The Praxis Physics Content Knowledge exam is designed to measure the knowledge and skills that are essential for entry-level physics teachers.
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Exam Outline
The Praxis Physics 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 a physics teacher should possess.
I. Mechanics (40 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- Vectors and scalars
- Kinematics
- Dynamics and fluid mechanics
II. Electricity and Magnetism (24 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- Electrostatics
- Electrical properties of insulators, semiconductors, and conductors
- Electrical current
- Resistance
- Potential difference
- Energy
- Power
- Capacitance and inductance
- Alternating and direct currents
- Simple series, parallel, and combination circuits
- Generation of electric potential
- Magnetic fields
- Magnetic forces
- Properties of magnetic materials
- Production of electric fields
III. Optics and Waves (16 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- Types of waves and their characteristics
- Wave phenomena
- Fundamentals of the Doppler effect
- Characteristics of sound
- Electromagnetic waves
- The electromagnetic spectrum
- Geometric optics
IV. Heat, Energy, and Thermodynamics (15 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- Temperature
- Temperature scales
- Heat and heat capacity
- Mechanisms of heat transfer
- Forms of energy and transformations between them
- Energy involved in phase transitions between the states of matter
- Kinetic molecular theory and the ideal gas laws
- Laws of thermodynamics
V. Modern Physics, and Atomic and Nuclear Structure (15 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- Organization, structure, and states of matter
- Nature of atomic and subatomic structure
- Relationship of atomic spectra to electron energy levels
- Characteristics, processes, and effects of radioactivity
- Modern physics topics
Scientific Inquiry, Processes, and Social Perspectives (15 questions)
The questions in this category assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to the following:
- History and nature of scientific inquiry
- Scientific procedures and techniques
- Science, technology, and society
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Registration
To register for the Praxis Physics 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
On testing day, you should arrive at the testing center about 15-30 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 (cell phone, wallet, keys, accessories, etc.) 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 Exam is Scored
Your Praxis Physics 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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FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the Praxis Physics Content Knowledge exam?
A
There are 125 selected-response questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the Praxis Physics Content Knowledge exam?
A
The time limit for this exam is 2.5 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the Praxis Physics Content Knowledge exam?
A
There is no set passing score. The minimum score you need to pass is determined by the state you take the exam in.
Q
How much does the Praxis Physics Content Knowledge exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $130.
