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Exam Overview
An Overview of the Exam
The Praxis Chemistry (5246) test, administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), assesses whether a candidate has the chemistry knowledge and the teaching-related reasoning needed to teach chemistry at the secondary level. It is a computer-delivered test taken in one session.
Test at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | 125 selected-response questions (some unscored pretest items may be included) |
| Time | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
| Question types | Single answer, multiple answers, numeric entry, graphic selection, sentence selection, and drag-and-drop |
| Calculator | Not permitted; none is provided |
| Provided on screen | Periodic table and a table of physical constants and SI conversion factors |
| Score scale | 100–200 scaled score |
| Passing score | Set by each state or licensing agency; confirm yours on the ETS state score page |
| Delivery | Computer-delivered at a test center or at home |
| 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 | Questions | Share | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering | 17 | 14% | Scientific inquiry, measurement, laboratory safety, society and the environment, engineering design, and the practices and teaching tasks the test integrates. |
| 2. Principles and Models of Matter and Energy | 31 | 25% | Classification of matter, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, energy and thermodynamics, kinetic molecular theory and gas laws. |
| 3. Chemical Composition, Bonding, and Structure | 25 | 20% | The mole, nomenclature, bonding, Lewis structures, VSEPR geometry, intermolecular forces, and types of solids. |
| 4. Chemical Reactions and Periodicity | 29 | 23% | Periodic trends, reaction types, balancing, stoichiometry, redox, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. |
| 5. Solutions and Acid-Base Chemistry | 23 | 18% | Solutions and colligative properties, acids and bases, buffers and titrations, aqueous equilibria, electrochemistry, and aqueous thermodynamics. |
How the Questions Are Written
Practices integrated with content
Half or more of the questions pair chemistry content with a Science and Engineering Practice such as analyzing data, using a model, or arguing from evidence.
Tasks of teaching
About a quarter to a third apply chemistry to classroom situations: misconceptions, demonstrations, student data, and lab safety.
Why the Test Matters
- It is a common requirement for chemistry teaching certification or endorsement in many states.
- A qualifying score documents subject-matter knowledge for licensure.
- Preparation strengthens the content mastery you will use with students.
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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