Number and Type of Questions | 120 selected response questions |
---|---|
Time | 120 min |
Content Areas | 1. Literature and Language Studies (25%) 2. Mathematics (25%) 3. History/Social Studies (25%) 4. Science (25%) |
Cost | $130 |
What Is the Praxis Middle School: Content Knowledge (5146) Exam?
The Praxis 5146, or Praxis II Middle School: Content Knowledge test, is designed to assess general knowledge of middle school content for teachers seeking licensure in states that require the exam. The test covers knowledge that is essential to teaching middle school, and will require test takers to use higher-order thinking skills. The test includes questions on language arts, math, social studies, and science.
What Is on the Praxis II Middle School: Content Knowledge Exam?
There are four content categories on the Praxis II Middle School test: Literature and Language Studies, Mathematics, History/Social Studies, and Science. The test consists of 120 selected-response questions, and each content category accounts for one-fourth of the exam's questions. The exam covers a wide array of core content typically taught in middle schools.
Literature and Language Studies
In this category of the Praxis II Middle School exam, test takers will need to show their knowledge of both fiction and non-fiction texts, including terminology related to literature and approaches to reading and analyzing literature. They will also be asked to demonstrate their understanding of language development, how language instruction impacts other content areas, and characteristics of linguistics. Lastly, test takers will need to show their understanding of how to analyze both written and oral communication in middle school.
Mathematics
Questions in this category of the Praxis II Middle School: Content Knowledge test will focus on test takers' ability to reason mathematically and relate mathematical concepts. Therefore, test takers will be less focused on solving math problems in this section as opposed to demonstrating their understanding of which math topics are covered and how to effectively teach them. Example math topics in this category include number sense, geometry, measurement, algebra, number theory, probability, and statistics.
History/Social Studies
In this category of the Praxis 5146 exam, test takers will need to show their understanding of important events in history and how these events tie in to the social sciences. All but one of the questions in this section involve historical knowledge, and many of the questions ask test takers to integrate knowledge of history with geography, economics, government and politics, or anthropology and sociology (the social sciences). Knowledge of both United States and World History will be assessed.
Science
Questions in this category of the Praxis II Middle School: Content Knowledge test include those focused on Life Science, Earth and Space Science, or Physical Science. Each of these science topics will account for approximately one-third of the questions in this content category, and some questions may integrate knowledge from multiple scientific fields. Example topics within these science fields include cellular biology, astronomy, geology, matter, and energy.
Frequently asked Questions
How hard is the Praxis 5146 exam?
The Praxis 5146 covers four broad content categories, therefore a thorough study plan will help test takers ensure success. While some test takers may typically consider mathematics questions challenging, they should keep in mind that math questions on this test focus on reasoning mathematically, not calculating the answer to math equations.
How long is the Praxis II Middle School test?
Test takers have 2 hours to complete the 120 selected-response questions on the Praxis II Middle School: Content Knowledge test. Additionally, examinees will also go through a tutorial on the computer-delivery method used to take the test and other administrative tasks.
What is a passing score for the Praxis II Middle School: Content Knowledge exam?
A passing score for the Praxis 5146 exam depends on where you are seeking licensure. Examples of passing scores range from 140 (Alaska) to 155 (District of Columbia).
Can I retake the Praxis 5146 test?
Test takers will need to wait 28 days after their previous exam to retake the Praxis II Middle School: Content Knowledge test. This rule applies regardless of whether a test taker has cancelled their previous score or not.
How much does the Praxis II Middle School test cost?
The Praxis 5146 test costs $130. Test takers who are current college students receiving financial aid may be eligible for a fee waiver. Those eligible for the waiver can apply via the test provider.
Can I use a calculator on the Praxis 5146 exam?
Test takers can use a non-programmable calculator on the Praxis II Middle School exam, although there will not be any questions requiring extensive computation. A calculator with just the four basic functions should be sufficient. Test takers must bring their own calculator if they choose to use one.
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