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PRAXISCode: 8003๐Ÿ“ CAEP K-6 + AMTE Aligned๐Ÿ–ฉ Scientific Calculator Provided10โ€“15% Teaching Scenarios

Praxisยฎ Elementary Education
Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003)
Practice Test & Study Guide

Comprehensive preparation for entry-level elementary teachers โ€” covering three mathematics content categories aligned to CAEP Kโ€“6 and AMTE 2017 standards. An on-screen scientific calculator is provided. Part of the new Elementary Education Fundamentals series with Praxis Steps support.

40
Questions
1h 40m
Time limit
157
Passing score*
2
Content categories
$79
Exam fee
10โ€“15%
Teaching scenarios
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New series โ€” launched March 9, 2026. The Elementary Education Fundamentals tests (8002โ€“8006) replace the older Elementary Education series (5002โ€“5005, 7002โ€“7005). Both series are currently active. The old tests retire August 2028. If your state has not yet adopted the new Fundamentals series, you may still be required to take the older tests โ€” always verify at ets.org/praxis/states.

๐Ÿ“

Exam fee: $79 (standard price from June 1, 2026). The Fundamentals series costs significantly less than the older tests ($130). Coming summer 2026: Praxis Steps โ€” a modular format where you can take individual Steps within each Fundamentals test at $39.50 per Step, instead of taking the full test at once.

๐Ÿ–ฉ

An on-screen scientific calculator is provided throughout the full exam โ€” but you need to know when to use it. The official ETS description states: "You are expected to know how and when to use the scientific calculator since it will be helpful for some questions. You are expected to become familiar with its functionality before taking the test." The calculator can perform exponents, roots, and percents in addition to basic operations. Practice with the ETS scientific calculator before test day. For many questions, there may be multiple solution paths โ€” the calculator may not be necessary for all of them.

๐Ÿซ

Approximately 10โ€“15% of questions apply mathematics to a teaching scenario โ€” focused on classroom decision-making. These questions measure applications of mathematics knowledge to the kinds of decisions and evaluations a teacher must make during work with students, curriculum, and instruction. They may ask you to identify a student misconception, select an appropriate representation or explanation, evaluate instructional approaches, or analyze student work. The teaching scenario percentage on the 8003 (10โ€“15%) is much lower than the ~70% on the 5007/5008 subtests โ€” content knowledge is still the primary focus.

๐Ÿ“‹

Source: All exam details are drawn from the official ETS Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003) test page. The test is aligned to CAEP Kโ€“6 Elementary Teacher Preparation Standards and AMTE 2017 Standards for Preparing Teachers of Mathematics. Passing scores vary by state โ€” always confirm at ets.org/praxis/states.

Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003) โ€” Test at a Glance

Key facts directly from the official ETS test specifications.

Test code
8003
Elementary Fundamentals series
Total questions
68
SR + numeric-entry
Time limit
1h 40m
100 minutes
Category I
Numbers & Operations
28 questions ยท ~41%
Category II
Algebraic Thinking
20 questions ยท ~29%
Category III
Geometry/Meas/Data
20 questions ยท ~29%
Calculator
Scientific (on-screen)
Provided throughout exam
Teaching scenarios
10โ€“15% of questions
Classroom application

About the Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003)

What you need to know before you register.

The Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003) measures the knowledge and skills in mathematics necessary for a beginning teacher of children in primary through upper elementary school grades. The 68 selected-response and numeric-entry questions are based on material commonly covered in a bachelor's degree program in elementary education.

The test is not designed to be aligned with any particular school mathematics curriculum but is intended to be consistent with the recommendations of national studies on mathematics education โ€” specifically the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Kโ€“6 Elementary Teacher Preparation Standards and the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) 2017 Standards for Preparing Teachers of Mathematics.

Approximately 10โ€“15% of questions call for application of mathematics content and processes within a teaching scenario or instructional task. These questions are designed to measure applications of mathematics knowledge to the kinds of decisions and evaluations a teacher must make during work with students, curriculum, and instruction. An on-screen scientific calculator is provided for the computer-delivered test.

The 8003 is part of the new Elementary Education Fundamentals series, which also includes tests in Reading and Language Arts (8002), Social Studies (8004), and Science (8005). These tests support Praxis Steps โ€” a new feature launching Summer 2026 that allows candidates to take or retake tests in smaller sections based on their confidence and preparation. Some questions may not count toward the score.

Three Content Categories at a Glance

Numbers and Operations is the largest category with 28 questions. Algebraic Thinking and Geometry/Measurement/Data each have 20 questions.

Category I

Numbers and Operations

CAEP K-6 + AMTE aligned
Questions28 questions
Approx. weight~41% of test
Suggested time~40 minutes
Core topicsPlace value, fractions, ratios, percents
Category II

Algebraic Thinking

CAEP K-6 + AMTE aligned
Questions20 questions
Approx. weight~29% of test
Suggested time~30 minutes
Core topicsExpressions, equations, functions, patterns
Category III

Geometry, Measurement, and Data

CAEP K-6 + AMTE aligned
Questions20 questions
Approx. weight~29% of test
Suggested time~30 minutes
Core topicsShapes, area/perimeter/volume, data, probability

About Praxis Steps โ€” New Feature Launching Summer 2026

The Elementary Education Fundamentals series supports a new ETS feature designed to give candidates more flexibility.

What is Praxis Steps?

When Praxis Steps are enabled in Summer 2026, candidates will be able to take or retake the Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003) in smaller sections โ€” called "Steps" โ€” based on how they feel most confident to succeed. If your state has adopted this test with Praxis Steps, you may be able to demonstrate mastery of each content category (Numbers and Operations; Algebraic Thinking; Geometry, Measurement, and Data) separately rather than taking all 68 questions in a single sitting. Check your State Requirements at ets.org/praxis/states to see if your state has adopted this test with Praxis Steps enabled.

Official Exam Blueprint: 3 Content Categories

Numbers and Operations dominates at 28 questions (~41%). Algebraic Thinking and Geometry/Measurement/Data each contribute 20 questions (~29%).

Category I
Numbers and Operations
Place value (understanding and applying digit value across whole numbers and decimals); operations with whole numbers (properties of operations, algorithms, problem-solving strategies); fractions and decimals (conceptual understanding, equivalence, operations, converting between forms); ratios, rates, and percents (ratio concepts, proportional reasoning, unit rates, percent calculations); rational numbers (integers, negative numbers, absolute value, operations on all rational numbers); real-world problem-solving across all number types.
28 q
~41% ยท ~40 min
Category II
Algebraic Thinking
Patterns and sequences (recognizing, extending, and generating number and shape patterns; arithmetic and geometric sequences); expressions and equations (writing, interpreting, and evaluating algebraic expressions; solving one- and two-step equations and inequalities; applying formulas to find unknown values); functions and linear relationships (recognizing and representing linear relationships through patterns, tables, graphs, and equations; rate of change; slope-intercept form; comparing linear and non-linear representations); proportional reasoning and algebraic problem-solving.
20 q
~29% ยท ~30 min
Category III
Geometry, Measurement, and Data
Geometric figures (classifying and comparing 2D and 3D shapes by their attributes; angles โ€” types, measurement, relationships; triangles and quadrilaterals; congruence and similarity); coordinate plane (plotting points, finding distance and midpoint, graphing linear equations, transformations); measurement (perimeter, area, surface area, volume of 2D and 3D figures; angle measurement; unit conversions within U.S. customary and metric systems); data (collecting, organizing, and representing data; interpreting graphs, tables, and plots; measures of central tendency and spread); basic probability (theoretical vs. experimental probability; sample spaces; equally likely outcomes).
20 q
~29% ยท ~30 min

Key Topics by Content Category

Specific competencies aligned to CAEP Kโ€“6 and AMTE 2017 standards across all three content categories โ€” including teaching scenario applications.

Numbers & Ops

Numbers and Operations โ€” Detailed Content (Category I)

28 questions ยท ~41%
Place value: understanding digit value and ten-times relationship between adjacent places; composing and decomposing multidigit numbers; expanded notation; comparing and ordering whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; rounding to any place value; using place value to justify estimation strategies
Whole number operations: all four operations with whole numbers; commutative, associative, and distributive properties; order of operations; understanding inverse operations; multi-step real-world problems; divisibility rules and number theory (primes, composites, factors, multiples, GCF, LCM)
Fraction concepts: fractions as equal parts of a whole, as points on a number line, and as division; equivalent fractions; comparing and ordering fractions; mixed numbers and improper fractions; why the same whole must be used when comparing; connecting fractions to division
Fraction operations: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers; understanding why multiplying by a fraction less than 1 gives a smaller product; fraction division as finding how many groups or how many in each group; solving real-world problems involving fractions
Decimal operations: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals; understanding place value in decimal operations; converting between fractions, decimals, and percents; scientific notation; comparing and ordering rational numbers in multiple forms
Ratios and rates: understanding ratios and unit rates; proportional relationships; setting up and solving proportions; ratio tables; equivalent ratios; using ratios and rates to solve real-world problems; distinguishing proportional from non-proportional relationships
Percents: understanding percent as a rate per 100; converting between fractions, decimals, and percents; finding a percent of a number; finding a percent increase or decrease; solving real-world percent problems (tax, tip, discount, interest)
Rational and real numbers: integers and the number line; absolute value; operations with negative numbers; ordering integers; understanding the real number system (natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers); applying properties to all real numbers
Algebraic Thinking

Algebraic Thinking โ€” Detailed Content (Category II)

20 questions ยท ~29%
Patterns and sequences: identifying, extending, and generating repeating and growing number patterns; arithmetic sequences (constant difference) and geometric sequences (constant ratio); describing rules for patterns in words and algebraic notation; connecting patterns to functions
Algebraic expressions: writing expressions to represent real-world situations; identifying parts of an expression (terms, factors, coefficients); evaluating expressions for given values of variables; simplifying expressions using properties (combining like terms, distributive property); distinguishing expressions from equations
Equations and inequalities: writing and solving one- and two-step equations with one variable; checking solutions by substitution; writing and solving inequalities; graphing solutions to inequalities on a number line; solving equations in real-world and mathematical contexts
Applying formulas: using formulas to find unknown values (e.g., area, perimeter, distance-rate-time, interest); rearranging formulas to isolate different variables; applying formulas to real-world scenarios; understanding when and how formulas are derived
Functions and input-output relationships: understanding function as a rule that assigns exactly one output to each input; evaluating functions; identifying functions from tables, graphs, equations, and diagrams; function notation; recognizing non-examples of functions
Linear relationships: recognizing and representing linear relationships through patterns, tables, graphs, and equations; understanding rate of change (slope) as constant in linear relationships; slope-intercept form (y = mx + b); writing equations from tables and graphs; comparing steepness and direction of slopes
Proportional reasoning in algebra: representing proportional relationships algebraically; unit rate as slope; direct variation; comparing proportional and non-proportional linear relationships; using graphs to identify whether a relationship is proportional (passes through origin)
Problem-solving with algebra: translating verbal problems into algebraic models; solving real-world problems using equations and inequalities; using tables, graphs, and equations to solve problems; checking reasonableness of solutions; multi-step word problems requiring algebraic thinking
Geometry/Data

Geometry, Measurement, and Data โ€” Detailed Content (Category III)

20 questions ยท ~29%
2D shapes and their properties: classifying triangles (by sides: equilateral, isosceles, scalene; by angles: acute, right, obtuse) and quadrilaterals (parallelogram, rectangle, square, rhombus, trapezoid); identifying properties of polygons; sum of interior angles of polygons; regular polygons
3D shapes and their properties: classifying prisms, pyramids, spheres, cylinders, and cones; identifying faces, edges, and vertices; nets of 3D figures; cross-sections of 3D figures
Angle relationships: types of angles (acute, right, obtuse, straight, reflex); supplementary and complementary angles; vertical angles; angles formed by parallel lines cut by a transversal (alternate interior, alternate exterior, corresponding, co-interior); angle sum in triangles and polygons
Congruence and similarity: identifying congruent figures (same shape and size); identifying similar figures (same shape, proportional sides); scale factor; using proportions to find missing lengths in similar figures
Coordinate geometry: plotting and identifying points in all four quadrants; finding distance between two points (horizontal/vertical); finding midpoint of a segment; graphing linear equations; identifying geometric figures on the coordinate plane; reflections and translations
Area, perimeter, and circumference: perimeter of polygons; circumference of circles (C = 2ฯ€r or ฯ€d); area of rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, trapezoids, and circles; area of composite figures; relationship between area and perimeter
Surface area and volume: surface area of prisms and cylinders using nets and formulas; volume of prisms (rectangular, triangular), cylinders, cones, and pyramids; real-world problems involving surface area and volume; converting between units of measurement
Data collection and representation: collecting, organizing, and displaying data using dot plots, histograms, bar graphs, line graphs, box plots, and scatter plots; reading and interpreting data displays; identifying trends, outliers, and patterns; choosing appropriate graphs for different data types
Measures of central tendency and spread: mean (arithmetic average), median, mode, and their appropriate uses; range, interquartile range (IQR), and standard deviation as measures of spread; the effect of outliers on mean vs. median; comparing data sets using statistical measures
Probability: understanding probability as a measure of likelihood (0 to 1); theoretical probability vs. experimental probability; sample spaces (listing outcomes for simple events); counting principle for compound events; probability of complementary events; independent vs. dependent events at the introductory level
Teaching Scenarios

Tasks of Teaching Mathematics โ€” 10โ€“15% of All Questions

~7โ€“10 questions
Identifying student misconceptions: analyzing student work or incorrect solutions to determine the specific mathematical misconception behind the error โ€” e.g., a student who adds numerators and denominators when adding fractions; a student who incorrectly believes that multiplying always gives a larger result
Selecting appropriate representations: choosing the most suitable manipulative, diagram, model, or visual representation for teaching a specific mathematical concept to elementary students โ€” e.g., area models for fraction multiplication; number lines for integer operations; base-10 blocks for place value
Evaluating instructional approaches: comparing the effectiveness of different teaching strategies for specific learning goals; determining the most appropriate sequence for introducing mathematical concepts; evaluating whether an instructional activity addresses its stated learning goal
Applying mathematics knowledge to curriculum decisions: selecting problems appropriate for specific grade levels and learning objectives; evaluating tasks for their mathematical richness and accessibility; connecting mathematical concepts across grade levels (vertical alignment)

Registration, Test Day & Scoring

Everything you need to know before and on exam day.

Registration

Where to registerpraxis.ets.org
Testing formatsIn-person or remote
Part of seriesElem. Ed. Fundamentals
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 scientific โœ“
Personal calculatorNot permitted
Scratch paperProvided at station
Question typesSR + numeric-entry

Praxis Steps (Summer 2026)

FeaturePraxis Steps
LaunchingSummer 2026
How it worksTake in smaller sections
State eligibilityCheck ets.org/praxis/states

Passing Score Requirements by State

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

Important: Passing score requirements for the Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003) 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. Also verify whether your state has adopted this test with Praxis Steps enabled.

Your raw score (number of correct answers, with numeric-entry items scored as correct or incorrect) is converted to a scaled score. There is no penalty for incorrect answers โ€” always answer every question. Never leave a question blank.

How to Prepare for the Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003)

Strategies for an exam that prioritizes content knowledge breadth across three categories, with an on-screen scientific calculator and 10โ€“15% teaching scenario questions.

  • Numbers and Operations is the largest category at 28 questions (~41%) โ€” master it with depth, especially fractions, ratios, and percent. With over 40% of the exam concentrated in one category, strong performance in Numbers and Operations is the biggest single driver of your total score. Fractions are the most conceptually dense topic in this category: know equivalence, comparison, all four operations, and the conceptual meaning behind fraction division (how many groups vs. how many in each group). Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and percent are also heavily weighted and appear in real-world problem-solving contexts throughout the exam.
  • The scientific calculator is provided โ€” but know how to solve problems both with and without it. ETS explicitly states you should "think about how you are going to answer the question before using the calculator" and notes you "may only need the calculator in the final step or two." Many questions test conceptual understanding, estimation, and algebraic reasoning where the calculator adds no value. Reserve it for multi-step calculations, exponent operations, and percent problems. Practice the full 68-question test without the calculator first, then identify which questions genuinely require it โ€” you'll typically find fewer than you expected.
  • Algebraic Thinking (20 questions, ~29%) rewards systematic preparation โ€” especially linear relationships and equation solving. The Algebraic Thinking category spans from pattern recognition through linear functions. The Study Companion structure for similar exams (5903, 7003) reveals that the most heavily tested algebraic topics are: representing patterns as equations, solving one- and two-step equations, interpreting slope as rate of change, and writing equations from tables and graphs. Practice translating word problems into equations and identifying linear vs. non-linear relationships from tables and graphs.
  • Geometry, Measurement, and Data (20 questions, ~29%) rewards knowing formulas and being able to apply them in real-world contexts. Know area, perimeter, and circumference formulas for all common shapes; know surface area and volume formulas for prisms, cylinders, cones, and pyramids; and be able to apply them in multi-step real-world problems. Data questions test interpretation of graphs and statistical measures โ€” mean, median, mode, range, IQR โ€” often asking you to compare two data sets or determine what a change to the data does to the measures of center or spread.
  • Teaching scenario questions (10โ€“15%, ~7โ€“10 questions) are worth preparing specifically for โ€” identify the most common misconception types. Unlike the 5007/5008 where ~70% of questions test pedagogy, the 8003's teaching scenarios are a minority of the exam. However, they are often the questions candidates find hardest because they require analytical thinking about student learning, not just mathematical correctness. The most commonly tested scenario types are: identifying student misconceptions (especially in fraction operations, place value, and multiplication/division); selecting appropriate representations for teaching specific concepts; and evaluating the mathematical validity of student strategies.
  • Download the official ETS Study Companion for the 8003 and complete all sample questions. The ETS Study Companion is available at praxis.ets.org and contains the complete content specification, discussion questions for each category, and authentic sample test questions with explanations. The discussion questions are particularly valuable preparation for teaching scenario questions. Also review the ETS Calculator Use page to familiarize yourself with the on-screen scientific calculator's interface and functions before test day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers sourced directly from the official ETS Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003) test page and supporting documentation.

How many questions are on the Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003)?
The exam contains 68 selected-response and numeric-entry questions with a 1 hour 40 minute time limit. Questions span three categories: Numbers and Operations (28 questions), Algebraic Thinking (20 questions), and Geometry, Measurement, and Data (20 questions). An on-screen scientific calculator is provided. Approximately 10โ€“15% of questions apply mathematics to a teaching scenario.
Is a calculator provided on the Praxis 8003?
Yes. An on-screen scientific calculator is provided for the computer-delivered test. No personal calculators are permitted. You are expected to know how and when to use the scientific calculator, as it will be helpful for some questions but is not necessary for all questions. Practice with the ETS calculator before test day. The calculator can perform exponents, roots, and percents in addition to basic operations.
What are the three content categories on the Praxis 8003?
Three categories: I. Numbers and Operations (28 questions, ~41%) โ€” place value, fractions and decimals, ratios, rates, percents, rational numbers; II. Algebraic Thinking (20 questions, ~29%) โ€” patterns, expressions, equations, functions, linear relationships; III. Geometry, Measurement, and Data (20 questions, ~29%) โ€” geometric figures, coordinate plane, area/perimeter/volume, angles, data representation/interpretation, and basic probability.
What are teaching scenario questions on the Praxis 8003?
Approximately 10โ€“15% of questions call for application of mathematics content and processes within a teaching scenario or instructional task. These questions measure mathematics knowledge applied to decisions a teacher must make with students, curriculum, and instruction โ€” such as identifying student misconceptions, selecting appropriate representations, or evaluating instructional strategies.
What is the Elementary Education Fundamentals series?
The Elementary Education Fundamentals tests are a new ETS Praxis series assessing whether entry-level elementary teachers have the content knowledge needed for the profession. The series includes: 8002 (Reading and Language Arts), 8003 (Mathematics), 8004 (Social Studies), and 8005 (Science). These tests support Praxis Steps launching Summer 2026 โ€” a feature allowing candidates to take or retake tests in smaller content sections.
What standards is the Praxis 8003 aligned to?
The test is aligned with the CAEP Kโ€“6 Elementary Teacher Preparation Standards (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and the AMTE 2017 Standards for Preparing Teachers of Mathematics (Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators). It is not designed to align with any particular school mathematics curriculum.
What is the passing score for the Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003)?
Passing scores vary by state or licensing agency. Always verify the specific requirement for your state at ets.org/praxis/states before registering.

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Adaptive practice questions covering all three mathematics content categories โ€” aligned to CAEP Kโ€“6 and AMTE standards, including teaching scenario questions. Domain-level analytics so you know exactly where to focus.

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Sources: ETS Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics (8003) official test page (praxis.ets.org/test/8003.html); ETS official test description; CAEP Kโ€“6 Elementary Teacher Preparation Standards (caepnet.org); AMTE 2017 Standards for Preparing Teachers of Mathematics (amte.net); ETS Praxis fee schedule 2025โ€“26. Praxisยฎ 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 โ€” always verify at ets.org/praxis/states.
Last Updated: May 22, 2026