The Praxis Physics: Content Knowledge (5265) exam measures the knowledge and skills required for beginning secondary school physics teachers. Certified by ETS, this assessment covers six distinct domains, including mechanics, electricity, and modern physics. It evaluates conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through 125 selected-response questions, ensuring candidates possess the necessary subject matter expertise for classroom instruction.
This exam is for individuals pursuing a teaching career in secondary school physics. Candidates have typically completed or nearly completed a bachelor’s degree program with appropriate coursework in physics and education to demonstrate their readiness for the classroom.
Review the test specifications to understand the 125 questions. Create a personalized study plan based on the six content domains. Practice with sample questions to become familiar with the computer-delivered format. Since calculators are prohibited, focus on conceptual understanding and problem-solving techniques. Use the provided tables of physical constants and conversion factors to guide your review of physics principles.
This specific domain covers motion, forces, and energy in great detail. It focuses heavily on kinematics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and conservation laws, including work, power, and rotational motion for candidates.
This particular domain addresses electrostatics, circuits, and magnetism completely. It involves analyzing electric fields, potential, capacitance, and the complex interaction between electric and magnetic fields during the assessment.
This educational domain examines wave characteristics and optics extensively. It covers wave propagation, sound, the electromagnetic spectrum, and geometric optics including lenses and mirrors for future educators preparing for testing.
This instructional domain focuses entirely on heat, energy, and thermodynamics. It includes temperature measurement, heat transfer mechanisms, phase transitions, kinetic molecular theory, and the fundamental laws of thermodynamics.
This academic domain covers modern physics and atomic structure extensively. It addresses atomic models, radioactivity, nuclear processes, and advanced concepts like wave-particle duality and special relativity for candidates.
This broad domain evaluates scientific inquiry, experimental design, and the social impact of physics. It covers data analysis, laboratory safety protocols, and the vital role of technology in society.
Arrive with proper identification at your scheduled test center. You will have 150 minutes to complete the 125 questions. Use the provided tutorial to learn the computer interface before the timer begins. Calculators are not permitted during the test.
The Praxis Physics: Content Knowledge (5265) exam consists of exactly 125 selected-response questions. These questions comprehensively cover the six distinct domains of physics content and scientific inquiry for all candidates.
The passing score for the Praxis Physics: Content Knowledge (5265) exam varies by state or agency. You should confirm your specific requirements with your local licensing board or check with ETS for the current certification path.
The official exam is a timed 150-minute test. You are given this complete duration to answer all 125 selected-response questions provided on the computer-delivered assessment platform.
No, calculator use is prohibited during the Praxis Physics: Content Knowledge (5265) exam. A periodic table and a table of physical constants and conversion factors are available as a Help screen.
Verified 2026-09-13
This editorial was generated by reviewing the official ETS Study Companion for the 5265 exam, ensuring all facts regarding domains, weights, and test logistics were accurately represented.