Praxis^® Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (5018) Practice Test & Study Guide

What Is the Praxis Elementary Education 5018: Content Knowledge Exam?

The Praxis Elementary Education Content Knowledge Test (5018) is a timed, computer-administered test generally taken by individuals completing an undergraduate degree in elementary education. Licensed educators seeking additional endorsements on their educator's license may also take this test. Also known as the Praxis II Elementary Education Content Knowledge Test, this exam was developed by the Educational Testing Service to measure a candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities in several different subject areas. It is broken down into four content sections: Reading and Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.

The Praxis II test for elementary education is only available in English. Test takers may choose to take the exam at a Praxis testing centeror at home, however, international test takers must take the Praxis exam at a Prometric testing center.

Praxis 5018 Testing Format and Time Allotment

The Praxis II test for elementary education is comprised of 140 selected-response and numeric entry questions. An on-screen scientific calculator is made available during testing. Test-takers can practice with the on-screen calculator before the exam by visiting the Praxis test policies page and selecting "Calculator Use." The Praxis Elementary Education exam allots 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete all 4 test sections (called content areas.)

Praxis Content Knowledge

The Praxis II test for elementary education includes four basic subject sections comprised of various subject-specific content. Topics covered on the Praxis Elementary Education exam are outlined below. However, test-takers should understand the types of questions that are on the test and how to address them before diving into the content of the exam.

Praxis 5018 Selected-Response

The first type of question on the Praxis 5018 is the selected-response question, otherwise known as multiple-choice questions. These questions ask test-takers to choose their answers from a list of items or by clicking on part of a text or graphic. When answering questions of this type, candidates should watch out for words like "except," "not," and "least." These words ask the test-taker to choose the negative or wrong answer. Difficult selected-response questions can be answered by eliminating the answers that are clearly wrong and choosing from the remaining options.

Praxis 5018 Numeric Entry

The second type of question on the Praxis 5018 is the numeric entry question, which are answered by typing in an answer using the numbers on a computer's keyboard. Test takers should always read the question carefully and understand what information is being asking for. If solving an equation or mathematical problem, candidates should always double-check the answer.

Reading and Language Arts (35%)

Content for the Reading and Language Arts portion of the Praxis Elementary Education exam comprises the largest portion of the test at 35%. It is broken down into five sections that include several competencies covering a variety of skills and understanding. They are as follows:

1. Foundational Skills - the role of phonics, word analysis, phonological awareness, and fluency in the development of literacy skills.
2. Literature and Informational Text - comprehending text using details and key ideas, how features and structure affect text comprehension, how the complexity of a text affects reading development, point of view, and comparing and combining text and multimedia materials.
3. Writing - identifying different types of writing, understanding effective writing, the stages of writing development, the research process, and the use of digital tools in producing and publishing writing.
4. Language - oral and written English grammar, different types of English language, and how to determine the meaning of unknown words and phrases.
5. Speaking and Listening - communication skills such as active listening and how to deliver effective oral presentations.

Mathematics (29%)

The Mathematics portion of the Praxis exam makes up 29% of the test and is divided into four sections:

1. Numbers and Operations - the place value system, the operations of rational numbers and their properties, percentages, proportional relationships, basic number theory, and the determination of reasonable results.
2. Algebraic Thinking - topics such as linear equations and inequalities, recognizing number and shape patterns, and analyzing and solving algebraic expressions, equations, and formulas.
3. Geometry and Measurement - measures the test-taker's ability to identify single- and multi-dimensional figures, understand the coordinate plane, graph ordered pairs, and solve problems involving length, mass, money, time, volume, perimeter, area, and surface area.
4. Data, Statistics, and Probability - deals with the probability of events, the use of graphs and other data displays, and basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, mode, range, patterns, and outliers.

Social Studies (18%)

The Social Studies portion of the Praxis II elementary education test is tied for smallest portion of the test at 18% and is comprised of six sections:

1. Geography, Anthropology, and Sociology - includes knowledge of regional and world geography, the applications of geography, how physical and human systems interact, and how humans interact with their environment and society.
2. World History - comparing cultures and societies in history education, major contributions of classical world civilizations, and twentieth-century developments that influenced world history.
3. United States History - covers exploration and colonization, the American Revolution, the founding of the United States, major events in U.S. history, twentieth-century developments in U.S. history, and the principle of causation.
4. Government, Citizenship, and Democracy - forms of government, civic rights and responsibilities, and key documents and speeches in United States history.
5. Economics - addresses basic concepts and key terms of economics, the relationship between the government and economics, and how resources, technological development, and the population are affected by economics.
6. Social Studies as Inquiry and Social Studies Processes - understanding social studies process skills, using resources and research materials, and using social studies as a method of inquiry.

Science (18%)

The Science portion of the Praxis 5018 is tied for smallest portion of the test at 18% and is divided into five sections:

1. Earth and Space Science - basic physical and historical geology, Earth's hydrosphere, and astronomy.
2. Life Sciences - basic knowledge of genetics and evolution, ecology, anatomy and physiology, structures and functions of plant organs and systems, classification schemes, the characteristics of common organisms, cell structure and function, and the organizational levels of living organisms.
3. Physical Sciences - basic knowledge of chemical reactions, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, the structure and properties of matter, and the relationship between matter and energy.
4. Impact of Science and Technology on Society - addresses the role of science and technology in daily life and public health as well as the impact it has on the environment and society.
5. Science as Inquiry and Science Processes - scientific inquiry, data analysis, the proper use of laboratory materials and equipment, and common data gathering methods and tools.

How to Register for the Praxis 5018 Exam

Test takers may register for Praxis II online. They will first need to create a Praxis account online and then log in to register. From the home page, select "Register for a Test" and select the Praxis 5018. Test takers can choose their preferred date and time for their test on the "Schedule Tests Page." Payment of Praxis test fees can be made via credit or debit card, check or eCheck, money order, or Paypal. Candidates will need to print the test admission ticket, as it will be required to take the test. To find a nearby test center location and see available dates, candidates should visit the Praxis website.

What Are the Praxis 5018 Exam Policies?

On the Praxis test day, test takers need to arrive at their Praxis test locations at least 30 minutes early for check-in. They must also present their printed admission ticket and a current, original copy of their photo ID with their name and signature. Accepted IDs include a United States issued passport or passport card, driver's license, or a national or military ID. Sometimes a supplementary ID is required. This could be a government-issued ID, student ID, or a signed and dated confirmation letter on school letterhead. The letter must have the test taker's photo (with the school seal overlapping), signature, name, and date of birth.

Test takers who bring personal items to the test site should know that they will be subject to inspection. All personal items will be stored in lockers and the key left with the test administrator. Lockers will have limited access. Food, drink, and medications may be accessed but only during test breaks. Praxis test accommodations for test takers with disabilities or impairments are available but must be approved in advance (during registration). Test takers who wish to retake Praxis test will need to wait 28 days after their test date to reschedule their exam.

How Much Does the Praxis 5018 Exam Cost?

The base fee for taking the Praxis Elementary Education (5018) exam is $130. If taking the test in Nevada, there is an additional $5 surcharge fee for this test. Score review fees cost $65 per review and there is a $40 fee to change testing dates. However, some test takers may be able to take the Praxis 5018 for free. Fee waivers are available on the Praxis website for those who qualify. The Praxis test fee waiver allows for one subject assessment test per testing year. Waivers are limited in number and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

How Is the Praxis 5018 Exam Scored?

The Praxis 5018 exam is a scaled score test. Each question on the exam is worth 1 raw point, but at the end of the exam, all raw points are added together and then scaled for the test version difficulty. Praxis passing scores vary from one state to another, but the range for passing scores is 151-163. Scores are received online through the Praxis account of the test taker. Since the Praxis 5018 is a selected-response test, test takers should be able to view their unofficial score immediately after testing. However, the official score could take a little over a month for delivery. For projected delivery dates, check the Praxis website.

How Do I Study for the Praxis 5018 Exam?

There are many different ways to study for the Praxis 5018 exam. A great place to start is with the Praxis 5018 study guide. This guide can be found online along with other types of test preparation materials. Flashcards, video demonstrations, practice tests, study plans, and online courses can all be found for purchase or for free. Test-takers should choose the study method they feel will help them the most come test time.

Creating a study plan will also help test-takers by setting aside time to study. When creating a study plan, it's a good idea to make the study guide flexible and include balanced activities like snacks and periodic breaks. This will help study sessions seem less like a chore. In addition to following a study guide and study plan, Praxis 5018 practice tests can make a big difference. Taking multiple practice tests can help test-takers gain the confidence that they will need for their exam day.

Is There a Praxis 5018 Practice Test?

The Praxis 5018 practice test is an important part of the overall study plan. Taking multiple practice tests will show test-takers where their strengths lie and alert them to areas where they may need to focus their studies. Praxis II elementary education content knowledge practice tests can be found online and either purchased through a vendor or found free of charge.

Expert Contributor

Bryan McMahon

Bryan McMahon, M.A. is a high school biology and special education teacher in New Jersey with over 14 years of experience. He has hundreds of hours of experience tutoring aspiring teachers to take the CSET/CBEST exam suite. He has successfully passed the science and special education Praxis exams. Bryan completed a B.S. in Education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in Teaching from Mangrove College.