Praxis® Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Practice Test | Praxis® 5001 Study Guide
What is the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) Exam?
The Praxis 5001, also called the Praxis 2 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects tests, is used throughout the United States as part of many states' teacher certification processes. This Praxis test for elementary teachers evaluates whether entry-level teachers have the content knowledge necessary for the multiple subjects they will be teaching in elementary school. The Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects exam therefore is meant to support a generalist elementary school license.
The Praxis 5001 can be taken as one exam or as four subtests. These subtests consist of Reading and Language Arts (5002), Mathematics (5003), Social Studies (5004), and Science (5005). When taken as one exam, the Praxis test cost is $180. When taken as individual subtests, each subtest costs $64.
1. United States History, Government, and Citizenship (45%) 2. Geography, Anthropology, and Sociology (30%) 3. World History and Economics (25%)
Practice tests give you a better idea of the topics you have mastered and those you should keep studying.
Taking the Praxis (5001) Exam
The Praxis 2 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) exam is a computer-based test that comprises four subtests. They may be taken as a combination of all the subjects or as individual subtests. Overall, the time taken for the entire test is 4 hours 35 minutes.
The questions in each test are selected-response questions, constructed-response questions, or numeric entry. Selected-response questions involve picking from a list of choices or otherwise selecting something on the screen. Constructed-response questions involve creating an answer of one's own. Numeric entry asks the test-taker to enter a numeric value in the answer field.
The Praxis (5002) Reading and Language Arts test has 80 questions a test-taker must answer in 90 minutes, 50 questions in 65 minutes in the Praxis (5003) Mathematics test, 60 questions in 60 minutes in the Praxis (5004) Social Studies test, and 55 questions in 60 minutes in the Praxis (5005) Science test.
Elementary Education: Reading and Language Arts Subtest (5002)
The Reading and Language Arts subtest (5002) takes 1.5 hours to complete. It focuses on Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The test will consist of 80 questions overall, broken down into two categories, Reading and Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The 80 questions include single-selection multiple choice items, as well as question types involving multiple selection, order matching, or grids.
There are 38 questions for Reading, with a score weight worth 47% of the Reading and Language Arts subtest score. This category evaluates foundational skills, such as the roles of phonological awareness, phonics and word analysis, and fluency in literacy development, as well as comprehending literature and informational texts. The Writing, Speaking and Listening test has 42 questions, with a score weight worth 53% of the Reading and Language Arts subtest. This category evaluates writing, such as knowledge of the different developmental stages of writing; language, including grammar, usage, and mechanics; and speaking and listening, including characteristics of effective oral presentations.
Most states set 157 as the minimum score for the Reading and Language Arts subtest.
Elementary Education: Mathematics Subtest (5003)
The Mathematics Subtest (5003) takes 65 minutes to complete. It focuses on 50 selected-response questions as well as numeric questions. An online scientific calculator is available to assist test-takers as needed. The subtest is divided into three categories, Numbers and Operations, Algebraic Thinking, and Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics, and Probability. Questions on this subtest include selected-response, including both single- and multiple-selection multiple choice, and numeric entry questions.
Numbers and Operations has a total of 20 questions and a score weight of 40% of the Mathematics subtest and involves testing one's understanding of things like rational numbers, operations, percentages, and basic concepts of number theory. Algebraic Thinking has a total of 15 questions and a weight score of 30% of the Mathematics subtest and includes questions on evaluating and manipulating algebraic expressions and understanding the solutions to linear equations and inequalities, among other related topics. Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics, and Probability has a total of 15 questions and a score weight of 30% of the Mathematics subtest and asks test-takers about figures, perimeter and area, coordinate planes, and basic statistics.
Most states also set 157 as their minimum passing score for this test.
Elementary Education: Social Studies Subtest (5004)
The Social Studies subtest (5004) takes 1 hour to complete. There are 60 questions in this test, divided into three categories, on United States History, Government, and Citizenship; Geographic, Anthropology, and Sociology; and World History and Economics. All questions in this subtest are selected-response.
There are 27 questions in the first section on United States History, Government, and Citizenship, which comes with a score weight of 45% of the Social studies subtest and includes questions on major events in U.S. history; the nature, purpose, and forms of government; and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The second section is Geography, Anthropology and Sociology, with a total of 18 questions and a score weight of 30%, which evaluates one's understanding of world and regional geography, the interaction of human and physical systems, and how people of different cultural backgrounds interact with different elements of their environment. The final section is World History and Economics with 15 questions and a score weight worth 25% of the Social Studies subtest score; this section asks about classical civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Rome), cross-cultural comparisons in world history instruction, key terms and basic concepts of economics, and the role of government in economics.
The Science Subtest (5005) takes 1 hour to complete. There are 55 selected-response questions with an on-screen scientific calculator to assist test-takers. The test is placed into three separate categories, Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. The questions in this subtest are selected-response.
Earth Science has between 17-18 questions, its score weight covers 33% of the Science subtest, and it involves an understanding of Earth structures and processes, Earth history and paleontology, and Earth and the universe. The second subsection is Life Science with a total of between 18-19 questions and a score weight worth 33% of the Science subtest, which asks about the structure and function of living systems, reproduction and heredity, life cycles, the interdependence of organisms, and personal health. The final section is Physical Science with a total number of between 18-19 questions and a score weight worth 33% of the Science subtest, which includes questions on physical and chemical structure and properties of matter, forces and motions, and energy. All categories of this subtest may further ask science as inquiry, as a human endeavor, science's unifying processes, and how to use resources and research materials in science.
Most states set 159 as the minimum score for this subtest.
Preparing for the Praxis 5001: Practice Tests and Study Guides
The best way to prepare for the Praxis 5001 is for test-takers to familiarize themselves with the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the Praxis test, and the resources it offers. The ETS page on the Praxis 5001 includes links to study resources and practice tests for each of the subtests, as well as a comprehensive Praxis study guide for Elementary Education. ETS also provides videos on topics such as what to expect on the Praxis test day and how to actually navigate a Praxis exam. There are other study resources available both online and as physical books that test-takers might find helpful, but ultimately, the most authoritative source for what is likely to be on the actual exam is ETS, so it should always be the priority.
Praxis test preparation should also include research about state-specific requirements. Praxis passing scores are set by each individual state, so aspiring teachers will need to make sure they understand what their own state requires. ETS further provides pages for each state so that test-takers may more easily find all the information they need.
The Praxis 5001 Study Guide and Test Preparation Resources
ETS provides a number of preparation materials for this exam. Test-takers will find:
A Praxis 5001 study guide with a comprehensive overview of the test, the topics it covers, and tips and strategies for studying
Information on calculator use, including practice using the on-screen calculator that will be provided for the Mathematics and Science subtests
A Microsoft Word document of resources for each subtest that includes links to materials on every topic that may appear on the Praxis exam
Microsoft Word documents with study plans for each subtest
Videos about the test and how to prepare for it
Praxis 5001 practice questions for each subtest that simulate the test itself
Test takers will be able to use these resources to make a schedule and organize their time around studying for the Praxis 5001, learn about the actual administration of the test, and understand how this exam is scored, as well as review the content knowledge being evaluated.
Individuals may also find non-ETS resources to be helpful study materials. There are many webinars, video lessons, and practice tests available both online and in physical book form that test-takers can use to prepare for the Praxis 5001.
Praxis 5001 Practice Tests
As part of its preparation materials, ETS sells interactive Praxis 5001 practice tests. Because they come directly from the test administrator, these practice tests are the ones most likely to simulate the actual test in both administration and content. When possible, these practice tests should be a test taker's priority.
However, both the internet and retail bookstores also carry Praxis study materials, including practice tests. These materials can include:
Images and video information
Praxis 5001 quizzes
Short mini-tests
Multiple choice practice questions
Video tutorials and webinars
Interactive practice tests that can provide a result of one's score immediately after completing it
Full-length practice tests
Many of the online Praxis multiple subjects 5001 practice tests are also free, which may make them more accessible than the ones provided by ETS.
Expert Contributor
Jenifer Woodson
Jenifer Woodson has been a teacher for over 6 years, and an artist and art gallery owner for over 11 years. Currently, she teaches art to grades 6-12. She has passed the Praxis exam. She is currently earning a Ph.D. in Leadership with a specialization in Education from the University of the Cumberlands. Jenifer holds an M.A.T. from the University of Louisville and a B.A. in Studio Arts from Kentucky State University.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to take the Praxis 5001?
It cost $180 to take the Praxis 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects exam if taken as one test. If the four subtests are taken separately, each costs $64. There may also be special surcharges depending on the state or for additional services.
How do I prepare for Praxis 5001?
Preparing for the Praxis can be difficult, so it is important to spend a fair amount of time on each individual topic. Using a study plan will help you know what you need to focus on. There are complete practice tests available that will initially enable test-takers to know where their weaknesses and strengths are. They will then be able to approach their studying with a more targeted focus.
What are the passing scores for Praxis 5001?
Individual states set the passing scores for each Praxis exam, which is further individualized for each of the four subtests. Aspiring teachers should therefore research their own state's requirements. The ETS provides individual pages for each state where test-takers can find this information.
Is there an essay on the Praxis 5001?
The Praxis 5001 Multiple Subjects exam does not include questions that require an essay. They are mainly mulltiple choice answers, with a few math problems included.
Take a Praxis Elementary Education Practice Test Online
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