Praxis Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge (5571) Practice Test

The Praxis Earth and Space Sciences Content Knowledge exam is designed to measure the knowledge and skills that are essential for entry-level teachers of earth and space sciences.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free Praxis Earth and Space Sciences Content Knowledge practice test, and check out our premium-quality Praxis test prep resources by clicking the links below!

Praxis (5571) Exam Outline

The Praxis Earth and Space Sciences Content Knowledge exam contain 125 selected-response questions and has a time limit of 2.5 hours.

The exam is split into six content categories, which are designed to cover the various competencies and points of knowledge that an earth and space science teacher should possess.

I. Basic Principles and Processes (15 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:

• Science methodology
• Science techniques
• Science history
• Basic principles of matter and energy
• Science, technology, and society

II. Tectonics and Internal Earth Processes (21 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:

• Theory of plate tectonics
• Deformation of Earth’s crust
• Characteristics of earthquakes
• Layered structure of Earth and related processes
• Volcanic characteristics and processes

III. Earth Materials and Surface Processes (29 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:

• Identification of minerals
• Cycling of Earth materials
• Characteristics and formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
• Changes to the Earth’s surface over time

IV. History of the Earth and Its Life Forms (17 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:

• Using rocks to determine geologic time
• Using rocks to provide a record of Earth’s history
• The fossil record as evidence of the origin and development of life
• Theories of Earth’s formation and the development of its systems

V. Earth’s Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (24 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:

• Unusual properties of water
• The effects of water on Earth systems
• The water cycle and energy transfers involved
• Basic composition and structure of the atmosphere
• Basic physical principles and processes involved in meteorology
• Development and movement of weather systems
• Factors and processes that impact climate
• Effects of natural phenomena on climate change
• Characteristics and processes of surface water and groundwater
• Characteristics of glaciers and polar ice
• Physical and chemical characteristics and processes of the ocean
• Interrelationships between the oceans and the solid Earth
• Interrelationships between the hydrosphere and the biosphere/atmosphere

VI. Astronomy (19 questions)

The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:

• Earth’s motions and their consequences and characteristics
• Relationships withing the Earth-Moon-Sun system
• Characteristics of the components of the solar system and how they formed
• Characteristics of stars and the processes that occur within them
• Characteristics of the Milky Way and other galaxies
• Theories and observations that relate to the origin and development of the universe

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Praxis (5571) Exam Registration

To register for the Praxis Earth and Space Sciences Content Knowledge exam, you will need to create an online account with ETS. Through this account, you can submit an application to take the exam.

During registration, you will be asked to select the test-taking format (remote or at a testing center), test location (if you are taking the test at a testing center), and test date. You will also need to pay the $130 exam fee.

Test Day

In-person Testing

You should arrive at the testing center about 30 minutes before the scheduled testing appointment on test day. For this process, you will be asked to provide a printed copy of your admission ticket and two forms of valid identification.

You will also be asked to store all personal items, such as your cell phone, wallet, keys, and accessories, in a secure locker before entering the testing area.

Once the check-in process is complete and you are fully approved for testing, you will be led to the testing station and given a brief tutorial on the testing system.

Remote Testing

To take the exam remotely, you must use a laptop or desktop computer that has the ETS Secure Test Browser downloaded and installed on it. This is the browser you must use to take the exam. You will also need a functioning webcam, speakers, and a microphone.

When you check in to take the exam, the remote proctor will ask you to show proof of identification and to move your webcam around the room so that your testing area can be observed. Once the proctor has approved your testing area, they will walk you through the testing process and begin your exam.

How the Praxis (5571) Exam is Scored

Your Praxis Earth and Space Sciences Content Knowledge exam score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly (your raw score). Your raw score is converted to a scaled score. The scaled score you need to obtain differs slightly depending on which state you take the exam in.

You should receive an official score report about five weeks after testing.

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By Eric Richter

Eric is the Product Development Manager responsible for developing and updating the Mometrix Teacher Certification and K-12 products. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s of education in Teaching ESOL.