Praxis Social Studies: Content and Interpretation (5086) Practice Test

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The Praxis Social Studies Content and Interpretation exam is designed to measure the knowledge and skills that are essential for entry-level social studies teachers in junior and senior high schools.

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Exam Outline

The Praxis Social Studies Content and Interpretation exam contains 90 selected-response questions and three constructed-response questions, and you will be given a time limit of 2 hours.

The exam is split into seven content categories, which are designed to cover the various competencies and points of knowledge that a social studies teacher should possess.

I. United States History (18 questions)

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

  • Chronological developments in US history
  • Major themes in US history

II. World History (18 questions)

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

  • Chronological developments in world history
  • Major themes in world history

III. Government/Civics/Political Science (18 questions)

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

  • Political theory
  • Comparative government and civics
  • Comparative government and international relations

IV. Economics (13 questions)

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

  • Scarcity, choice, and opportunity costs
  • Market, command, and mixed economies
  • Supply and demand
  • Market equilibrium
  • Personal finance,/li>
  • Banking systems
  • Factors of production
  • Measures of economic performance
  • Factors that impact economic growth

V. Geography (13 questions)

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

  • Geographic literacy
  • Physical geography
  • Human geography

VI. Behavioral Sciences (10 questions)

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

  • The influence of society on human behavior
  • The influence of culture, human adaptation, and diversity on human behavior
  • The influence of learning, development, and personal identity on individual behavior

VII. Short Content Essays (3 questions)

This category contains the three constructed-response questions. These questions require you to write a short analysis of important historical events and issues.

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Registration

To register for the Praxis Social Studies Content and Interpretation 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 $156 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 Exam is Scored

Your Praxis Social Studies Content and Interpretation 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, but most states require a minimum scaled score of 153.

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 Social Studies Content and Interpretation exam?

A

There are 93 questions on the exam.

Q

How long is the Praxis Social Studies Content and Interpretation exam?

A

The time limit for the exam is 2 hours.

Q

What is the passing score for the Praxis Social Studies Content and Interpretation exam?

A

There is no set passing score for this exam. The minimum score requirements are set by each state individually.

Q

How much does the Praxis Social Studies Content and Interpretation exam cost?

A

The examination fee is $156.


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.

 

by Mometrix Test Preparation | Last Updated: May 30, 2024