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Exam Overview
Test 8004 is given by computer, either at a test center or at home with a remote proctor. All questions are selected response, and there is no written assignment.
Key Facts About Praxis 8004
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Elementary Education Fundamentals: Social Studies |
| Test code | 8004 |
| Questions | 77 selected-response questions |
| Testing time | 100 minutes |
| Category timing | Each category is timed separately on the full test |
| Fee | $79 for the full test; discounts when buying several 8000-series tests in one order |
| Score | Scaled score; each state sets its own passing score |
| Delivery | Test center or at home with online proctoring |
| Steps | In participating states, one content category can be taken or retaken at a time |
The Three Content Categories
Content Categories, Weights and Timing
| Category | About How Many Questions | Weight | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| I U.S. History, Government, and Citizenship | 33 | 43% | 40 minutes |
| II Geography, Anthropology, and Sociology | 23 | 30% | 30 minutes |
| III World History and Economics | 21 | 27% | 30 minutes |
About 10% to 15% of the questions apply social studies content and inquiry processes to a teaching scenario, such as choosing a supporting question for a lesson or the best source for a class investigation. These questions are spread across all three categories.
Separate Timing and Praxis Steps
Each category has its own clock. Time left over in one category does not carry into the next, so pace each category on its own: about 73 seconds per question in Category I and about 78 to 86 seconds per question in Categories II and III.
In states that use Praxis Steps, a candidate can take the whole test in one sitting or take one category (a Step) at a time and retake only the Step that was not passed. A single Step costs less than the full test. Check your state's requirements before you register.
How the Test Is Scored
Your raw score is the number of scored questions you answer correctly. ETS converts it to a scaled score, and your state decides the passing score. Some questions are being tried out and do not count, but they are not marked, so treat every question as if it counts.
There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so answer every question.
What Kinds of Questions to Expect
- Single-answer multiple choice with four choices; this is the most common format and the format used in this guide's practice tests
- Some "select two" questions with five choices, where both correct choices must be chosen to earn credit
- Other selected-response formats ETS uses on Praxis tests, such as choosing part of a map or graphic or completing a drop-down
- Application questions: which constitutional principle, economic concept or cultural process a described situation shows
- Source questions: which document, map or data set would best answer a stated question
- Classroom scenarios: a teacher planning an inquiry, choosing a compelling or supporting question, or judging a student's conclusion
Exam Tip: On a "select two" question, decide on each choice separately as true or false for the stem. Two choices will fit; the other three will each fail for a specific reason.
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