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Exam Overview
Exam Overview
The Praxis Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Subject Concentration: Science (5159) test is developed and administered by ETS as part of the Praxis series. Pennsylvania requires it for candidates seeking Grades 4–8 certification with a science subject concentration, together with the Grades 4–8 Core Assessment tests.
Test at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Code | 5159 |
| Question Type | Selected-response (multiple-choice), one best answer |
| Number of Questions | 90 (some may be unscored pretest items) |
| Time Limit | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Calculator | Scientific or four-function calculator permitted |
| Delivery | Computer-delivered at a test center or at home |
| Registration Fee | $75 |
| Score Scale | 100–200 scaled score |
Content Categories
The test is divided into four content categories. The approximate number of questions in each category shows where to spend your study time:
| Content Category | Approx. Questions | Approx. Share |
|---|---|---|
| I. Basic Principles and Processes | 21 | 24% |
| II. Physical Sciences | 25 | 28% |
| III. Life Sciences | 22 | 24% |
| IV. Earth and Space Sciences | 22 | 24% |
Share of the Test by Content Category
Basic Principles and Processes — 24%
Physical Sciences — 28%
Life Sciences — 24%
Earth and Space Sciences — 24%
| Category | Main Areas |
|---|---|
| I. Basic Principles and Processes | Scientific inquiry, data, lab safety and equipment, history of science; matter, energy, and atomic structure; science, technology, and society |
| II. Physical Sciences | Physics (mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics) and chemistry (periodic table, bonding, states of matter, reactions, acids and bases, solutions) |
| III. Life Sciences | Cells, cell reproduction, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, classification, plants, animal anatomy and physiology, ecology |
| IV. Earth and Space Sciences | Physical and historical geology, hydrosphere and atmosphere, astronomy |
Scoring
- Your raw score is the number of questions answered correctly; it is converted to a scaled score from 100 to 200
- There is no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question
- Pretest questions are not identified and do not count toward your score
- Pennsylvania's qualifying score is 156; PDE adjusts the required score on a sliding scale according to your GPA, so confirm the score that applies to you with the Pennsylvania Department of Education
What the Questions Look Like
Concept Application
Apply a principle to a new situation, such as predicting what happens to a gas sample or a population.
Investigations and Data
Identify variables and controls, read a data table, or judge which conclusion the evidence supports.
Calculations
Short calculations such as density, speed, Ohm's law, wave speed, half-life, or genetic probability.
Phenomena and Systems
Explain observed events in Earth, space, and living systems using the correct model.
Exam Tip
With 90 questions in 90 minutes you have about one minute per question. Calculation and data questions take longer, so move quickly through recall items to bank time.Finished reading?
Next, start the first chapter.