The Praxis General Science exam is required in all states for any candidate who wishes to become a certified science teacher for secondary school. The test measures your knowledge of the core content included in the standardized curriculum of a secondary school general science class.
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Exam Outline
The Praxis General Science exam contains 135 selected-response questions and has a time limit of 2.5 hours.
The exam is split into four content categories, which are designed to cover the various competencies and points of knowledge that a secondary school general science teacher should possess.
I. Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering (20 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills in the following:
- The nature of scientific knowledge
- Investigation design, data collection, and analysis
- Appropriate and safe use of materials and equipment
- Interdependence of science, engineering, and technology
- Identifying and addressing adverse impacts on the environment and society
- Issues related to the use and extraction of energy and natural resources
- Applications of science and technology in daily life
II. Physical Science (50 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills in the following:
- Atomic and nuclear structure and processes
- Relationships between matter and energy
- Chemical composition, bonding, and structure
- The periodic table
- Basic principles of chemical reactions
- Solutions and solubility
- Acids and bases
- Mechanics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Waves and optics
III. Life Science (35 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills in the following:
- Basic structure and function of cells and their organelles
- Key aspects of cell reproduction and division
- Basic biochemistry of life
- Basic genetics
- Theory and key mechanisms of evolution
- Hierarchical classification scheme
- Major structures and functions of plants
- Basic anatomy and physiology of animals, including humans
- Key aspects of ecology
IV. Earth and Space Science (30 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills in the following:
- The Sun-Earth-Moon system
- The solar system
- The universe and its stars
- Tectonics and internal Earth processes
- Earth’s minerals and rocks
- Evidence for the history of Earth
- Earth’s hydrosphere
- Earth’s atmosphere
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Exam Registration
To register for the Praxis General Science exam, you will need to create an online account with ETS. Through this account, you can submit an application to take the exam.
During registration, you will be asked to select the test-taking format (remote or at a testing center), test location (if you are taking the test at a testing center), and test date. You will also need to pay the $130 exam fee.
Test Day
In-person Testing
On exam day, you should arrive at the testing center between 15 and 30 minutes before the scheduled testing appointment to allow extra time for the check-in process. For check-in, you will be asked to provide a printed copy of your admission ticket and two forms of valid identification. If your identification is invalid, you will not be able to take the exam and your exam fee will be forfeited.
You will also be asked to store all personal items, such as your cell phone, notebooks, bags, and food items, in a secure locker before entering the testing area.
Once the check-in process is complete and you are fully approved for testing, you will be led to the testing station and given a brief tutorial on the testing system.
Remote Testing
If you want to take the exam remotely, you will need to use a laptop or desktop computer that has the ETS Secure Test Browser downloaded and installed on it. This is the browser you must use to take the exam. You will also need a functioning internal or external webcam, speakers, and microphone.
When you check in to take the exam, the remote proctor will ask you to show proof of identification and to move your webcam around the room so that your testing area can be observed. Once the proctor has approved your testing area, they will walk you through the testing process and begin your exam.
How the Exam is Scored
Your Praxis General Science exam score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, which is known as your raw score. To determine your final score, this raw score is converted to a scaled score. The scaled score you need to obtain differs slightly depending on which state you take the exam in, but most states require a minimum score of 141.
You should receive an official score report about five weeks after testing.
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FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the Praxis General Science exam?
A
There are 135 selected-response questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the Praxis General Science exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 2.5 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the Praxis General Science exam?
A
The score you need to pass the exam differs depending on which state you take the exam in. Most states require a minimum scaled score of 141.
Q
How much does the Praxis General Science exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $130.
