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PRAXISCode: 5162Mathematics🖩 Calculator Provided

Praxis® Algebra I (5162) Practice Test & Study Guide

Comprehensive preparation for prospective Algebra I teachers, aligned to the official ETS blueprint and NCTM mathematics education standards.

60
Questions
150 min
Time limit
Varies
Passing score*
3
Content parts
$130
Exam fee
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On-screen graphing calculator provided. Unlike many Praxis exams, the Algebra I (5162) includes a built-in graphing calculator for all test takers. No personal calculator is permitted. Review the ETS Calculator Use page before test day to familiarize yourself with its functions.

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Source: All exam details on this page are drawn directly from the official ETS Praxis Algebra I (5162) Study Companion and the official Praxis website. Passing score requirements vary by state — always confirm at ets.org/praxis/states.

Free Praxis Algebra I (5162) Sample Quiz

1 / 2

Which is equivalent to 3/4?

Praxis Algebra I (5162) — Test at a Glance

Key facts directly from the official ETS test specifications.

TEST NAME
Algebra I
Praxis Subject Assessment
TEST CODE
5162
Computer-delivered
TOTAL QUESTIONS
60
Multiple formats (see below)
TIME LIMIT
150 min
2 hours 30 minutes
CALCULATOR
Provided
On-screen graphing calculator
REGISTRATION FEE
$130
Paid to ETS at registration
CONTENT AREAS
3
Aligned to NCTM standards
SCORE REPORTING
5 wks
After test date

About the Praxis Algebra I (5162) Exam

What you need to know before you register.

The Praxis Algebra I (5162) is designed to assess the mathematical knowledge and competencies necessary for a beginning Algebra I teacher. Examinees have typically completed a bachelor's program with an emphasis in mathematics or mathematics education.

The exam requires candidates to understand and work with mathematical concepts, reason mathematically, make conjectures, see patterns, justify statements using informal logical arguments, and construct simple proofs. Candidates are also expected to solve problems by integrating knowledge from different areas of mathematics, use various representations of concepts, solve problems that have several solution paths, and develop mathematical models to solve real-world problems.

According to ETS, the test is not aligned to any particular school mathematics curriculum. It is designed to be consistent with recommendations from national mathematics education studies, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the CAEP NCTM Standards (2020), as well as the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (2000).

A notable feature of this exam is the on-screen graphing calculator provided to all test takers — an important tool that distinguishes this exam from many other Praxis assessments. Additionally, the exam includes a variety of question formats beyond standard multiple choice, including numeric-entry, drag-and-drop, and table grid questions that test deeper mathematical reasoning.

Official Exam Blueprint: 3 Content Categories

The official ETS blueprint defines 3 content categories with specific question weights. Percentages and question counts are drawn directly from the ETS Study Companion.

Category I
Principles of Algebra
Writing algebraic expressions in equivalent forms; arithmetic operations on polynomials; creating equations and inequalities; justifying the reasoning process for solving equations; solving equations and inequalities using varied techniques (graphical, algebraic); solving systems of equations and inequalities; rate of change; intercepts and slope.
38%
23 questions
Category II
Functions
Function concept and notation; analyzing function behavior using graphs, mappings, and tables; modeling relationships between quantities; obtaining new functions from existing functions (transformations, inverses); differences between linear, quadratic, and exponential models; arithmetic and geometric sequences.
30%
18 questions
Category III
Number and Quantity; Probability and Statistics
Properties of radicals and exponents (including rational exponents); properties of rational and irrational numbers; quantitative reasoning and units; summarizing and interpreting single-variable data (boxplots, dotplots, normal distributions); two-variable data and scatterplots; linear regression models; computing probabilities of simple and compound events.
32%
19 questions

Key Topics by Content Category

Focus your study on these specific competencies — drawn from the official ETS test specifications.

I

Principles of Algebra

23 questions · 38%
Interpreting parts of expressions (terms, factors, coefficients) and rewriting in equivalent forms
Rewriting quadratic expressions: factoring/finding zeros, completing the square
Using properties of exponents to rewrite expressions for exponential functions
Adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials
Creating equations and inequalities in one or two variables; graphing on number lines and coordinate planes
Rearranging formulas to highlight a quantity of interest (e.g., solving d = rt for t)
Solving linear equations and inequalities, including those with letter coefficients
Completing the square; quadratic formula; discriminant analysis
Solving systems of two linear equations algebraically and graphically
Solving systems of a linear and quadratic equation in two variables
Graphing solutions to linear inequalities and systems of inequalities as half-planes
Calculating and interpreting average rate of change; slope and intercepts of a line
II

Functions

18 questions · 30%
Function concept: domain-to-range assignment; function notation; evaluating functions
Recognizing sequences as functions (recursive and explicit); domain as subset of integers
Interpreting key features of graphs and tables (increasing/decreasing, maxima/minima)
Graphing linear, quadratic, exponential, piecewise, absolute value, and step functions
Interpreting exponential growth and decay behavior
Determining whether a function is odd, even, or neither
Writing arithmetic and geometric sequences recursively and explicitly
Function transformations: vertical/horizontal shifts and stretches (g(x) = f(x)+k, g(x) = f(kx), etc.)
Finding and verifying inverse functions; performing domain analysis on combined functions
Distinguishing linear vs. quadratic vs. exponential growth patterns
Interpreting parameters in linear or exponential functions in context (e.g., A(t) = Pe^rt)
Constructing functions from graphs, descriptions, or two ordered pairs
III

Number and Quantity; Probability and Statistics

19 questions · 32%
Operations with exponents including negative and rational exponents; scientific notation
Properties of radicals; simplifying expressions with rational exponents
Rational vs. irrational number properties: sums and products of rational/irrational combinations
Quantitative reasoning: using units to guide multistep problems; scale and origin in graphs
Single-variable data: dotplots, histograms, boxplots; comparing center (mean, median) and spread (IQR, standard deviation)
Effects of outliers on shape, center, and spread of data distributions
Two-variable data: scatterplots, two-way frequency tables, conditional relative frequencies
Linear regression: fitting functions to data, correlation coefficient, interpreting slope and intercept
Distinguishing correlation from causation
Assessing fit of a function by plotting and analyzing residuals
Computing probabilities of simple and compound events
Choosing appropriate level of accuracy given measurement limitations

Question Formats on the Praxis Algebra I (5162)

Unlike most standardized tests, the Algebra I exam uses 8 distinct question types. Familiarity with each format before test day is critical — the variety tests mathematical reasoning that standard multiple choice cannot capture.

Selected-response (single)
Choose one answer from four choices. Marked with ovals in the computer-delivered interface.
Selected-response (one or more)
Select all correct answers from a list. Marked with square boxes, not ovals. May have 1, 2, or 3 correct answers.
Numeric-entry
Enter an exact integer or decimal in a single answer box. Do not round unless instructed to do so.
Fraction entry
Enter numerator and denominator in separate boxes. Equivalent fractions (e.g., 1/2 and 6/12) are all accepted.
Drag-and-drop
Match phrases or expressions by dragging from one location to another. Tests conceptual matching and classification.
Table grid
Select correct properties for statements listed in the first column by clicking cells in the table.
Text completion
Select answer choices from dropdown columns to complete one or more sentences.
Select-an-area
Click on one or more locations in a graphic or figure as your answer. Tests graph and coordinate interpretation.

Registration, Test Day & Scoring

Everything you need to know before and on exam day.

Registration

Where to registerpraxis.ets.org
Exam fee$130
Testing formatsIn-person or remote
ID required2 forms of valid ID
Arrive (in-person)30 min early

Scoring

Score typeScaled score
Raw score basisCorrect answers only
Passing scoreVaries by state
Results available5 weeks post-test
State requirementsets.org/praxis/states

In-Person Testing

Test centersPrometric locations
Personal itemsStored in locker
CalculatorOn-screen (provided)
Admission ticketPrint from ETS account

Remote Testing

Browser requiredETS Secure Test Browser
Equipment neededWebcam, mic, speakers
Check-in processRoom scan required
Proctor typeLive remote proctor

Passing Score Requirements by State

Unlike some Praxis exams, the Algebra I (5162) has no single national passing score — each state sets its own requirement.

Important: Passing score requirements for the Praxis Algebra I (5162) are set individually by each state or licensing agency. A score that meets requirements in one state may not meet requirements in another. Always verify the exact passing score for your state at ets.org/praxis/states before registering.

Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score that accounts for minor difficulty differences between test editions. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so never leave a question blank. Note that some questions on the exam are unscored pretest items used for future test development — these do not affect your score.

How to Prepare for the Praxis Algebra I Exam

Strategies aligned to the official ETS Study Companion guidance and the exam's unique characteristics.

Prioritize Principles of Algebra — it's 38% of the exam.

Category I is the largest single section with 23 questions. Deep fluency with solving and graphing equations, inequalities, and systems — including both linear-linear and linear-quadratic systems — is essential. This is where most points are won or lost.

Practice with the on-screen graphing calculator before test day.

The provided graphing calculator is a key tool, but unfamiliarity with its interface costs time and leads to errors. Review the ETS Calculator Use page and practice solving problems using a graphing calculator environment before your exam date.

Prepare for every question format, not just multiple choice.

The exam includes 8 distinct question types including numeric-entry, drag-and-drop, and table grid. The numeric-entry format is particularly important — you must enter exact values, not rounded approximations, unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Master function transformations and behavior analysis.

Category II (Functions, 30%) heavily tests your ability to describe how graph transformations affect a function, recognize growth patterns, and interpret function parameters in real-world contexts. Knowing f(x)+k, f(kx), f(x+k) transformations cold is critical.

Don't underestimate the statistics content.

Category III (32%) includes linear regression, correlation coefficients, two-way frequency tables, and probability — topics that many math teachers are less comfortable with than pure algebra. The distinction between correlation and causation is a specific, testable concept that appears regularly.

Study the NCTM standards alongside content topics.

The test is explicitly designed to align with NCTM Principles and Standards. Understanding the reasoning and pedagogical intent behind algebraic concepts — not just the mechanics — will help with the higher-order reasoning questions that distinguish this exam from a basic algebra test.

Download the official ETS Study Companion.

The free PDF from ETS includes the full test blueprint with discussion questions for each content category, sample questions with full answer explanations, and a customizable study plan template. It is the most authoritative and comprehensive preparation resource available for this exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers sourced from the official ETS Praxis Algebra I Study Companion and Mometrix test preparation resources.

How many questions are on the Praxis Algebra I (5162) exam?+
The exam contains 60 questions with a time limit of 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes). Questions span 3 content categories: Principles of Algebra (23 questions, 38%), Functions (18 questions, 30%), and Number and Quantity; Probability and Statistics (19 questions, 32%). Note that some questions may be unscored pretest items — you won't know which ones — so treat every question equally.
What is the passing score for the Praxis Algebra I (5162)?+
There is no single universal passing score for the Praxis Algebra I (5162). Each state or licensing agency sets its own minimum scaled score requirement. You must verify the specific requirement for your state at ets.org/praxis/states before registering.
Is a calculator allowed on the Praxis Algebra I exam?+
Yes — and it's provided. An on-screen graphing calculator is available to all test takers throughout the exam. You cannot bring your own calculator. It is strongly recommended to review the ETS Calculator Use page before test day to understand the calculator's functionality and limitations.
What content categories are on the Praxis Algebra I (5162)?+
The exam covers 3 official content categories: (I) Principles of Algebra — 38%, 23 questions; (II) Functions — 30%, 18 questions; and (III) Number and Quantity; Probability and Statistics — 32%, 19 questions. The test is aligned to NCTM mathematics education standards and is not tied to any specific school curriculum.
What question formats appear on the Praxis Algebra I exam?+
Unlike most standardized tests, the Praxis Algebra I uses 8 distinct question formats: selected-response (single answer), selected-response (one or more answers), numeric-entry, fraction entry, multiple numeric-entry, drag-and-drop, table grid, text completion, and select-an-area. Familiarity with each format before test day is essential — the Computer-Delivered Testing Demonstration on the ETS website provides a walkthrough of each type.
How much does the Praxis Algebra I exam cost?+
The registration fee is $130, paid directly to ETS when you register at praxis.ets.org. Some states may charge additional surcharge fees. Registration can be completed online, by mail, or by phone (if you already have an ETS account).
When will I receive my Praxis Algebra I scores?+
Official score reports are typically available approximately five weeks after your test date. Scores are posted to your ETS account and sent to any institutions you designated at registration. Your highest score from all attempts will be compared against your state's passing score requirement.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the Praxis Algebra I exam?+
No. Your score is based solely on the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should always answer every question — never leave one blank, even if you need to guess.

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Adaptive questions aligned to all 3 official content categories. Domain-level analytics so you know exactly where to focus.

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Sources: ETS Praxis Algebra I (5162) Study Companion (official PDF, praxis.ets.org); ETS Praxis Test Schedule 2025–26. Praxis® is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS). This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. Passing score requirements vary by state — always verify at ets.org/praxis/states.
Last Updated: May 10, 2026