Exam Overview

Start Here · 3 min read

An Overview of the Exam

Test facts, content categories, and scoring

The Praxis Middle School Science (5442) test is developed and administered by ETS. It assesses the knowledge and skills needed for safe and effective beginning practice as a teacher of middle school science. Test takers have typically completed a bachelor's degree with coursework in the sciences and in science education.

Test at a Glance
Feature	Details
Test code	5442
Format	Computer-delivered, selected-response questions
Number of questions	125 (some are unscored pretest questions)
Time	150 minutes
Calculator	Not permitted; questions are designed to be solved without one
On-screen resources	Periodic table of the elements and a table of physical constants and SI conversion factors (Help screens)
Delivery	At a test center or at home with online proctoring
Score scale	100–200; each state sets its own qualifying score
Test fee	$130
Retake policy	Wait 28 days between attempts

Content Categories

Category	Approx. questions	Share of test
I. Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering	17	14%
II. Physical Science	38	30%
III. Life Science	38	30%
IV. Earth and Space Science	32	26%

Blueprint weighting by category

Physical Science — 30%Matter; motion and forces; energy and waves

Life Science — 30%Molecules to organisms; ecosystems; heredity and evolution

Earth and Space Science — 26%Earth's place in the universe; Earth's systems

Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering — 14%Inquiry, engineering, safety, STSE

I. Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering

A. Nature of science and engineering · B. Science, technology, society, and environment

II. Physical Science

A. Matter and its interactions · B. Motion and stability: forces and interactions · C. Energy and waves

III. Life Science

A. From molecules to organisms · B. Ecosystems: interactions, energy, and dynamics · C. Heredity and biological evolution

IV. Earth and Space Science

A. Earth's place in the universe · B. Earth's systems

How Questions Are Written

Most questions are single-answer multiple choice with four options; a few may ask you to select more than one answer, and the question states how many to choose. At least 40 percent of questions integrate the science and engineering practices, so expect data tables, described graphs, experimental designs, and models. About 30 percent of questions place content in a teaching scenario, asking how to address a misconception, sequence a lesson, revise an investigation, or keep a laboratory activity safe.

Pacing

150 minutes for 125 questions allows about 1 minute 12 seconds per question. Data-heavy questions take longer, so move quickly through recall items to bank time.

Scoring and Score Reports

Your raw score (the number answered correctly) is converted to a scaled score from 100 to 200. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question. Each state or licensing agency sets its own qualifying score, so confirm the requirement for the state where you plan to teach. Official scores are posted to your Praxis account a few weeks after testing; ETS publishes the score-reporting date for each test date.

Registering for the Test

Confirm your state's requirement

Check that your state requires test 5442 and note its qualifying score.

Create a Praxis account

Select score recipients

Four score recipients are included with registration.

Prepare your ID and equipment

Bring valid government-issued photo ID; at-home testers must meet the equipment and room requirements.

Always Confirm Current Details

Fees, testing policies, and state qualifying scores are set by ETS and state agencies and can change. Check the official Praxis website before you register.

Finished reading?

Next, start the first chapter.

Next chapter →