Praxis 5003: The Essentials
The Praxis 5003 is one subtest of the Praxis 5001, also known as the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects exam. This Praxis suite includes the Praxis 2 Elementary Math, Social Studies, Science, and Reading and Language Arts exams, is used for teacher certification in many states. Candidates who pass the Praxis 5001 exam (in one sitting or in multiple test days for each of the four subtests) may meet their state's qualifications for teaching elementary school students.
The Praxis 5003 is specifically designed to test aspiring elementary teachers' knowledge and skills in the type of math that's taught in primary and upper elementary school grades. Exam questions are based on guidelines and standards set by education-related groups at the national level, not individual school or state standards. Test takers generally take this exam after earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Below, we will explore details of the Praxis Math Elementary test.
Test Name |
Praxis Elementary Education: Mathematics Subtest (5003) |
Test Cost |
$130 |
Number of Questions |
50 selected response & numeric entry questions |
Time Allotted |
65 min |
Test Sections |
1. Numbers and Operations (40%) 2. Algebraic Thinking (30%) 3. Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics, and Probability (30%) |
Praxis 2 Elementary Math: What's on It?
The Praxis 5003 is a computer-based exam that covers a lot of ground. Therefore, test takers will likely want to use various study resources, such as a Praxis 5003 practice test, to prepare for this subtest. On test day, candidates will have 65 minutes to answer 50 questions. All of these questions are selected-response or numeric entry. Testers will have access to an on-screen calculator during the Praxis exam. The Praxis 2 Elementary Math exam is divided into three different content categories: Numbers and Operations, Algebraic Thinking, Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics, and Probability. The Numbers and Operations content area has around 20 questions, while the other two content areas have about 15 questions each. Learn more about these content areas below.
I. Numbers and Operations
The Numbers and Operations section is the largest content area and covers concepts in areas such as:
- Place value
- Rational numbers
- Percents
- Number theory
Test takers should be prepared to perform a number of various operations with rational numbers, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, with some problems requiring multiple steps. This test section may include concepts in rounding and problems, including exponents. Candidates will need to know the order of operations, conversions of fractions and decimals, and proportional relationships. This section of the exam will also test candidates' ability to evaluate the reasonableness of their answers using mental math, estimation, and other tools.
II. Algebraic Thinking
In the second content area, Algebraic Thinking, candidates will need to demonstrate their skills in solving and manipulating various algebraic formulas and equations. This may require adding or subtracting linear equations, solving equations with given variables, finding unknown quantities with formulas, and identifying dependent and independent variables. Test takers will also need to demonstrate their understanding of equations or inequalities by interpreting solutions with graphs. They may also be asked to solve problems using graphs, tables, or linear equations. Finally, candidates will need to recognize various patterns, make predictions with the patterns, and find relationships between patterns.
III. Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics, and Probability
The final content category, Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics, and Probability, covers a range of mathematical topics. The geometry and measurement section may ask candidates to classify various figures, such as lines, angles, 2-D shapes, 3-D shapes, polygons, and more. Test takers will also need to know how to calculate surface area, volume, perimeter, and other measurements. Candidates will need to be prepared to use different kinds of measurement to solve problems, such as money, length, time, etc. Understanding conversions will be helpful. This test section will also include concepts of basic probability and statistics. For example, testers may need to determine the range of a data set or interpret probabilities.
Preparing for the Praxis 5003
Studying for the Praxis 5003 will greatly increase testers' likelihood of passing the subtest as quickly as possible. Test takers should allow for a decent amount of study time for each subtest on the Praxis 5001, but those who are less comfortable with math may want to prepare for additional study time with the content. Test takers should begin preparing at least several weeks before their exam. The exact amount of time dedicated to each subtest or section of the subtest will vary by a candidate's strengths and weaknesses.
After getting familiar with the Praxis 2 Elementary Math exam format and content, testers should carefully organize their study time. Then, they can begin gathering various study tools and materials. For instance, some testers may have textbooks from their undergraduate program that could be helpful, while others may create flashcards to use for review. Some testers may decide to join a study group or hire a tutor to prepare. It can also be beneficial for test-takers to understand the Praxis scoring system.
Praxis 5003 Practice Tests and Study Guides
Some of the best study tools that candidates can use to prepare for the Praxis 5003 include a Praxis 5003 practice test and study guide. A study guide will help testers get started with the study process by familiarizing them with the exam format. These guides also detail the different concepts and topics that the exam covers. This can help candidates evaluate their understanding of the material.
Once testers have put in some study time, they can use a Praxis 2 Elementary Math practice test to monitor their progress with the material. These tests simulate the real exam and often include the answers with explanations at the end, which can further help aspiring teachers prepare and identify areas of improvement. Both Praxis practice exams and study guides for the Praxis 5003 can be found online and from other sources, such as bookstores or libraries. The test provider, in this case, the ETS, also offers a variety of study materials.
How to Pass the Praxis 5003
Passing the Praxis 5003 exam can feel like a challenge, but testers should follow some basic self-care tips leading up to the exam and some practical tips for test day to succeed. Leading up to the exam, testers should be sure to study hard but take breaks to rest, exercise, and eat. It is vital to have a balanced diet and get enough rest, so candidates are healthy and feel good on test day.
On the Praxis test day, candidates should follow some basic guidelines while taking the Praxis Math Elementary subtest. Test takers will likely not need to use the calculator for every question, which can waste time. For multiple-step problems, candidates need to be sure not to round any answers until the final step, as this can throw off the result that will not align with any answer options. Testers should be sure to read each question very carefully and all of the possible answers. Keeping an eye on the clock can help candidates balance their time on the subtest. Finally, since wrong answers do not count against the total score, testers should be sure to make an educated guess on questions they may not know.
Registration, Fees, and Logistics for the Praxis 2 Elementary Math
Many logistics go into taking the Praxis 5003. Testers should begin by registering for the Praxis 2 Elementary Math exam separately or as the combined Praxis 5001 exam. Those who need Praxis test accommodations, such as extended test time, a Braille exam, or an audio test, will need to apply for these accommodations prior to registration. The ETS must approve accommodations.
Registration for the Praxis 5003 can be completed through the mail or online. Registration through the mail can take three weeks or more, as the request must be processed and a voucher sent back to complete the registration. Online registration can be completed through a candidate's Praxis account. Online registration allows testers to select their Praxis test, schedule their exam, and pay the required $180 for the Praxis 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subject exam or $64 for the Praxis 5003 subtest.
While scheduling their exam, prospective teachers can use the ETS 'Find a Test Date' tool to choose from available testing dates throughout the year. Praxis test dates are available every day of the week. Candidates can also choose to take their exam in person at a testing site (using the 'Find a Test Center' tool) or at home online. Based on their selected test date, testers may receive their Praxis score report in as little as one week.
Praxis 5003 Logistics |
Options |
Registration |
Mail or online |
Fee |
$180 for all subtests or $64 for Praxis 5003 |
Test Dates |
Throughout the year, Sunday through Saturday |
Locations |
Test center or online |
Accommodations |
Available, but must apply |
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.
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There are approximately 50 questions on the Praxis 5003 exam. Test takers can use a Praxis 5003 practice test to prepare for the various types of questions they will encounter.
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The Praxis 5003 test includes questions about numbers and operations, algebraic thinking, geometry and measurement, data, statistics, and probability. Candidates should practice the content of the exam with a Praxis 5003 practice test.
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Aspiring teachers can pass the Praxis 5003 exam by preparing with study guides, practice tests, and other study tools. Candidates should be sure to carefully plan and organize their study time.