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Exam Overview
What is the Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) Exam?
The Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) Exam is a standardized test designed for individuals pursuing a career in special education. This exam assesses a candidate’s understanding of human development, individualized learning differences, effective instructional strategies, assessment techniques, legal and ethical considerations, and collaboration in special education settings.
It is an essential certification exam for educators who want to teach and support students with disabilities in K-12 classrooms. The exam is required by many states in the U.S. as part of the teacher licensure process for special education professionals.
Why is This Exam Important?
Exam Format and Structure
| Exam Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) |
| Administered By | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Purpose | Certification for special education professionals |
| Exam Format | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 90 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions |
| Time Duration | 90 minutes |
| Question Types | Selected-response (multiple-choice) covering key topics in special education |
| Scoring Range | 100–200 |
| Passing Score | Varies by state (typically between 155–165); check your state’s requirements on the ETS website |
| Exam Frequency | Offered year-round at designated test centers and online via the Praxis At Home option |
| Registration | Candidates can register online through the ETS website |
| Cost | $130 (subject to change; confirm on the ETS website) |
Exam Content Breakdown
The Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) Exam covers four main content areas. Each section evaluates critical competencies required for effective special education instruction.
| Test Section | Percentage of Exam | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Human Development and Individualized Learning Differences | 22% | Foundations of human development, learning disabilities, exceptionalities, impact of disabilities, legal and ethical considerations |
| 2. Effective Planning, Instruction, and Productive Learning Environments | 33% | Instructional strategies, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), classroom management, assistive technology |
| 3. Assessment | 22% | Types of assessments, assessing diverse learners, interpreting assessment data, legal and ethical assessment considerations |
| 4. Professional Learning, Practice, and Collaboration | 23% | Special education laws, stakeholder collaboration, professional development, cultural and linguistic considerations |
Scoring and Passing Criteria
- The Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) Exam is scored on a scale of 100–200.
- The passing score varies by state, with most states requiring a score between 155 and 165.
- Scores are available online approximately 10–16 days after the test date.
- Tip: Always check with your state’s education department or the ETS Praxis website to confirm the required passing score in your state.
Test-Taking Conditions
The exam is computer-based and is administered at ETS-authorized test centers and online through the Praxis At Home option. Candidates must follow strict security protocols, including:
How to Register for the Exam?
- Visit the ETS Praxis website (www.ets.org/praxis).
- Create an ETS account if you don’t already have one.
- Select the Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) Exam and choose a test date.
- Pay the registration fee (typically $130, but subject to change).
- Choose whether to take the test at a test center or at home.
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