Praxis Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge (5857) Exam

The Praxis Health and Physical Education exam are used by many states and licensing agencies as part of their certification process for incoming teaching candidates for this subject. This exam will test your skills, abilities, and knowledge in relation to entry-level professionals.

Who is Eligible?

Every state or licensing agency that uses this or any Praxis exams is allowed to set their own standards or prerequisites. These may include having achieved a certain degree or having specific on the job experience. It may also require you to complete other exams.

Be sure to check with your state or local licensing agency to be aware of these requirements and what you can do to complete them.

There is a fee of $120 for this exam, which is due at the time of registration. You can register through your Praxis account online, over the phone, or by mail.

When and Where is it Taken?

All Praxis exams are administered by an international network of testing sites that include some universities, Prometric Testing Centers, and some other various locations found worldwide. This exam can be scheduled during specific testing windows throughout the year. These are available through your Praxis account.

Choose a date, time, and place that is convenient for you. However, it is recommended that you register as soon as possible to ensure that you test when and where you want to. Space is limited at some locations and is filled on a first come, first served basis.

Special accommodations are available for those with disabilities or who may not be able to take the exam under normal circumstances. This request must be made during the registration process, and supporting documentation must be provided for approval.

If you need to reschedule or cancel your exam appointment, you can do so by contacting Praxis no later than three days before your original test date. There is a fee to do so. However, if you wait any longer, you will not be able to make changes and will forfeit all fees and be counted as a no-show on test day.

Once your registration and payment are complete, you will be given access to your admission ticket. You will need to bring this with you on test day so be sure to print it out and keep it handy.

What Can I Bring?

Along with your admission ticket, you will be required to bring at least one valid government-issued photo ID to complete a check-in process. This ID must include your full name as it appears on your registration, your signature, and a recognizable photo. If your primary/photo ID contains missing or incorrect information, you will be asked to present another one or will not be allowed to test that day.

Because of the above-mentioned check-in process and the time required of it, you should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early for your exam. If you show up late, you will not be allowed to test and will forfeit all fees you have paid.

At the testing center, you will be provided with pencils, erasers, and scratch paper. Therefore, it is unnecessary for you to bring your own. You should not bring any other personal items either including but not limited to the following:

  • Calculators
  • Study materials
  • Cell phones
  • Bags/purses
  • Watches, jewelry, and outerwear
  • Food and drinks

If any of these items are found on your person during the exam, you will be dismissed from the testing center, and your scores will be voided.

What is Covered?

This Praxis exam consists of 130 selected response questions divided into 5 main categories. You will be given 130 minutes to complete all questions.

Below is a brief description of each section, including the number of questions and weight given in each.

Health Education as a Discipline/Health Instruction (26 questions/20%)

Health behavior theories and tools, assessing learning needs, classroom management strategies, reflective teaching processes, professional and legal ethic practices

Health Education Content (32 questions/25%)

Health promotion and prevention of injury and disease, healthy relationships/mental and emotional health, community health and advocacy

Content Knowledge and Student Growth and Development (22 questions/17%)

Terminology, principles of biomechanics and kinesiology, movement concepts, anatomy and physiology, and student growth and development

Management, Motivation, and Communication/Collaboration, Reflection, and Technology (29 questions/22%)

Principles of classroom management, effective communication, reflection, and using technology efficiently

Planning, Instruction, and Student Assessment (21 questions/16%)

Teaching resources and methods, assessing student performance and fitness, providing feedback, student self-assessment, gathering of data

How is it Scored?

Many Praxis test sites will be able to give you your unofficial score report at the conclusion of your exam. However, not all do. Your official score report will be made available through your Praxis account about 10-16 days after you take the test. A copy of this will also be sent to any institutions or licensing agencies indicated on your registration.

This score report will include your pass/fail status, your overall score, and the points possible on the exam as a whole and for each main section. You will also be able to see your highest score for any Praxis test you have taken during the last 10 years. For those that would like to retake this exam, you may submit a new registration and payment to do so. After a waiting period of 21 days, not counting your last test date, you will be allowed to retest.

How Can I Prepare for the Praxis Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge Test?

That’s a great question.  We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

Study Guide

Flashcards

 

Last Updated: July 27, 2021