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Exam Overview
An Overview of the Exam
The Praxis Biology (5236) test, administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), assesses whether candidates have the biology knowledge and the science-practice and teaching-related reasoning needed to teach biology at the secondary level. Many states use it for biology teacher certification or licensure. It is a computer-delivered test taken in one session.
Test at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Administered by | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Questions | 150 selected-response questions (some may be unscored pretest items) |
| Time | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes), about 1 minute per question |
| Question types | Select one answer from four choices, select more than one answer (for example, "Which TWO…"), and other selected-response formats; many are built around data, models, or classroom scenarios |
| Calculator | The ETS test materials do not list a calculator; arithmetic is simple enough to do by hand. Confirm current policy on the official test page. |
| Score scale | 100–200 scaled score; no penalty for wrong answers |
| Passing score | Set by each state or licensing agency; confirm your requirement on the ETS state requirements page |
| Delivery | Computer-delivered at a test center or at home with online proctoring |
| Test fee | $130 (verify current fees and policies with ETS) |
| Retake | After a 28-day waiting period |
Content Categories and Weights
Share of Questions by Content Category
| Category | Approx. questions | Share | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering | 19 | 13% | Scientific inquiry and the nature of science, laboratory procedures and safety, engineering design, and the impact of science on society and the environment. |
| II. Cell Biology: Cell Structure and Function | 33 | 22% | Biochemistry and metabolism, cell structure, membranes and transport, respiration and photosynthesis, cell signaling, and the cell cycle. |
| III. Genetics and Evolution | 39 | 26% | Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, molecular genetics, biotechnology, evolutionary mechanisms and evidence, speciation, and the origin of life. |
| IV. Diversity of Life and Organismal Biology | 30 | 20% | Classification, characteristics of major groups, human organ systems, plant biology, animal physiology, and behavior. |
| V. Ecology: Organisms and Environments | 29 | 19% | Biomes, species interactions, population dynamics, community structure and succession, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, and conservation. |
How the Questions Are Written
Science and Engineering Practices (about 40% or more)
Questions pair biology content with practices such as asking questions, planning investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using models and mathematics, and arguing from evidence.
Teaching scenarios (about 25%)
Questions place biology content in a classroom: diagnosing a student misconception, choosing a laboratory activity, interpreting student data, or managing lab safety.
Data and graphics
Expect tables, graphs, pedigrees, gel images, cladograms, and diagrams of structures and processes.
Multiple-answer questions
Some questions ask you to select TWO or THREE answers; credit requires every correct choice and no incorrect ones.
Why the Test Matters
- It is a common requirement for biology teaching certification or endorsement in many states.
- A qualifying score documents subject-matter knowledge for licensure.
- Preparation strengthens the content mastery and practices you will teach every day.
Confirm Current Details
ETS and your state set fees, policies, and qualifying scores, and they can change. Check the ETS Praxis website before registering.Finished reading?
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