Key Takeaways
- Praxis 5038 is a 130-question, 2 hour 30 minute ETS subject assessment for secondary English language arts licensure.
- The official blueprint weights Reading at 38%, Language Use and Vocabulary at 25%, and Writing, Speaking, and Listening at 37%.
- The current ETS fee tier for selected-response Praxis Subject Assessments is \$130.
- Passing scores are state-set rather than nationally fixed; 167 is a common benchmark but not universal.
- As of March 7, 2026, no official nationwide redesign notice for 5038 was posted by ETS.
Last updated: March 2026
Praxis ELA Content Knowledge (5038)
The Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) exam is an ETS subject assessment used in many secondary English teacher-certification pathways.
Current Exam Facts
| Detail | Current ETS Information |
|---|---|
| Test code | 5038 |
| Questions | 130 selected-response |
| Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Delivery | Computer-delivered |
| Fee | $130 |
| Score requirement | Set by state or licensure program |
Official Content Weighting
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Reading | 38% |
| Language Use and Vocabulary | 25% |
| Writing, Speaking, and Listening | 37% |
What This Means for Your Study Plan
You should treat Praxis 5038 as a content-heavy secondary English exam, not a pure pedagogy test. The blueprint expects you to move comfortably among:
- literary works, authors, genres, and contexts
- rhetorical analysis of informational texts and arguments
- grammar, syntax, mechanics, vocabulary, and diction
- writing purpose, audience, research, citation, speaking, and listening
5038 vs. Other Praxis English Tests
Some states use 5038, while others may require a different English test code such as 5039. Always verify the exact test number required by your licensure route before you register.
2026 Planning Note
As of March 7, 2026, ETS still lists Praxis 5038 with the same core structure above. I did not find an official nationwide redesign notice for this test, so the best prep move is to study the current blueprint rather than rumors about upcoming changes.