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Exam Overview
What Is the Praxis 5412 Exam?
The Praxis Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision (5412) exam is a standardized assessment of the knowledge and skills of aspiring school leaders. It evaluates your ability to manage and lead schools, address challenges, and foster a positive learning environment. The exam is aligned to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), and most states use it as a step toward certification as a principal, assistant principal, or other school leadership
120 selected-response questions, each with four answer choices
Time allowed 2 hours 45 minutes (165 minutes)
Content areas Six domains of educational leadership
Set by each state or agency; check your state's requirements
$130 at the time of writing; confirm the current fee on the ETS Praxis website
Test dates Offered year-round by appointment
Some questions on the exam may be experimental. They do not count toward your score, and they are not identified on
screen, so give every question your full effort.
Content Areas and Question Weights
SHARE OF EXAM QUESTIONS BY DOMAIN 27 questions
Climate and Cultural Leadership — 18%
Ethical, Organizational, and Community Engagement Leadership — 42%
19, 16, and 16 questions (16%, 13%, 13%)
3. Climate and Cultural Leadership
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) develops and administers the Praxis 5412 exam. ETS delivers assessments that measure proficiency and readiness in many professional fields.
Validates leadership skills
The exam evaluates your ability to lead, manage, and support effective teaching and learning environments.
Meets certification requirements
Many states require a passing score as part of the certification process for school administrators.
Advances professional goals
A passing score shows you are ready to take on key responsibilities in shaping educational policies and practices.
Builds confidence
Preparing for the exam equips you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in leadership roles.
Raw score: calculated from the number of questions you answer correctly. Scaled score: converted to a range from 100 to 200 for consistency across test forms. Passing scores: vary by state; consult your state's licensing board for specific requirements. Score reports: delivered electronically through your ETS account; confirm the current reporting schedule on the ETS
The 5412 exam is more than a certification requirement. It is a benchmark for your readiness to make data-driven decisions, manage resources effectively, and build a thriving learning culture for students and staff.
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