Praxis Elementary Education (5001) Exam Guide 2026
Planning to teach elementary school? The Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) exam is your gateway to K-6 teacher certification. This FREE guide covers everything you need to know about all four subtests and how to pass them.
What Is the Praxis Elementary Education Exam?
The Praxis 5001 exam measures the academic skills and content knowledge required to teach elementary school (K-6). It consists of four subtests that can be taken together or separately:
| Subtest | Code | Content Area |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Language Arts | 5002 | Literacy instruction |
| Mathematics | 5003 | Number sense, algebra, geometry |
| Social Studies | 5004 | History, geography, civics |
| Science | 5005 | Earth, life, physical science |
Praxis 5001 Exam Structure
Complete Exam Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | ~200 selected-response + essays |
| Total Time | ~5 hours (varies by format) |
| Passing Scores | Varies by state (150-165 per subtest) |
| Cost | $170 (combined) or $60-90 per subtest |
| Validity | 10 years |
| Format | Computer-delivered |
Individual Subtest Breakdown
| Subtest | Questions | Time | Passing (varies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (5002) | 80 selected-response | 90 min | 157-164 |
| Mathematics (5003) | 50 selected-response | 65 min | 157-164 |
| Social Studies (5004) | 55 selected-response | 60 min | 155-162 |
| Science (5005) | 55 selected-response | 60 min | 155-162 |
Reading and Language Arts (5002)
Content Categories
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Foundations | 35% | Phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency |
| Comprehension | 30% | Main idea, inference, text structure |
| Writing & Research | 20% | Writing process, conventions |
| Speaking & Listening | 15% | Communication skills |
Key Concepts to Master
Phonemic Awareness vs. Phonics:
- Phonemic awareness: Hearing and manipulating sounds (oral)
- Phonics: Connecting sounds to written letters
The Five Pillars of Reading:
- Phonemic awareness
- Phonics
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
Types of Comprehension Questions:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Literal | Directly stated in text |
| Inferential | Implied, requires reading between lines |
| Evaluative | Judging content or author's purpose |
Mathematics (5003)
Content Categories
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers & Operations | 40% | Place value, fractions, decimals |
| Algebraic Thinking | 15% | Patterns, variables, equations |
| Geometry & Measurement | 25% | Shapes, area, perimeter, volume |
| Data Analysis | 20% | Graphs, probability, statistics |
Essential Formulas
Geometry:
| Shape | Perimeter | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | 2l + 2w | l × w |
| Square | 4s | s² |
| Triangle | a + b + c | ½ × b × h |
| Circle | 2πr | πr² |
Volume:
| Shape | Formula |
|---|---|
| Rectangular prism | l × w × h |
| Cube | s³ |
Key Math Concepts
Place Value:
- Hundreds | Tens | Ones . Tenths | Hundredths
Order of Operations: PEMDAS
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication/Division (left to right)
- Addition/Subtraction (left to right)
Fractions:
- Adding/subtracting: Need common denominators
- Multiplying: Numerator × numerator, denominator × denominator
- Dividing: Keep, Change, Flip (multiply by reciprocal)
Social Studies (5004)
Content Categories
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| United States History | 25% | Colonial era to present |
| World History | 15% | Ancient civilizations, global events |
| Geography | 20% | Maps, regions, human-environment |
| Civics & Government | 20% | Constitution, branches, citizenship |
| Economics | 20% | Supply/demand, markets, trade |
Key Social Studies Concepts
Three Branches of Government:
| Branch | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative | Makes laws | Congress (Senate + House) |
| Executive | Enforces laws | President, Cabinet |
| Judicial | Interprets laws | Supreme Court |
Map Skills:
- Cardinal directions: N, S, E, W
- Intermediate directions: NE, NW, SE, SW
- Map elements: Legend, scale, compass rose, title
Economic Concepts:
- Supply: Amount producers willing to sell
- Demand: Amount consumers willing to buy
- Scarcity: Limited resources, unlimited wants
Key Historical Events (U.S.):
| Era | Key Events |
|---|---|
| Colonial | Plymouth Rock, 13 colonies |
| Revolutionary | Declaration of Independence (1776) |
| Civil War | 1861-1865, slavery abolished |
| 20th Century | World Wars, Civil Rights Movement |
Science (5005)
Content Categories
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Earth & Space Science | 33% | Geology, weather, astronomy |
| Life Science | 33% | Cells, ecosystems, human body |
| Physical Science | 34% | Matter, energy, forces |
Earth & Space Science
Earth's Layers:
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Crust | Thin outer layer (where we live) |
| Mantle | Thick, hot rock |
| Outer Core | Liquid iron/nickel |
| Inner Core | Solid iron/nickel |
Rock Cycle:
| Rock Type | Formation |
|---|---|
| Igneous | Cooled magma/lava |
| Sedimentary | Compressed layers |
| Metamorphic | Heat and pressure |
Earth's Motions:
- Rotation: 24 hours → Day/night
- Revolution: 365.25 days → Seasons (due to tilted axis)
Life Science
Plant vs. Animal Cells:
| Feature | Plant | Animal |
|---|---|---|
| Cell wall | Yes | No |
| Chloroplasts | Yes | No |
| Large vacuole | Yes | Small |
| Shape | Rectangular | Round |
Food Chain: Sun → Producers → Primary Consumers → Secondary Consumers → Decomposers
Physical Science
States of Matter:
| State | Shape | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Solid | Fixed | Fixed |
| Liquid | Container | Fixed |
| Gas | Container | Fills container |
Newton's Laws:
- Inertia: Object at rest stays at rest
- F = ma: Force = mass × acceleration
- Action-Reaction: Equal and opposite forces
State Passing Scores
Passing scores vary by state. Here are common requirements:
| State | Reading (5002) | Math (5003) | Social Studies (5004) | Science (5005) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 157 | 157 | 155 | 155 |
| Arkansas | 159 | 159 | 155 | 155 |
| Delaware | 157 | 157 | 155 | 155 |
| Kentucky | 158 | 158 | 155 | 155 |
| Louisiana | 157 | 157 | 155 | 155 |
| Pennsylvania | 157 | 157 | 155 | 155 |
| West Virginia | 156 | 156 | 154 | 154 |
Check your state's requirements at ETS Praxis State Requirements
Study Tips for Praxis Elementary
1. Start with Your Weakest Subject
If math was never your strong suit, spend more time on 5003. Build confidence in weak areas first.
2. Use the "Multiple Subjects" Advantage
Content overlaps! Geography concepts appear in Social Studies AND Science.
3. Practice with Timer
The exam is timed. Practice under test conditions to build speed.
4. Review Elementary-Level Content
Don't over-complicate it. You're teaching K-6, so focus on foundational concepts.
5. Take Practice Tests
Praxis Elementary vs. Praxis Core
| Feature | Praxis Core | Praxis Elementary (5001) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Basic academic skills | Content knowledge for teaching |
| When taken | Before teacher prep | After teacher prep |
| Subtests | Reading, Writing, Math | Reading/LA, Math, Social Studies, Science |
| Focus | Personal skills | Teaching content |
| Required | Some states | Most states for K-6 |
Free vs. Paid Praxis Prep
| Feature | Free (OpenExamPrep) | Paid Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Study guide | ✅ All 4 subtests | ✅ All 4 subtests |
| Practice questions | ✅ 200+ questions | ✅ 200-500 questions |
| AI study help | ✅ Included | ❌ Not available |
| Cost | FREE | $50-$200 |
Creating Your Study Plan
8-Week Study Schedule
| Week | Focus | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Reading (5002) | Study phonics, comprehension strategies |
| 3-4 | Mathematics (5003) | Review formulas, practice word problems |
| 5 | Social Studies (5004) | U.S. history, geography, civics |
| 6 | Science (5005) | Earth, life, physical science |
| 7 | Review & Practice Tests | Take full-length practice exams |
| 8 | Final Review | Focus on weak areas, rest before exam |
Daily Study Tips
- Study 1-2 hours daily (quality over quantity)
- Take breaks every 45-50 minutes
- Review notes before bed for better retention
- Practice questions daily, not just reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the subtests separately?
Yes! You can take all four subtests together or schedule them separately. Many candidates prefer spreading them out.
How long are my scores valid?
Praxis scores are valid for 10 years. Check with your state for specific requirements.
What's the difference between Praxis 5001 and 5018?
Praxis 5001 (Multiple Subjects) tests content knowledge across four areas. Praxis 5018 (Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment) tests pedagogical knowledge. Some states require both.
Can I use a calculator on the math test?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided. Practice using it before your exam.
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- Complete study guides for all 4 subtests
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- Answer explanations
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