Free Praxis Biology Exam Flashcards

Each state sets its own qualifying score for Praxis Biology (5236), but most states use a scaled score of 150–155, with 150 being the most common cut score. ETS reports scores on a 100–200 scaled range. Always confirm your specific state requirement on the ETS State Requirements page before testing, since states like Tennessee, Georgia, and Washington may set higher cuts than the modal 150.

Praxis Biology (5236) is scored on a scaled score range of 100 to 200. Your raw score (number of correct answers out of 150 selected-response questions) is converted to the scaled score using equating to account for form difficulty. There is no penalty for guessing, so candidates should answer every question. Unofficial scores appear immediately for most selected-response Praxis tests, with official scores released about 10–16 business days later.

Praxis Biology Content Knowledge (5236) is 2 hours and 30 minutes of testing time (150 minutes) for 150 selected-response questions. That averages 1 minute per question. The exam is computer-delivered at Praxis test centers or via at-home testing through ETS ProctorU. Plan for an additional 30 minutes on test day for check-in, tutorial, and the optional post-test survey.

Praxis Biology Content Knowledge (5236) is the standalone secondary biology endorsement test focused entirely on biology content (cells, genetics, evolution, organisms, ecology). Praxis General Science / Life Science exams (e.g., 5435 General Science) span biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science with less depth on each. States requiring a biology-only endorsement typically accept 5236, while broad general science endorsements may require 5435.

Per the ETS 5236 Study Companion, the exam covers: (1) Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering – 13%, (2) Cell Biology: Cell Structure and Function – 22%, (3) Genetics and Evolution – 26%, (4) Diversity of Life and Organismal Biology – 20%, and (5) Ecology: Organisms and Environments – 19%. Genetics and Evolution is the largest single domain, so prioritize Mendelian genetics, molecular biology, and natural selection mechanisms.

ETS requires a 28-day waiting period between Praxis test attempts for the same test. You can re-register and pay the $130 fee again. Use the wait time for targeted review of the content categories where you scored lowest — ETS provides a score report broken down by the 5 content categories that pinpoints weak areas. There is no limit on total retake attempts.