 7 days a week. With multiple testing sites available, you should be able to choose a location, date, and time that is convenient for you. Be aware, though, that some testing facilities have limited dates and hours of operation. Holiday hours or emergency closings may also limit the availability of some testing facilities. If you are planning to take the Praxis 5001 Exam at home, it is available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. ET seven days a week. Be sure when choosing your test date that you will be able to receive your Praxis scores prior to any deadlines provided by your state or agency officials. The time it will take to receive your test score varies. If your test does not contain any open-response questions or essays, you should be able to view your results immediately through your Praxis online account. Score results for tests that include open-response or essay questions may take up to three weeks before being made available.
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Nicole McCaig, M.A. is an elementary school teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching and mentoring novice teachers. She has successfully passed the Praxis and holds a New Jersey Standard Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education K-5. Nicole graduated with an M.A. in Teaching from Monmouth University. She is dedicated to contributing to e-learning platforms and serving schools in disadvantaged areas, as she believes that quality education should be accessible to all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the Praxis multiple subjects test?
The Praxis Elementary Multiple Subject (5001) Exam covers four major subjects: Reading and Language Arts (including reading and writing, speaking and listening), Mathematics (including numbers and operations, algebraic thinking, and geometry and measurement, data, statistics and probability), Social Studies (including United States history, government and citizenship; geography, anthropology and sociology; and world history and economics), and Science (including earth science, life science, and physical science).
What Praxis do I take for elementary education?
The Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects (5001) Exam is designed to test your knowledge on the four major elementary school subjects being taught in the United States. It covers reading, mathematics, social studies and science. Keep in mind, however, that requirements may differ from agency to agency or state to state.
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