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Exam Overview
An Overview of the Exam
Praxis Physical Education: Content and Design (5095) is developed and administered by ETS. It measures whether an entry-level K–12 physical education teacher has the knowledge and skills needed for competent professional practice. The content reflects the teacher-preparation standards of SHAPE America, the Society of Health and Physical Educators.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Test name and code | Physical Education: Content and Design (5095) |
| Testing time | 2 hours |
| Questions | 90 selected-response questions and 2 constructed-response questions |
| Selected-response format | Single best answer with four options; some questions refer to a table, chart, or classroom scenario |
| Constructed-response format | One Fitness Instruction task and one Skill Instruction task, each scored 0–3 |
| Delivery | Computer delivered, at a test center or at home with a live remote proctor |
| Score scale | 100–200, reported as one total score |
| Qualifying score | Set by each state or licensing agency; several states that require this test use 169 |
| Test fee | $156 (confirm the current fee with ETS) |
| Retake policy | A test may be retaken after 28 days |
Content Categories and Score Weights
The selected-response questions are drawn from four categories and together produce 75 percent of the total score. The fifth category, Instructional Design, consists of the two constructed-response questions and produces the remaining 25 percent.
| Content category | Questions | Share of score |
|---|---|---|
| I. Content Knowledge and Student Growth and Development | 27 selected-response | 23% |
| II. Management, Motivation, and Communication | 23 selected-response | 19% |
| III. Planning, Instruction, and Student Assessment | 23 selected-response | 19% |
| IV. Collaboration, Reflection, and Technology | 17 selected-response | 14% |
| V. Instructional Design | 2 constructed-response | 25% |
Share of Total Score by Content Category
Why the Written Tasks Matter
Each constructed-response question carries about one-eighth of the total score, roughly the weight of 15 selected-response questions. A candidate who answers both tasks completely, with safe and developmentally appropriate activities, has a large margin on the rest of the test.Question Types
Selected response
Each question has one best answer among four options. Many describe a class, a grade level, or a teaching decision and ask for the MOST appropriate, BEST, or FIRST action. Others test precise knowledge, such as a muscle action, a rule, or a law.
Constructed response
Each task is a short, concrete design problem, such as describing learning stations for a named skill and grade. Scorers look for complete, appropriate, safe activities. Lists and labeled parts are acceptable.
| Emphasis | Activities |
|---|---|
| Predominant | Basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball |
| Also possible | Other sports and activities commonly taught in school physical education, such as softball, flag football, dance, gymnastics, and fitness activities |
How the Test Is Scored
- The selected-response raw score is the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so answer every question.
- Each constructed-response question is scored from 0 to 3 by trained scorers using the ETS General Scoring Guide.
- The two parts are weighted 75 percent and 25 percent and converted to a scaled score from 100 to 200.
- The test may include some questions that do not count toward the score. They are not identified, so treat every question as scored.
- ETS does not set a passing score. Each state or agency sets its own qualifying score, and requirements can differ from state to state.
Registration, Delivery, and Scores
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Registering | Create a Praxis account on the ETS website, select test 5095, and choose a test center appointment or an at-home appointment. |
| Identification | Bring valid, government-issued photo identification whose name matches the registration exactly. |
| Calculator | No calculator is listed for this test. The arithmetic in heart-rate and fitness questions is simple enough to do by hand. |
| Score recipients | Up to four score recipients may be selected at no charge when registering; additional reports carry a fee. |
| Score release | Because the written tasks are scored by people, official scores are posted on a scheduled date, typically two to three weeks after testing. |
| Retakes | A candidate who does not reach the qualifying score may retake the test after 28 days and pays the fee again. |
Why the Exam Matters
A licensure requirement
States that adopt the test require a qualifying score before issuing a physical education teaching license or endorsement.
A standard for instruction
The test confirms that new teachers can deliver safe, standards-based instruction to students of every ability.
Subject mastery and teaching skill
It measures the science of movement and the ability to plan, manage, teach, and assess, not content recall alone.
Employment eligibility
A qualifying score completes a requirement that districts check before hiring and that supports movement between states.
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