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Praxis English Language Arts Content Knowledge (5038) Practice Test

140 questions available

ETS Praxis exam for prospective English teachers covering literature, language, composition, and reading instruction. Administered by ETS as a online portfolio submission + online proctored written assessment (proctoru) format exam. Key domains include Knowledge of Content and How to Teach It, Knowledge of Students and Student Learning, Learning Community Involvement and Professional Development and Management and Monitoring of Student Learning.

140 Practice Questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bar to clear 275 Official passing score. Aim higher in practice before you book.
NBPTS140 practice questionsBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-05-04

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

Writing, Speaking, and Listening

A student preparing a public-service announcement about wildfire evacuation includes ten statistics in thirty seconds. Listeners cannot recall the call to action. Which revision is best?

Reading

A student says a chapter's flashbacks are confusing and therefore poorly organized. The flashbacks occur whenever the protagonist smells antiseptic in a hospital and reveal fragments of a childhood accident. Which response best guides analysis?

Reading

Students read a review that says a documentary 'whispers where it should argue' and 'lets archival silence indict the officials.' Which concept is most important for interpreting the critic's meaning?

Reading

An informational passage states that a new attendance policy improved graduation rates, but a footnote says the same period included a districtwide tutoring initiative and changed graduation requirements. What should students conclude?

Writing, Speaking, and Listening

A student writes a counterclaim paragraph beginning, 'Some people disagree, but they are wrong.' Which revision best improves argument quality?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

This exam matters because it directly translates to classroom effectiveness. The content it tests forms the backbone of daily instruction. A deep understanding of literary analysis allows you to help students unpack complex texts. Mastery of writing conventions enables you to provide precise feedback that improves student composition. Knowledge of pedagogy ensures you can adapt instruction to meet varied learning needs. Ultimately, passing the 5038 is not just a bureaucratic hurdle; it validates that you have the substantive knowledge to cultivate literate, articulate, and critical thinkers-a foundational skill set for student success in further education and civic life.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

Exam Blueprint

01Knowledge of Content and How to Teach It
02Knowledge of Students and Student Learning
03Learning Community Involvement and Professional Development
04Management and Monitoring of Student Learning
05Thinking Systematically about Practice and Learning from Experience

Exam Details AYA/ELA | $1295 USD

Exam Code AYA/ELA
Vendor NBPTS
Exam Cost $1295 USD
Passing Score 275
Question TypesPortfolio Entry, Written Response, Constructed Response
Retake Policy Candidates who do not pass may bank passing component scores and retake only failing components. Full 3-year window applies; individual component retake fees may apply.
Exam Format Online portfolio submission + online proctored written assessment (ProctorU)
Online Proctoring Available
Available In
English
Retake Policy 0-day waiting period between attempts

Study Resources

NBPTS Candidate CenterOfficialstudy_guide
NBPTS$0
Free official candidate guides, standards documents, and scoring guides for each certificate area
View

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the test format and how long is it?

The test consists of 130 selected-response questions to be completed in 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes). Some questions may be grouped around a common stimulus, such as a passage or a student writing sample.

How is the exam scored, and what is a passing score?

Your score is based on the number of correct answers. There is no penalty for guessing. The passing score is set by individual states or certifying agencies and varies. You must check the requirements for the specific state or organization for which you are seeking certification.

I have a degree in English Literature. Will that be enough to pass?

While a literature background is a strong foundation, it is not sufficient alone. The exam also tests grammar, composition theory, pedagogy, and informational text analysis-areas that may have been less emphasized in a traditional literature degree. A thorough review of all content categories outlined in the official study companion is essential.

What is the best resource for studying?

The official Praxis 5038 Study Companion, provided for free by ETS, is the essential starting point. It contains the detailed test blueprint, sample questions, and test-taking strategies. Supplement this with college-level grammar handbooks, literature anthologies, and practice tests to identify areas needing reinforcement.

Are there essay questions on the 5038?

No. The Praxis 5038 is entirely composed of selected-response questions (e.g., multiple-choice, select-in-passage). However, many questions will require you to apply analytical and evaluative skills to texts and sample student work.