Getting Started for the Praxis Mathematics 5161 test
Once you have made the laudable decision to become a Secondary Math teacher and realize that passing the Praxis 5161 exam is a prerequisite for virtually all Credential Programs, you may find the entire process more than a trifle overwhelming and befuddling! The most oft-asked question is "Where do I begin?"
In general, the The ETS Praxis website is a capital place to start one's quest for illumination!
The Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161) exam is a test required by many states for credential candidates planning to teach math at the high school level.
It is a single, computer-delivered test that includes questions from two content categories:
Candidates may register for the Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge exam by mail or online, and may re-register by phone. When and how you choose to register can affect the costs and fees associated with taking the test. For more info on Praxis test registration, continue reading below.
Passing scores on the Praxis 5161 vary by state:
Here is the Mathematics (5161) Study Companion:
https://www.ets.org/s/praxis/pdf/5161.pdf
If you have any questions after reading these manuals or you would like additional information about the NYSTCE tests or the educator standards, please visit the The ETS Praxis website.
Exam Details
Testing Costs
Registration: $120
Change to test center or test date: Additional $40
Phone registration: Additional $35
Additional score reports: $50 per report
This is a computer-based exam
150 minutes
60 Questions
Exam Content
Detailed content summary here (PDF -- see pg. 7)
Exam locations
Check list of test dates and locations here.
Test Retake Policy
If you feel you did not perform to your potential, you may retake a Praxis test once every 21 days, not including your initial test date. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. If you violate this restriction, the scores from your retest will not be reported and your test fees will not be refunded.
Scoring
On most Praxis® tests, each selected-response question answered correctly is worth one raw point; your total raw score is the number of questions answered correctly on the full test. Selected-response questions are scored by computer. Your total raw score is then converted to a scaled score that adjusts for the difficulty of that particular edition of the test.
The adjustment for difficulty makes it possible to give the same interpretation to identical scores on different editions of the same test. For example, a reported score of 150 on the Mathematics: Content Knowledge test will reflect approximately the same level of knowledge, regardless of which edition of the test was administered.
On Test Day
Before you even arrive at the test center, there are a number of important things you should do:
For a better sense of the Praxis 5161 Q's, you can view Practice Questions by using the following link:
FREE Practice Test
I would strongly recommend that you procure the textbooks that I suggest. Algebra resources can be found here, while those for Geometry and Statistics can be sourced here and here. Finally, that for Trigonometry and Calculus, here.
It is a VERY GOOD idea to procure MORE THAN one book for reference purposes and to obtain a perspective on concepts! And on sites like half.com and amazon.com, editions one or two before the current one, can be purchased for $5-10!
Comments? Email me at [email protected]
In general, the The ETS Praxis website is a capital place to start one's quest for illumination!
The Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161) exam is a test required by many states for credential candidates planning to teach math at the high school level.
It is a single, computer-delivered test that includes questions from two content categories:
- Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, and Calculus (68%)
- Geometry, Probability and Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics (32%)
Candidates may register for the Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge exam by mail or online, and may re-register by phone. When and how you choose to register can affect the costs and fees associated with taking the test. For more info on Praxis test registration, continue reading below.
Passing scores on the Praxis 5161 vary by state:
- In general, states require minimum passing score of 160,
- Except Alabama (145); Kansas (152); Iowa (132); Nebraska (146); Northern Mariana Islands (136).
Here is the Mathematics (5161) Study Companion:
https://www.ets.org/s/praxis/pdf/5161.pdf
- Breakdown of the test design and framework
- A list of the domains and competencies that will be tested
- Notations, definitions, and formulas (provided with test) -- see pg. 23
- Sample Multiple Choice Qs and Answers -- see pg. 26
If you have any questions after reading these manuals or you would like additional information about the NYSTCE tests or the educator standards, please visit the The ETS Praxis website.
Exam Details
Testing Costs
Registration: $120
Change to test center or test date: Additional $40
Phone registration: Additional $35
Additional score reports: $50 per report
This is a computer-based exam
150 minutes
60 Questions
Exam Content
Detailed content summary here (PDF -- see pg. 7)
Exam locations
Check list of test dates and locations here.
Test Retake Policy
If you feel you did not perform to your potential, you may retake a Praxis test once every 21 days, not including your initial test date. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. If you violate this restriction, the scores from your retest will not be reported and your test fees will not be refunded.
Scoring
On most Praxis® tests, each selected-response question answered correctly is worth one raw point; your total raw score is the number of questions answered correctly on the full test. Selected-response questions are scored by computer. Your total raw score is then converted to a scaled score that adjusts for the difficulty of that particular edition of the test.
The adjustment for difficulty makes it possible to give the same interpretation to identical scores on different editions of the same test. For example, a reported score of 150 on the Mathematics: Content Knowledge test will reflect approximately the same level of knowledge, regardless of which edition of the test was administered.
On Test Day
Before you even arrive at the test center, there are a number of important things you should do:
- Verify your test location — Test locations sometimes change. Be sure to confirm your location before test day by logging into your My Praxis®account.
- Print your admission ticket — Log in to your My Praxis account, print a copy of your admission ticket and bring it with you to the test center.
- Assemble your identification (ID) documents — See ID requirements to be sure your documents will be accepted. You will not be admitted to the test without the correct documents.
- Review the list of important items to bring to your test center.
- Dress appropriately — Testing room conditions vary. Dress in layers to ensure you are ready for any room temperature.
- Review test center procedures and regulations
- Make sure to arrive on time — Please plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in.
- Plan to be at the test center for longer than the test duration — Your test appointment includes 30 extra minutes prior to beginning the test to complete tutorials that will help familiarize you with the testing process.
For a better sense of the Praxis 5161 Q's, you can view Practice Questions by using the following link:
FREE Practice Test
I would strongly recommend that you procure the textbooks that I suggest. Algebra resources can be found here, while those for Geometry and Statistics can be sourced here and here. Finally, that for Trigonometry and Calculus, here.
It is a VERY GOOD idea to procure MORE THAN one book for reference purposes and to obtain a perspective on concepts! And on sites like half.com and amazon.com, editions one or two before the current one, can be purchased for $5-10!
Comments? Email me at [email protected]