PRAXISCode: 5246Chemistry🔬 NGSS Aligned⚗ No Calculator Needed
Praxis® Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5246)
Practice Test & Study Guide
Comprehensive preparation for prospective chemistry teachers — covering all 5 official NGSS-aligned content categories. Periodic table and constants table are provided. No calculator required.
125
Questions
2.5 hrs
Time limit
Varies
Passing score*
5
Content areas
$130
Exam fee
4.9 · 12,400
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No calculator needed — periodic table and constants table provided on screen. Test takers do not need to use calculators for this exam. A periodic table of the elements is available as a help screen throughout the test, along with a table of physical constants and common SI unit conversion factors. When additional constant values are needed for a specific question, they are included in the question text itself.
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Half or more of all questions integrate Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs). This is the highest SEP integration rate of any Praxis science exam — more than the Biology (5236) exam's 40%+ rate. Questions don't just test chemistry knowledge; they test whether you can reason like a scientist. Additionally, approximately one-quarter to one-third of questions apply content to teaching scenarios, asking how a chemistry teacher would make instructional decisions.
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Source: All exam details are drawn from the official ETS Praxis Chemistry (5246) Study Companion. The exam aligns to NSTA Preparation Standards and the NGSS Framework. Passing scores vary by state — always confirm at ets.org/praxis/states.
Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5246) — Test at a Glance
Key facts directly from the official ETS test specifications.
TEST NAME
Chemistry: CK
Praxis Subject Assessment
TEST CODE
5246
Computer-delivered
TOTAL QUESTIONS
125
All selected-response
TIME LIMIT
2.5 hrs
150 minutes
CALCULATOR
Not needed
Periodic table provided
SEP QUESTIONS
≥50%
Highest of any Praxis sci exam
REGISTRATION FEE
$130
Paid to ETS at registration
SCORE REPORTING
~5 wks
After test date
About the Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5246) Exam
What you need to know before you register.
The Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5246) measures knowledge and competencies important for safe and effective beginning practice as a teacher of chemistry. Test takers have typically completed a bachelor's degree with appropriate coursework in chemistry and education.
The assessment was developed with practicing chemistry teachers, teacher educators, and higher education chemistry specialists. It aligns to the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Preparation Standards for chemistry and the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) and Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) from the National Research Council's Framework for K-12 Science Education, as included in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
A critical feature of this exam: half or more of all 125 questions integrate one or more Science and Engineering Practices — a higher SEP integration rate than any other Praxis science subject exam. These questions test whether you can apply chemical knowledge to reason like a scientist, not just recall facts. Additionally, approximately one-quarter to one-third of questions apply content to teaching scenarios — how a chemistry teacher would handle a classroom situation, evaluate student work, or make an instructional decision.
No calculator is needed for this exam. A periodic table of elements is provided as a help screen throughout, along with a table of physical constants and SI conversion factors. Additional constants are embedded in specific question text when needed. Some questions may contain unscored pretest items — treat every question equally.
Official Exam Blueprint: 5 Content Categories
The official ETS blueprint defines 5 content categories. Principles and Models of Matter and Energy is the largest at 25%, followed by Chemical Reactions and Periodicity at 23%.
Category I
Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering
Nature of scientific knowledge and methods; experimental design, data collection, and analysis; laboratory procedures and safety; engineering design; science-technology-society-environment interactions; energy production pros and cons; applications of chemistry in daily life.
14%
~17 questions
Category II
Principles and Models of Matter and Energy
Atomic and nuclear structure (quantum model, electron configurations, radioactivity); organization of matter; chemical vs. physical properties and changes; conservation of energy; temperature, heat capacity, and calorimetry; phase transitions; kinetic molecular theory and ideal gas laws; thermodynamics (enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs energy).
25%
~31 questions
Category III
Chemical Composition, Bonding, and Structure
Mole concept (Avogadro's number, molar mass, empirical/molecular formulas, percent composition); nomenclature for inorganic compounds; organic functional groups; ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding; Lewis structures and molecular geometry; polarity; intermolecular forces (London, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding); relation to physical properties.
20%
~25 questions
Category IV
Chemical Reactions and Periodicity
Periodic table trends (atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity); balancing equations including redox; stoichiometry and limiting reagents; predicting products (combustion, neutralization, synthesis, decomposition, replacement); oxidation states; chemical kinetics (rate laws, activation energy, catalysts); chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle.
23%
~29 questions
Category V
Solutions and Acid-Base Chemistry
Types of solutions (dilute, saturated, supersaturated); concentration units (molarity, mole fraction, percent); factors affecting dissolving rate and solubility; colligative properties (freezing point depression, boiling point elevation); solubility product (Ksp); Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis acid-base models; pH and pOH calculations; acid-base titrations; buffer solutions.
18%
~23 questions
Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) — 50%+ of All Questions
SEPs are woven throughout all 5 categories — they are not a separate section. Questions integrating SEPs ask you to do something with chemistry knowledge, not just recall it. This exam has the highest SEP integration rate of any Praxis science exam.
Asking Questions
Formulate hypotheses; ask questions from observations of chemical phenomena; define engineering problems with criteria and constraints.
Developing and Using Models
Evaluate, revise, and apply atomic, molecular, and reaction models (including particulate and mathematical models) to explain or predict phenomena.
Planning Investigations
Design controlled experiments; identify independent and dependent variables; select appropriate equipment; consider confounding variables and data precision.
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Process quantitative data; apply statistics; identify sources of error (accuracy vs. precision, percent error); extrapolate and draw valid conclusions from graphs and tables.
Using Mathematics
Apply stoichiometric calculations, dimensional analysis, significant figures, scientific notation, and algebraic representations of chemical relationships.
Constructing Explanations
Use chemical theories and models to explain observed phenomena; distinguish between explanation and description; revise explanations based on new evidence.
Arguing from Evidence
Evaluate competing explanations using experimental evidence; identify strengths and weaknesses of scientific arguments and data interpretations.
Communicating Information
Read and evaluate scientific text, data representations, and lab reports; compare sources for accuracy and reliability; communicate chemical findings clearly.
Key Topics by Content Category
Focus your study on these specific competencies — drawn directly from the official ETS content specifications.
I
Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering
~17 questions · 14%
Nature of scientific knowledge: how major concepts develop and change with evidence; distinguishing laws, hypotheses, and theories; role of models
Scientific process skills: observing, categorizing, comparing, generalizing, inferring, concluding; variety of investigation methods
Experimental design: identifying independent and dependent variables; hypothesis development; planning data collection to test hypotheses
Data analysis: standard measurement units; dimensional analysis; scientific notation; significant figures; accuracy vs. precision; percent error; mean
Error analysis: identifying sources of error; evaluating effects of error on conclusions; distinguishing random from systematic error
Laboratory procedures: preparation, use, storage, and disposal of materials; selection, calibration, and maintenance of equipment; safety procedures and fume hood use
Engineering design: defining problems (criteria and constraints); designing and evaluating solutions; optimizing through systematic modification
Interdependence of science, engineering, and technology; engineering advances that drive scientific discoveries
Environmental impacts: acid rain (major contributors); air and water pollution; greenhouse gases; ozone layer depletion (stratospheric reactions); polymers and plastics; waste disposal
Energy production: pros and cons of fossil fuels, nuclear, hydropower, wind, solar, and geothermal; renewable vs. nonrenewable resources; conservation and recycling
Applications of chemistry in daily life: water purification (reverse osmosis); plastics, soaps, batteries; mining and industrial processes; radiation in medicine
Acid-base properties of everyday substances: ammonia cleaner, vinegar, orange juice — applying chemistry to consumer context
II
Principles and Models of Matter and Energy
~31 questions · 25%
Current atomic model: protons, neutrons, electrons; quantum mechanical model; orbitals and sublevels; Rutherford gold foil experiment as experimental basis
Electron configuration: Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, Pauli exclusion principle; correlation to periodic table; effect on chemical and physical properties
Atomic spectra: electronic energy transitions; relationship between energy, frequency, and wavelength (E = hf); identifying atoms from spectral lines; electromagnetic spectrum order
Radioactivity: alpha, beta, and gamma radiation characteristics; radioactive decay and half-life calculations; fission vs. fusion; balancing nuclear equations
Organization of matter: pure substances (elements and compounds); mixtures (homogeneous, heterogeneous, solutions, suspensions); states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma)
Chemical vs. physical properties and changes; intensive vs. extensive properties; conservation of matter in chemical processes
Conservation of energy: kinetic and potential energy; forms of energy (chemical, electrical, thermal, electromagnetic, nuclear); energy conversion examples
Temperature, heat, and calorimetry: temperature scales (Kelvin to Celsius: subtract 273); heat transfer; specific heat and heat capacity; calorimetry calculations
Phase transitions: phase diagrams; heats of vaporization, fusion, and sublimation; heating and cooling curves; boiling point variation with altitude/pressure
Kinetic molecular theory: assumptions and applications; ideal gas behavior; ideal gas law (PV = nRT); Boyle's and Charles's laws; ideal vs. real gas differences
Thermodynamics: first and second laws; spontaneous (favorable) processes; changes in enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG); exothermic vs. endothermic; reaction progress diagrams
Bond energy: energy required to break bonds (endothermic) vs. energy released in forming bonds (exothermic); relating bond energies to ΔH of reaction
III
Chemical Composition, Bonding, and Structure
~25 questions · 20%
Mole concept: Avogadro's number (6.022 × 10²³); molar mass; mole conversions; calculation of empirical and molecular formulas from percent composition data
IUPAC nomenclature for inorganic compounds: binary compounds; acids, bases, and salts; hydrates; systematic naming rules
Organic functional groups: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes; alcohols (–OH), ethers (C–O–C), ketones (C=O internal), aldehydes (CHO), carboxylic acids (–COOH), amines (–NH₂)
Ionic bonding: electron transfer; lattice energy; predicting formulas from periodic table positions (e.g., Mg + O → MgO)
Covalent bonding: polar, nonpolar, and hybridization (sp, sp², sp³); sigma and pi bonds; relative bond strengths and bond lengths
Metallic bonding: electron sea model; properties of metals related to bonding
Lewis structures: drawing for molecules and polyatomic ions; formal charges; resonance structures (e.g., carbonate ion)
Molecular geometry (VSEPR theory): shape and bond angles; why NH₃ is trigonal pyramidal; CO₂ polarity (polar bonds, nonpolar molecule due to symmetry)
Polarity of molecules: analysis of bond polarity + molecular symmetry; examples of polar vs. nonpolar molecules
Intermolecular forces: London forces (dispersion); dipole-dipole; dipole-induced dipole; hydrogen bonding — identifying dominant force for each type of molecule
Physical properties related to bonding: boiling points (H₂O vs. Cl₂ vs. HCl); melting points; solubility; vapor pressure — all explained by intermolecular forces
Biochemical structures: carbohydrates, amino acids, DNA — distinguishing structural features from other organic molecules
IV
Chemical Reactions and Periodicity
~29 questions · 23%
Periodic table: groups and periods; location of metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and transition elements; trends in atomic/ionic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity across periods and down groups
Predicting physical and chemical properties from periodic table position; predicting compound formulas from element locations
Balancing chemical equations: simple reactions and oxidation-reduction reactions; conservation of atoms and charge
Stoichiometric calculations: mole-to-mole, mass-to-mass, volume ratios; limiting reagent calculations; percent yield
Predicting reaction products: combustion (fuel + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O); neutralization; synthesis; decomposition; dehydration; single and double replacement reactions
Oxidation states: assigning oxidation numbers; identifying oxidizing and reducing agents; half-reactions for redox reactions
Electrochemistry: standard reduction potentials; electrochemical reactivity series; predicting spontaneous redox reactions from reduction potential tables
Chemical kinetics: rate laws and rate constants; reaction order determination from experimental data; activation energy (Ea) and its effect on rate
Catalysts: how catalysts increase reaction rate by lowering activation energy; effect on rate constant; heterogeneous vs. homogeneous catalysts
Le Chatelier's principle: predicting equilibrium shifts from changes in concentration, pressure, or temperature; qualitative analysis of system responses
Equilibrium constants (Keq): writing equilibrium constant expressions; effect of temperature on Keq; relationship to spontaneity
Oxidation state of Mn in KMnO₄ = +7; recognizing oxidation states in complex ions as a common exam application
V
Solutions and Acid-Base Chemistry
~23 questions · 18%
Types of solutions: dilute, concentrated, unsaturated, saturated, supersaturated — distinguishing a concentrated from a saturated solution requires knowing temperature
Concentration units: molarity (mol/L), molality (mol/kg solvent), mole fraction, percent by mass and volume — key differences between molar and molal solutions
Solution preparation calculations: diluting stock solutions (M₁V₁ = M₂V₂); preparing solutions of specific concentrations
Factors affecting rate of dissolving: temperature (most substances), stirring, surface area, and pressure (for gases)
Colligative properties: freezing point depression and boiling point elevation (dependent on number of solute particles, not identity); vapor pressure lowering; osmotic pressure
Solubility equilibrium: Ksp (solubility product); predicting precipitation from ion product vs. Ksp; common ion effect on solubility
Electrolytes vs. nonelectrolytes: electrical conductivity of solutions; degree of dissociation (HCl vs. H₂S); CCl₄ is a nonelectrolyte
Acid-base models: Arrhenius (H⁺/OH⁻ donors/acceptors); Brønsted-Lowry (proton donors/acceptors); Lewis (electron pair acceptors/donors) — identifying substances fitting multiple definitions
pH calculations: pH = –log[H⁺]; pOH = –log[OH⁻]; pH + pOH = 14; calculating [H⁺] and [OH⁻] from pH values
Strong vs. weak acids and bases: HF is a weak acid (Ka not >> 1); strong acids fully dissociate; weak acids partially dissociate; Ka, Kb, and Kw relationships
Acid-base titrations: equivalence point; end point determination; selecting appropriate indicators (strong acid/weak base requires lower-pH indicator); analyzing titration curves; determining pKa from half-equivalence point
Buffer solutions: composition (weak acid + conjugate base or weak base + conjugate acid); how buffers resist pH change; Henderson-Hasselbalch equation concept
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 available~5 weeks post-test
State requirementsets.org/praxis/states
Provided During Exam
Periodic tableOn-screen help
Physical constants tableOn-screen help
SI conversion factorsOn-screen help
Extra constantsEmbedded in questions
CalculatorNot needed/permitted
Remote Testing
Browser requiredETS Secure Test Browser
DeviceLaptop or desktop only
Equipment neededWebcam, mic, speakers
Proctor typeLive remote proctor
Passing Score Requirements by State
The Praxis Chemistry (5246) is required for secondary chemistry teacher certification in many states, but passing scores vary.
Important: Passing score requirements for the Praxis Chemistry (5246) are set individually by each state or licensing agency. 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. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so always answer every question. Some questions are unscored pretest items — you won't know which ones, so treat every question equally.
How to Prepare for the Praxis Chemistry Exam
Strategies aligned to the exam's NGSS-based design, exceptionally high SEP integration rate, and no-calculator format.
- Principles and Models of Matter and Energy is 25% — the largest category. With ~31 questions, Category II covers atomic structure, electron configurations, spectra, radioactivity, states of matter, thermodynamics, ideal gas laws, and phase transitions. These topics require both conceptual understanding and the ability to apply mathematical relationships (gas laws, calorimetry, half-life) without a calculator. Master these calculations using dimensional analysis and exact arithmetic.
- Half or more of questions integrate SEPs — practice scientific reasoning, not just recall. The Chemistry exam has a higher SEP integration rate than any other Praxis science exam. For each chemistry concept you study, practice applying it through SEP lenses: What experiment would test this? What does this data graph tell you? What model explains this observation? What is the error in this conclusion? This is how the questions are framed.
- No calculator — but you must still solve quantitative problems exactly. The exam expects you to work through stoichiometry, pH calculations, calorimetry, ideal gas law, and half-life problems without a calculator. Practice computing exact or simplified answers mentally or on scratch paper. Know key conversions: K = °C + 273; pH + pOH = 14; PV = nRT with R = 0.0821 L·atm/mol·K.
- Chemical Reactions and Periodicity (23%) demands broad reaction knowledge. Category IV tests all reaction types — combustion, neutralization, synthesis, decomposition, single/double replacement, and redox — as well as kinetics (rate laws, activation energy, catalysts) and equilibrium (Le Chatelier's principle, Keq). Know how to balance redox equations using half-reactions and how to predict spontaneity from standard reduction potentials.
- Master all three acid-base models and titration analysis. Solutions and Acid-Base Chemistry (18%) tests Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis models, pH/pOH calculations, Ksp and the common ion effect, colligative properties, and titration curves. Understand how to determine the pKa of an acid from a titration curve (it equals the pH at the half-equivalence point) and how to select appropriate indicators for different acid-base pairs.
- Know intermolecular forces and use them to explain physical properties. Category III (20%) tests whether you can predict boiling points, melting points, solubility, and vapor pressure from molecular structure and intermolecular forces. Know the hierarchy: hydrogen bonding > dipole-dipole > London forces; understand why H₂O has an anomalously high boiling point; and know how to use symmetry to determine whether a molecule with polar bonds is overall polar or nonpolar.
- Download the ETS Study Companion and work through all discussion questions. The free PDF contains discussion questions for every content category that directly model the level of reasoning required on the exam. These open-ended questions — especially those requiring mathematical calculations without a calculator — are the most useful preparation tool available for this specific exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers sourced from the official ETS Praxis Chemistry (5246) Study Companion.
How many questions are on the Praxis Chemistry (5246)?+
The exam contains 125 selected-response questions with a 2.5-hour time limit. Questions span 5 content categories: Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering (17 questions, 14%), Principles and Models of Matter and Energy (31 questions, 25%), Chemical Composition, Bonding, and Structure (25 questions, 20%), Chemical Reactions and Periodicity (29 questions, 23%), and Solutions and Acid-Base Chemistry (23 questions, 18%). Half or more of questions integrate SEPs.
Is a calculator allowed on the Praxis Chemistry exam?+
No calculator is needed or permitted. A periodic table of the elements is provided as an on-screen help resource throughout the exam, along with a table of physical constants and SI unit conversion factors. When additional constants are needed for a specific question, they are included in the question text. All mathematical computations can be done with mental arithmetic or scratch paper.
What is the passing score for the Praxis Chemistry (5246)?+
The passing score varies by state or licensing agency — there is no single universal minimum. Always verify the specific requirement for your state at ets.org/praxis/states before registering.
What are Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) on this exam?+
Half or more of all 125 questions integrate one or more of the 8 NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. These include asking questions, developing models, planning investigations, analyzing data, using mathematics, constructing explanations, arguing from evidence, and communicating information. SEPs appear across all 5 categories — they test how you reason with chemistry knowledge, not just what you know.
What content categories are on the Praxis Chemistry (5246)?+
The exam covers 5 official content categories: (I) Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering — 14%, ~17 questions; (II) Principles and Models of Matter and Energy — 25%, ~31 questions; (III) Chemical Composition, Bonding, and Structure — 20%, ~25 questions; (IV) Chemical Reactions and Periodicity — 23%, ~29 questions; and (V) Solutions and Acid-Base Chemistry — 18%, ~23 questions.
What standards is the Praxis Chemistry exam aligned to?+
The exam aligns to the NSTA Preparation Standards for chemistry and the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) and Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) from the National Research Council's Framework for K-12 Science Education, as incorporated into the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It was developed with practicing chemistry teachers, teacher educators, and higher education specialists.
How much does the Praxis Chemistry exam cost?+
The registration fee is $130, paid directly to ETS at praxis.ets.org.
When will I receive my Praxis Chemistry 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.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Adaptive questions aligned to all 5 official ETS content categories — including SEP-integrated and teaching scenario questions. Domain-level analytics so you know exactly where to focus.
Get Free Access — No Credit Card NeededSources: ETS Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5246) Study Companion (official PDF, ets.org); ETS Praxis Test Schedule 2025–26; National Research Council — Framework for K-12 Science Education; NSTA Preparation Standards for Chemistry. 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