The Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) exam evaluates the professional competencies of beginning secondary school chemistry teachers. Administered by ETS, the test covers seven distinct domains, including matter, energy, atomic structure, chemical reactions, and scientific inquiry. It consists of 125 selected-response questions that assess conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities in chemistry. The exam content aligns with national science education standards and reflects current high school chemistry curricula, ensuring that educators possess the necessary knowledge to teach chemistry effectively at the secondary level. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency across these specific areas to earn their professional certification.
This exam is intended for individuals pursuing a professional teaching career in secondary school chemistry. Candidates have typically completed or are near completion of a bachelor’s degree program with relevant coursework in chemistry and education, preparing them to teach chemistry at the high school level.
Review the official study companion to understand the test structure and content categories. Create a personalized study plan based on your individual needs and available time. Practice with sample questions to become familiar with the selected-response format. Focus on conceptual understanding rather than memorization, as the test emphasizes problem-solving. Utilize the periodic table and physical constants provided during the test to practice data interpretation and ensure you are comfortable with the testing environment.
This domain covers the fundamental organization of matter, energy conservation, and thermodynamic principles in chemical systems, requiring candidates to demonstrate knowledge of how energy changes influence the physical and chemical states of various substances.
This section focuses on the current atomic model, electron configurations, and nuclear chemistry processes, requiring an understanding of quantum numbers, radioactive decay, and how electronic absorption and emission spectra provide evidence for atomic structure.
This domain addresses chemical nomenclature, composition, and the relationship between bonding and molecular structure, requiring candidates to apply the mole concept and use Lewis structures to predict the geometry and interactions of molecules.
This area covers periodic trends, chemical reaction types, kinetics, and equilibrium principles, requiring candidates to perform stoichiometric calculations, analyze limiting reagents, apply Le Châtelier’s principle, and understand the mechanisms of various oxidation-reduction chemical reactions.
This domain involves solution chemistry, solubility rules, and the principles of acid-base interactions, requiring candidates to calculate pH and pOH, understand colligative properties, and manage the behavior of buffer solutions during various titration procedures.
This section examines the nature of scientific inquiry, experimental design, and the societal impact of chemistry, requiring candidates to evaluate hypothesis testing, understand historical developments in the field, and analyze the environmental impact of technology.
This domain focuses on data interpretation, laboratory safety, and the maintenance of equipment, requiring candidates to demonstrate proficiency in using significant figures, performing error analysis, and following standard laboratory safety rules and equipment protocols.
Arrive at the test center with proper identification. You will have the opportunity to learn the computer interface before the 150-minute testing time begins. No calculators are needed, as the periodic table and physical constants are provided on screen for your reference.
The Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) exam consists of 125 selected-response questions. These questions cover seven distinct content categories, ranging from basic principles of matter and energy to scientific procedures and techniques used in professional laboratory settings.
The passing score for the Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) exam varies by state or agency. You should check with your specific state or agency requirements at the official ETS website to confirm the score needed for your certification path.
The total duration for the Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) exam is 150 minutes. This time is provided for you to complete the 125 selected-response questions included in the assessment, allowing ample time for careful review of each question.
Examinees do not need to use calculators for this test. The periodic table of the elements and a table of physical constants and conversion factors are available as a Help screen during the exam to assist with your calculations.
Verified 2026-09-13
This editorial was compiled using the official ETS Study Companion for the Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) exam, ensuring all facts regarding test structure, content domains, and administrative procedures are accurate and reflect the most current information provided by the testing organization.