This exam is used by many state licensing boards and licensing agencies throughout the world as part of their certification process. It is designed to test the knowledge and skills of beginning secondary teachers in the subject of chemistry.
Who is Eligible?
Each state or agency that uses the Praxis is allowed to set their own standards and requirements for who is eligible, which tests are taken for a certain certification, and what perquisites, if any, must be completed before the taking of any exam. Be sure to check with your state board or licensing agency as to what those requirements may be and how they are to be completed.
It is noted that most candidates have at least a bachelors degree with coursework in education and chemistry.
What is the Cost of the Exam?
There is an exam fee of $120 for this specific Praxis test.
When and Where Can I Take it?
This Praxis exam can be scheduled by appointment only during one of five testing windows each year. Locations, including Prometric testing centers, some universities, and other various sites, are scattered throughout the U.S. and worldwide. A full list of dates, times, and locations will be provided during registration.
Choose the one that is most convenient for you. However, it is recommended that you schedule for your preferred testing session as early as possible because space is limited and filled on a first come, first served basis.
Once you have completed the scheduling process, you will be sent an admission ticket with the date, time and location of your testing session included. Make sure to keep this email and print it out, as you will need it at the test site for your appointment.
Should you need to reschedule or cancel your testing appointment, you can do so up until the last three days before your original test time. Changes cannot be made after this time.
For those with disabilities, special accommodations are available upon request. This request must be made during registration and supporting documentation will need to be provided for approval.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfqUaJFHw30
What is Covered?
This exam contains 125 selected-response questions. You will be given two hours and 30 minutes to complete them all.
The Chemistry: Content Knowledge exam covers seven main categories. These are listed below with the number of question and weight assigned to each.
- Basic Principles of Matter and Energy (17 questions/14% of the test)
- Atomic and Nuclear Structure (15 questions/12% of the test)
- Nomenclature, Chemical Composition, and Bonding and Structure (19 questions/15% of the test)
- Chemical Reactions and Periodicity (25 questions/20% of the test)
- Solutions, Solubility, and Acid-Base Chemistry (19 questions/15% of the test)
- Scientific Inquiry and Social Perspectives of Science (15 questions/12% of the test)
- Scientific Procedures and Techniques (15 questions/12% of the test)
What Should I Bring?
It is important that you arrive at least 30 minutes early for your scheduled exam to complete the required check-in process. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to take the exam and will have re-register for another day, forfeiting your exam fee.
Along with your admission ticket, you will need to bring at least one government-issued ID with you to the testing site. This should include a photo, your signature, and full name as it appears on your application information. If this contains missing or incorrect information, you may be asked to provide another ID or be turned away.
You are not allowed to bring any of the following items with into the testing center:
- Study materials, books, or notes
- Writing utensils, calculators, or any paper
- Cell phones or any electronic devices
- Food or drinks
- Purses, handbags, or bags of any kind
If these are found within the testing site, you will be immediately dismissed and your scores voided. Pencils, conversion factors, and an on-screen period table will be provided.
How is it Scored?
Each state, institution, or licensing agency decides what an acceptable passing score is for their candidates. Be sure to know what your specific program uses as a passing score for this exam.
You will receive an unofficial score report at the end of your exam on your computer screen. Your official score reports are available about two to three weeks after your testing window has closed. This is also when your scores are sent to agencies or institutions that were designated on your application. For those that fail, retakes are available after a 21-day waiting period.
How Can I Prepare for the Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge Exam?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!