Praxis Middle School Science (5442) Practice Test

The Praxis Middle School Science exam is required in all states for any candidate who wishes to become a certified teacher of middle school science. The test measures your knowledge of the core content included in the standardized curriculum of a middle school science class.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free Praxis Middle School Science practice test!

Praxis Middle School Science Exam Outline

The Praxis Middle School Science exam contains 125 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 middle school science teacher should possess.

I. Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering (17 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge of the following:

Nature of Science and Engineering

• Engineering design
• Nature of scientific knowledge
• Standard equipment, materials, and safety in the lab and field

Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment

• How science, technology, and engineering have impacted society and the environment
• Daily applications of technology and science
• Interdependence of science, technology, and engineering
• Major energy production issues
• Major issues related to natural resource management

II. Physical Science (38 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge of the following:

Matter and Its Interactions

• Chemical reactions
• Structure and properties of matter

Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

• Electricity and magnetism
• Forces and motion

Energy and Waves

• Energy
• Waves and their applications

III. Life Science (38 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge of the following:

From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

• Organism growth and development
• Sensory information processing in animals
• Structure and function
• Matter and energy flow in organisms

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

• Cycling of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems
• Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
• Ecosystem functioning, dynamics, and resilience

Heredity and Biological Evolution

• Diversity and unity within biological evolution
• Inheritance and variation of traits

IV. Earth and Space Science (32 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge of the following:

Earth’s Place in the Universe

• Earth and the solar system
• The universe and its stars
• The history of planet Earth

Earth’s Systems

• The roles of water on Earth’s surface
• Earth’s materials and systems
• Large-scale system interactions
• Plate tectonics
• Climate and weather

Praxis Middle School Science Exam Registration

To register for the Praxis Middle School 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 plan to arrive at the testing center about 15-30 minutes before the scheduled testing appointment. This will give you enough time to complete the check-in process. For the check-in process, you will be asked to provide a printed copy of your admission ticket and two forms of valid identification.

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

To take the exam remotely, you must 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 webcam, speakers, and a 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 Middle School Science exam score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly (your raw score). Your 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 152.

You should receive an official score report about five weeks after testing.

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