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PRAXISCode: 5008📐 NCTM Aligned🔬 NSTA + NGSS Aligned~70% Tasks of Teaching

Praxis® Elementary Education:
Mathematics and Science (5008)
Practice Test & Study Guide

Comprehensive preparation for prospective elementary teachers covering Mathematics (60%) and Science (40%) — aligned to NCTM, NSTA, and Next Generation Science Standards. Approximately 70% of questions apply content through Tasks of Teaching. On-screen calculator provided. Subtest of the Elementary Education Assessment (5006).

45
Questions
2 hrs
Time limit
Varies
Passing score*
2
Content categories
~70%
Tasks of Teaching
$130
Exam fee
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Approximately 70% of questions in both Mathematics and Science assess content applied to a Task of Teaching — not isolated fact recall. Tasks of Teaching include evaluating instructional materials and representations; creating and modifying activities to support learning goals including differentiation; analyzing student work to identify misconceptions; explaining and demonstrating concepts for students; and evaluating instructional strategies. For every topic area, know how you would teach it to elementary students, what misconceptions students commonly hold, and how to differentiate for diverse learners.

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An on-screen four-function calculator is provided throughout the full 2-hour exam. Despite the calculator, most mathematics questions test conceptual understanding and pedagogical application — not complex computation. The calculator is available for multi-step word problems requiring precision, but strong performance depends on understanding mathematical concepts deeply enough to analyze student thinking and select appropriate representations, regardless of whether a calculation is involved.

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Source: All exam details are drawn from the official ETS Praxis Elementary Education Assessment (5006) Study Companion, which covers both the 5007 and 5008 subtests. Passing scores vary by state — always confirm at ets.org/praxis/states.

Elementary Education: Mathematics and Science (5008) — Test at a Glance

Key facts directly from the official ETS test specifications.

Test code
5008
Subtest of 5006
Total questions
85
All selected-response
Time limit
2 hrs
120 minutes
Mathematics
60%
~51 questions · NCTM
Science
40%
~34 questions · NSTA/NGSS
Calculator
Provided (4-function)
On-screen throughout exam
Tasks of Teaching
~70% per subject
Pedagogical application
Passing score
Varies
Set by state/agency

About the Praxis Elementary Education: Mathematics and Science (5008)

What you need to know before you register.

The Praxis Elementary Education: Mathematics and Science (5008) is designed to assess the content knowledge that prospective elementary education teachers must have to support children's learning in mathematics and science in primary through upper elementary school grades. It can be taken independently or as part of the combined Elementary Education Assessment (5006) alongside the Reading and Language Arts & Social Studies (5007) subtest.

The 85 selected-response questions focus on broad knowledge of mathematics and science necessary for prospective teachers. The assessment was developed through work with practicing elementary teachers, teacher educators, and higher education content specialists familiar with NCTM standards, NSTA standards, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Approximately 70% of questions in each subject area assess content applied to a Task of Teaching. These scenario-based questions present classroom situations and ask candidates to evaluate instructional materials, analyze student work for misconceptions, select appropriate representations or strategies, differentiate instruction, or explain and demonstrate mathematical and scientific concepts. The remaining ~30% test content knowledge directly.

The test uses a variety of selected-response question types including selecting one or more answers, numeric-entry questions, and other interactive types. An on-screen four-function calculator is provided for the computer-delivered test. Some questions may not count toward the score.

Two Content Categories at a Glance

Mathematics accounts for 60% of the subtest. Science accounts for 40%. Both are assessed through the Tasks of Teaching lens approximately 70% of the time.

Mathematics
Elementary Education Mathematics
NCTM Standards Aligned · ~70% Tasks of Teaching
Weight60% of subtest
Questions~51 questions
CalculatorOn-screen four-function ✓
Topics7 major areas (see below)
StandardsNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Science
Elementary Education Science
NSTA + NGSS Aligned · ~70% Tasks of Teaching
Weight40% of subtest
Questions~34 questions
Domains5 domains (see below)
StandardsNSTA + Next Generation Science Standards

Tasks of Teaching — What They Are in Mathematics and Science

Approximately 70% of questions in both Mathematics and Science situate content knowledge in realistic classroom scenarios. Know what these tasks ask you to do.

Task Type 1
Evaluating Materials
Evaluating texts, representations, manipulatives, and activities for their support of specific math or science instructional goals — selecting the best resource for a given learning objective
Task Type 2
Creating & Modifying
Creating and modifying materials, examples, and representations to support instructional goals, including differentiation for particular learners — advanced, struggling, or ELL students
Task Type 3
Explaining & Demonstrating
Explaining and demonstrating mathematical and scientific concepts for elementary students — selecting the clearest, most developmentally appropriate explanation or model
Task Type 4
Facilitating Discussion
Facilitating classroom discussions to elicit or develop student thinking about math or science content — selecting follow-up questions, discussion formats, or prompts
Task Type 5
Evaluating Strategies
Evaluating instructional strategies and activities to elicit, develop, or assess student thinking about specific math or science content — comparing the effectiveness of approaches
Task Type 6
Analyzing Student Work
Evaluating student math or science work to identify strengths, misconceptions, partial conceptions, and patterns of thinking; classifying students' level of understanding to target instruction

Official Exam Blueprint: 2 Content Categories

Mathematics is 60% with approximately 51 questions. Science is 40% with approximately 34 questions.

Category I
Mathematics
Counting and operations with whole numbers (counting, skip counting, cardinality, four operations, properties of operations, number theory); place value and decimals (conceptual understanding, comparing/ordering multidigit and decimal numbers, composing/decomposing, manipulatives and drawings); fractions (conceptual understanding, multiple representations, operations, connecting fractions to division); ratios and proportional relationships; algebra and algebraic thinking (expressions, equations, functions, patterns); geometry and measurement (geometric figures, area, perimeter, volume, coordinate geometry, measurement, unit conversions); statistics and probability (data representation, measures of central tendency, basic probability). On-screen four-function calculator provided. Aligned to NCTM.
60%
~51 questions
Category II
Science
Nature of scientific knowledge and investigation design (inquiry, experimental design, data collection and analysis, models, science-technology-environment); engineering, technology, and applications of science (engineering design process, optimizing solutions); physical sciences (matter and its interactions, forms and transfer of energy, forces and motion, waves); life sciences (structure and function, growth and development, ecosystems and interdependence, inheritance and variation, evolution and adaptation); Earth and space sciences (Earth materials and systems, weather and climate, human impact, solar system, Earth in the universe). Aligned to NSTA standards and NGSS.
40%
~34 questions

Key Topics by Content Category

Specific competencies from the official ETS Elementary Education Assessment (5006) Study Companion content specification for the 5008 subtest.

MathematicsMathematics — All Major Areas (Category I)~51 questions · 60% · Calculator provided
Counting and whole number operations: counting and skip counting whole numbers 0–1,000; connecting counting to cardinality; representations of all four operations using manipulatives, drawings, and diagrams; solving mathematical and real-world problems using properties of operations (commutative, associative, distributive); number theory (prime numbers, composite numbers, factors, multiples)
Place value and decimals: conceptual understanding of digit value; comparing, ordering, and classifying multidigit and decimal numbers and rational numbers in different representations; rounding multidigit and decimal numbers; composing and decomposing multidigit numbers; using drawings and manipulatives to represent and understand place value; understanding why grouping and ungrouping are helpful in performing operations
Operations with decimals: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimal numbers; understanding how place value applies to decimal computation; real-world problems involving decimals; interpreting decimal representations on number lines and in other visual models
Fractions — conceptual understanding: understanding fractions as equal parts of a whole, as points on a number line, and as division; comparing and ordering fractions; equivalent fractions; why the same whole must be used when comparing fractions; unit fractions; fractions equal to 1 and fractions greater than 1
Fractions — operations and connections: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions; connecting fractions to decimals and percents; multiple representations (number lines, area models, set models); connecting fraction division to the concept of measurement and partitive division
Ratios and proportional relationships: understanding ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; using ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world problems; connecting fractions, decimals, and percents in proportional contexts; scaling and unit rates
Algebra and algebraic thinking: writing and evaluating numerical and algebraic expressions; solving equations and inequalities; identifying and extending patterns and sequences; understanding functions and their representations (tables, graphs, equations); using variables to represent unknown quantities in real-world problems
Geometry: properties of 2D figures (triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles); properties of 3D figures (prisms, pyramids, spheres, cylinders, cones); classifying figures by attributes; transformations (reflections, rotations, translations); congruence and similarity; coordinate geometry (plotting points, finding distance)
Measurement: understanding measurement concepts (length, mass, capacity, temperature, time); area, perimeter, and circumference; surface area and volume of 3D figures; measurement unit conversions within U.S. customary and metric systems; selecting appropriate units for a given measurement context; applying formulas to real-world problems
Statistics and probability: collecting, organizing, and representing data using bar graphs, line plots, line graphs, histograms, and box plots; interpreting data displays; measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and spread (range, interquartile range); understanding variability; distinguishing categorical from numerical data; basic probability concepts (equally likely outcomes, theoretical vs. experimental probability)
Task of Teaching — Mathematics: identifying and correcting student mathematical misconceptions (e.g., student error placing a fraction on a number line; student's incorrect algorithm for subtraction); selecting appropriate concrete-pictorial-abstract (CPA) representations for specific concepts; designing differentiated math tasks for diverse learners; analyzing student work to determine level of understanding; evaluating the effectiveness of instructional strategies (e.g., comparing value of different models for teaching multiplication)
ScienceScience — All Domains at Elementary Level (Category II)~34 questions · 40%
Nature of scientific knowledge: empirical basis of science; forming testable questions and hypotheses; planning and conducting investigations; collecting, recording, and analyzing data; drawing conclusions from evidence; distinguishing between observation and inference; understanding that scientific knowledge changes with new evidence; interdisciplinary nature of science
Scientific investigation design: identifying independent, dependent, and control variables; selecting appropriate tools and materials; collecting data systematically; analyzing data for patterns and trends; communicating findings; understanding the difference between a controlled experiment and an observational study
Engineering, technology, and applications: identifying problems and defining criteria and constraints; brainstorming and testing possible solutions; comparing and evaluating solutions; optimizing solutions through systematic iteration; connections between science, technology, and society; technology as a tool for scientific inquiry
Physical sciences — matter: properties of matter (physical properties: color, texture, hardness, state, density; chemical properties); states of matter and changes of state (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation); physical and chemical changes; mixtures and solutions; atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds at the appropriate elementary level
Physical sciences — energy: forms of energy (thermal, light, sound, electrical, mechanical, chemical); energy transfer and transformation; conservation of energy; how heat energy flows (convection, conduction, radiation); electrical circuits (open/closed, series/parallel); magnets and magnetic fields; light and sound waves
Physical sciences — forces and motion: types of forces (contact vs. non-contact; gravity, friction, magnetic); Newton's three laws of motion; how forces affect the motion of objects; balanced and unbalanced forces; speed, velocity, and acceleration at the appropriate elementary level
Life sciences — organisms: cell theory and basic cell structure; differences between plant and animal cells; tissue, organ, and organ system organization; basic human body systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, skeletal/muscular); growth, reproduction, and development of organisms; basic genetics (inherited vs. acquired traits)
Life sciences — ecosystems: biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems; food chains, food webs, and energy flow; producers, consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores), and decomposers; populations, communities, and ecosystems; symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism); ecosystem interdependence; biodiversity; human impact on ecosystems
Life sciences — evolution and adaptation: variation within species; natural selection and adaptation; why traits that improve survival are passed to offspring; evidence for evolution (fossil record, anatomical similarities); understanding that evolution occurs over long time scales; basic classification of organisms (domains, kingdoms, major groups)
Earth and space sciences — Earth systems: rock cycle (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) and mineral identification; soil formation and types; weathering, erosion, and deposition; water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration); plate tectonics at the appropriate elementary level; Earth's layers (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core); natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, floods)
Earth and space sciences — weather and climate: difference between weather and climate; factors affecting weather (temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind, precipitation); basic weather patterns and fronts; climate zones and factors (latitude, elevation, proximity to water, ocean currents); human impact on climate (greenhouse gases, global warming); climate change evidence and consequences
Earth and space sciences — solar system: Earth-Sun-Moon system; rotation (day/night) and revolution (seasons, year); Moon phases, lunar cycles, and tides; solar and lunar eclipses; characteristics of the eight planets; asteroids, comets, and meteoroids; features of the Sun; stellar evolution at the elementary level; evidence for the Big Bang and expansion of the universe
Task of Teaching — Science: selecting appropriate science investigations for specific learning goals; identifying common student misconceptions in physical, life, and Earth/space sciences; evaluating the quality of student experimental designs; designing lessons that integrate NGSS science and engineering practices with specific disciplinary core ideas; using science phenomena, data, and models to assess and develop student understanding

Registration, Test Day & Scoring

Everything you need to know before and on exam day.

Registration

Where to registerpraxis.ets.org
Exam fee$130 (confirm at ETS)
Combined test option5006 (5007 + 5008)
Testing formatsIn-person or remote
Arrive (in-person)30 min early

Scoring

Score typeScaled score
Wrong answer penaltyNone
Passing scoreVaries by state
Results available~5 weeks post-test
State requirementsets.org/praxis/states

Test Day

CalculatorOn-screen four-function ✓
Personal calculatorNot permitted
Scratch paperProvided at test station
Question typesSR + numeric entry

Remote Testing

Browser requiredETS Secure Test Browser
DeviceLaptop or desktop only
Equipment neededWebcam, mic, speakers
Proctor typeLive remote proctor

Passing Score Requirements by State

Passing scores are set individually by each state or licensing agency.

Important: Passing score requirements for the Elementary Education: Mathematics and Science (5008) 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. If you passed one subtest but not the other, you may retake only the subtest you need.

Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score. There is no penalty for incorrect answers — always answer every question. Some questions are unscored pretest items that you cannot identify, so treat every question equally.

How to Prepare for the Praxis Elementary Education: Mathematics and Science (5008)

Strategies for an exam where most questions test applied teaching knowledge — not just content mastery.

  • Approximately 70% of questions are Tasks of Teaching — prepare for applied classroom scenarios alongside content review. The 5008 does not primarily ask "what is the commutative property?" — it asks "a student produces this work sample — which misconception does this represent?" or "which representation would best support student understanding of fraction division?" For every topic area, study: (1) the content itself, (2) common student misconceptions, (3) effective instructional strategies and representations, and (4) how to differentiate for struggling or advanced learners.
  • Mathematics is 60% (~51 questions) — master conceptual understanding across all seven topic areas, with particular depth in fractions, place value, and operations. Fraction concepts are consistently among the most heavily tested mathematics areas on the 5008 because they are conceptually complex, often taught procedurally without conceptual grounding, and riddled with student misconceptions. Know: why the "same whole" rule matters when comparing fractions; why division by a fraction is the same as multiplication by its reciprocal; how to represent fractions on number lines and area models; and what students commonly get wrong at each stage of fraction learning.
  • The on-screen calculator is provided — but most math questions don't require it. Reserve the calculator for multi-step word problems that require precise computation. Most mathematics questions test whether you understand a concept conceptually enough to explain it, identify a misconception, or select a representation — none of which requires a calculator. Candidates who become over-reliant on the calculator often lose time and miss the conceptual point of the question.
  • Science is 40% (~34 questions) — integrate NGSS science and engineering practices throughout your preparation, not just as an add-on. The NGSS framework organizes science learning around three dimensions: Disciplinary Core Ideas (the content — physical, life, and Earth/space science), Science and Engineering Practices (the process — asking questions, designing investigations, analyzing data, constructing explanations), and Crosscutting Concepts (patterns, cause and effect, systems, energy and matter, structure and function). Task of Teaching science questions frequently test whether a candidate can design an appropriate investigation for a specific learning goal or recognize when a student is engaging in genuine scientific reasoning.
  • Know the common student misconceptions in each science domain — they appear regularly in Task of Teaching questions. Common science misconceptions at the elementary level include: heavier objects fall faster (Newton's first law); plants get food from the soil (photosynthesis); the seasons are caused by Earth's distance from the Sun (actually axial tilt); evolution means animals "decide" to adapt (natural selection is non-directed); electricity in a circuit is "used up" (conservation of energy). Being able to identify these misconceptions in student work, select an appropriate instructional response, and design a corrective activity is exactly what ~70% of science questions test.
  • Download the official ETS Study Companion and work through all sample questions for the 5008 — both Mathematics and Science sections. The Study Companion contains the complete content specification for both mathematics and science with discussion questions for every subtopic. The mathematics discussion questions ask you to think about how to represent mathematical concepts using manipulatives and drawings, what distinguishes a misconception from a mistake, and how to scaffold instruction — exactly the level of thinking tested by Task of Teaching questions. Complete all sample questions and review every explanation, including the explanations of incorrect answer choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers sourced directly from the official ETS Elementary Education Assessment (5006) Study Companion.

How many questions are on the Praxis Elementary Education: Mathematics and Science (5008)?
The exam contains 85 selected-response questions with a 2-hour time limit. Questions span two categories: Mathematics (60%, ~51 questions) and Science (40%, ~34 questions). Approximately 70% of questions in each subject area assess content applied to a Task of Teaching. An on-screen four-function calculator is provided.
Is a calculator provided on the Praxis 5008?
Yes. An on-screen four-function calculator is provided throughout the full 2-hour exam. No personal calculators are permitted. Despite the calculator's availability, most mathematics questions test conceptual understanding and pedagogical application rather than requiring complex computation.
What are Tasks of Teaching on the Praxis 5008?
Approximately 70% of questions in both Mathematics and Science assess content applied to a Task of Teaching. These tasks include evaluating instructional materials, analyzing student work to identify misconceptions, selecting appropriate representations or strategies, differentiating instruction, and explaining and demonstrating concepts to elementary students. The remaining ~30% test content knowledge directly.
What mathematics topics are covered on the Praxis 5008?
Seven areas: counting and whole number operations (counting, four operations, properties, number theory); place value and decimals; fractions (conceptual understanding, operations, multiple representations); ratios and proportional relationships; algebra and algebraic thinking (expressions, equations, functions, patterns); geometry and measurement (geometric figures, area, perimeter, volume, coordinate geometry, unit conversions); and statistics and probability (data representation, central tendency, basic probability).
What science topics are covered on the Praxis 5008?
Five domains: nature of scientific knowledge and investigation; engineering, technology, and applications (engineering design process); physical sciences (matter, energy, forces and motion, waves); life sciences (structure and function, ecosystems, inheritance, evolution); and Earth and space sciences (Earth systems, weather and climate, solar system). Aligned to NSTA standards and NGSS.
Can I take the 5008 independently without the 5007?
Yes. The 5008 can be taken independently or as part of the Elementary Education Assessment (5006) combined with the 5007 subtest. The combined 5006 includes both subtests (180 questions, 4.5 hours). Scores are reported separately regardless of how you register.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the Praxis 5008?
No. Your score is based solely on correct answers — there is no penalty for wrong answers. Always answer every question. Never leave a question blank.

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Adaptive practice questions covering Mathematics and Science — including Tasks of Teaching scenarios aligned to NCTM, NSTA, and NGSS standards. Domain-level analytics so you know exactly where to focus.

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Sources: ETS Praxis Elementary Education Assessment (5006) Study Companion (official PDF, praxis.ets.org), which covers both the 5007 and 5008 subtests; ETS official test page for 5008; NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics; NSTA Science Teaching Standards; Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Praxis® is a registered trademark of 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 22, 2026