The Praxis Biology: Content Knowledge exam is one of the many Praxis tests offered. These exams are used in many states across the country as part of the certification process for becoming a teacher. You’ll need to consult the teacher certification board in your state to find out whether or not you will need to take it.
How Should I Prepare for Test Day?
On the day of the test, it’s important to make sure you are as prepared as possible so that you don’t feel rushed, panicked, or distracted. Being relaxed and comfortable will help you perform better on your test. So follow these tips to make sure you show up ready to do your best:
- Get a good night’s sleep and wake up early enough to eat a full, nourishing breakfast.
- Double check that you have two valid forms of government-issued ID before you leave your house. Accepted ID includes passports, driver’s licenses, military IDs, and state IDs.
- Leave earlier than you need to just in case there’s traffic or construction on your route to the testing center.
- Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
Following these tips will make sure you’re well rested, fully prepared, and early enough to not feel panicked about the time. After you have arrived and checked in, you’ll be taken to an exam room where you will have two and a half hours to complete all 150 multiple choice questions on the test.
Which Subjects Will Be Covered on the Praxis Biology Exam?
There will be a total of 150 questions divided across six core content areas within the field of biology. Take a look at this overview below to get a better sense of exactly what you’ll be expected to know:
- History of Natural Science – 21 Questions
- This section focuses on the core, underlying principles of the natural sciences. So you’ll see questions about the scientific method, safety procedures, the characteristics of scientific hypotheses, theories, laws, and facts, and the creation and use of scientific You will also see questions about major contributions science made to human society throughout history as well as the ways biology intersects with the other scientific disciplines.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology – 30 Questions
- These questions measure the candidate’s command of microbiology. Questions will cover everything from cell structures and chemical makeups to cell life cycles, processes, and mutations. You will need to know the fundamental characteristics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, biochemical pathways and patterns of energy flow, how protein is synthesized, and the principles of gene expression.
- Genetics and Evolution – 30 Questions
- This section covers all of the core principles of evolution and genetics from Mendel’s laws of inheritance through to the different mechanisms of evolution and species differentiation. You’ll also need to understand explanations of both the origin of life and of the extinction of species.
- Diversity of Life and Organismal Biology – 30 Questions
- This section builds on the previous one to test your knowledge of the current range of species on life. Questions will cover microscopic life (bacteria, fungi, viruses), plants, and animals including what distinguishes them from each other and what their core physical characteristics and life processes are.
- Ecology: Organisms and Environments – 24 Questions
- This section covers the interrelation within and between species as well as how they adapt to and contribute to the different types of ecosystems in which they emerge.
- Science, Technology, and Social Perspectives – 15 Questions
- Building on the history of natural sciences section, these questions will ask about the role of science and technology in contemporary society.
What Score Do I Need to Get?
The exact score you need depends on which state you plan to teach in. Each state sets its own minimum standard. However, your score will be accepted no matter which state you took the exam in so as long as your score meets the minimum standards, you won’t need to retake the exam if you move.
What’s the Best Way to Study for the Praxis Biology Exam?
This exam really dives deep into a range of different topics related to biology so what you need is a review of the material that strikes the balance between being a broad sweeping overview and a surprisingly thorough explanation of each topic. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Mometrix Study Guide.
Using that guide and the Mometrix Flashcards that go with it will be the most efficient way to go over everything you need to know in as short a time as possible. You’ll get detailed but clear explanations of all the core concepts followed by practice questions, study tips, and test taking tips that will ensure you do your absolute best on the day of the test.