Start Here · 4 min read
Exam Overview
An Overview of the Exam
Test facts, content categories, and scoring
The Praxis® Middle School Mathematics (5164) test is developed and administered by ETS. It is designed for prospective teachers of middle school mathematics, and states that use it set their own qualifying scores. Passing it is usually one requirement among several for a license or endorsement, alongside a degree, an approved preparation program, and any other tests your state requires.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Test name and code | Middle School Mathematics (5164) |
| Number of questions | 66 questions |
| Testing time | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Question types | Selected-response (one answer, or one or more answers) and numeric-entry questions; some questions use drag-and-drop, table grids, drop-down menus, or selecting a region on a graph |
| Calculator | An on-screen graphing calculator is provided; personal calculators are not allowed |
| Reference sheet | Formulas and unit conversions are provided on screen |
| Unscored questions | Some questions are being tried out and do not count toward your score; they are not identified |
| Delivery | Computer delivered, at a test center or at home with online proctoring |
| Test fee | $130 (confirm the current fee when you register) |
| Score scale | 100–200 scaled score |
| Qualifying score | Set by each state or licensing agency; check the ETS state requirements page for yours |
Content Categories
| Content category | Approx. questions | Approx. % of test |
|---|---|---|
| I. Numbers and Operations | 16 | 23% |
| II. Algebra | 15 | 23% |
| III. Functions | 11 | 17% |
| IV. Geometry and Measurement | 13 | 20% |
| V. Statistics and Probability | 11 | 17% |
Approximate number of questions by content category
I. Numbers and Operations
Real numbers and their properties, exponents and radicals, scientific notation, fractions, decimals, and percents, ratios and proportional relationships, units and dimensional analysis, and number theory.
II. Algebra
Polynomials and exponents, writing and solving equations and inequalities, forms of linear equations, absolute-value and quadratic equations and inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities.
III. Functions
Defining and evaluating functions, domain and range, linear, quadratic, and exponential functions in tables, graphs, and contexts, transformations, rates of change, comparing growth, and arithmetic sequences.
IV. Geometry and Measurement
Lines and angles, triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons, transformations, congruence and similarity, circles, coordinate geometry, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume, and measurement systems.
V. Statistics and Probability
Statistical questions and sampling, data displays and two-way tables, center and spread, bivariate data and linear models, counting, and probability models.
Teaching Scenarios
ETS notes that about 30% of the questions call for mathematics applied within a teaching scenario or an instructional task. Expect to evaluate student work, identify the misconception behind an error, decide whether a student's method generalizes, and choose representations, examples, or tasks that best develop a concept.Question Types
Selected response: one answer
Four choices, exactly one correct. Most numerical questions expect exact answers unless the question asks you to round.
Selected response: one or more answers
Square check boxes instead of ovals. You must select every correct choice and no incorrect ones; no partial credit is given.
Numeric entry
Type the number in a box. Equivalent forms are accepted (2.5 or 2.50); a fraction answer uses separate numerator and denominator boxes and need not be reduced unless stated.
Interactive formats
Drag-and-drop matching, table-grid selections, drop-down text completion, and selecting a point or region on a graph or the xy-plane.
Scoring and Registration
- Your raw score is the number of questions answered correctly; there is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question.
- Raw scores are converted to a scaled score from 100 to 200 so that results are comparable across test editions.
- Each state sets its own qualifying score, and it can change, so check the current requirement for the state where you will be licensed.
- Register through your Praxis account at ets.org/praxis; you choose a test-center appointment or an at-home session.
- If you need to retake the test, you must wait 28 days after your test date before testing again.
- Testing accommodations (for example, extended time) must be approved before you register.
Confirm Before You Register
Fees, delivery options, and state qualifying scores are set by ETS and by state agencies and can change. Confirm current details on the official Praxis website before you schedule your test.Finished reading?
Next, start the first chapter.