If you need help studying for the Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge test. There are 130 selected-response questions in total.
Selected-response questions can appear in several different forms:
- Single-selection multiple-choice
- Selecting ALL correct answers from a list of choices
- Selecting the correct answer from a drop-down menu
- Clicking parts of a graphic such as a map or a chart
- Dragging and dropping answers into a targeted area on the screen
The time limit for the test is 2 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed!
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the Social Studies test:
1. UNITED STATES HISTORY
26 questions
- Basic North American geography, peoples and cultures prior to European colonization
- The founding and development of European colonies in North America
- Origins of the American Revolution
- Causes of 19th century sectionalism
- Major economic transformations in the United States
- Origins and development of the Cold War
- Ongoing impact of gender, race, and ethnicity throughout American history
- Struggles and achievements of individuals for greater political and civil rights throughout United States history
2. WORLD HISTORY
26 questions
- Major political, economic, and social developments in Europe from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment
- Major causes and consequences of WWI, WWII, and the Cold War
- How world societies have been shaped by technological innovations and adaptations
- Major differences and similarities in family structure and gender roles across societies
- Roles of world religions in shaping societies
- Major demographic trends in world history
- Roles of conflict and cooperation in shaping societies
3. GOVERNMENT/CIVICS/POLITICAL SCIENCE
26 questions
- Political theory
- Major political theorists
- Political orientations
- United States government and politics
- Federalism
- Electoral processes
- Civil liberties and rights
- Comparative politics and international relations
4. GEOGRAPHY
19 questions
- Map types and projections
- Using mental maps to organize spatial information
- Applying spatial concepts to interpret data
- Renewable and nonrenewable natural resources
- Basic concepts of political geography
- Development of agriculture
- Characteristics and spatial distribution of Earth’s ecosystems
5. ECONOMICS
20 questions
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Measures of economic performance
- Choice and opportunity costs
- Supply and demand
- Factors of production
- Inflation
- Monetary policy
- Fiscal policy
- Business cycle
- Economic growth
- International trade and exchange rates
6. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
13 questions
- The influence of human behavior on society
- The influence of culture and diversity on human behavior
- The effect learning, personal identity, and development have on individual behavior
How to Register
To register for the test, you’ll need to create an account on the ETS website. Once your account has been created, you can submit your application to take the test.
When you submit your registration, you will need to pay the $130 testing fee.
Praxis Social Studies (5081) Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Praxis Scores
The Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 100 and 200.
The score you need to pass varies from state to state.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
FAQs
How many questions are on the Praxis Social Studies test?
The exam contains 130 selected-response questions.
What is the time limit for the Praxis Social Studies test?
The exam is timed at 2 hours.
What is the passing score for the Praxis Social Studies test?
The final score you need will vary from state to state.
How much does the Praxis Social Studies test cost?
The testing fee is $130.