- Mathematics makes up 64% of the test (about 58 of 90 questions) - the clear top priority.
- Science accounts for 36% (about 32 questions) across four content areas.
- The subtest has 90 selected-response items in 120 minutes, with several non-traditional item types.
- Content specs align to NCTM standards for math and NSTA/NGSS standards for science.
Praxis 5028 Overview: What This Subtest Actually Measures
The Praxis Early Childhood: Mathematics and Science (5028) exam is one of two subtests that make up the combined Praxis Early Childhood Assessment (5026), administered by ETS. If you're taking the 5026 in a single sitting, you'll sit for 180 questions across 4 hours covering both subtests together; if you're taking 5028 as a standalone subtest, you'll answer 90 selected-response questions in 120 minutes. Either way, the content domains and their relative weight stay the same, which is the focus of this guide.
Unlike a broad elementary content exam, 5028 narrows in on just two content areas: Mathematics and Science. That narrower scope is actually good news for candidates - it means your study plan can go deep instead of wide. For a full walkthrough of how to structure that studying, see our Praxis 5028 Study Guide 2026, and for a breakdown of exactly what score you need to clear, check the Praxis 5028 Passing Score guide.
Domain 1: Mathematics (64%)
Mathematics is the dominant domain on the Praxis 5028, representing approximately 58 of the 90 scored and unscored questions combined. If you only have time to deeply master one domain, it should be this one. The mathematics domain is organized into four sub-areas:
Numbers and Operations: Whole Numbers
Candidates must demonstrate understanding of place value, counting strategies, and the four operations as they apply to whole numbers in early childhood contexts.
- Base-ten place value reasoning for young learners
- Developmental progressions of addition and subtraction strategies
- Multiple representations of the same operation (arrays, number lines, groupings)
Numbers and Operations: Fractions
This sub-area tests conceptual understanding of fractions as numbers, not just procedural fraction arithmetic.
- Fraction models: area, linear, and set models
- Equivalence and comparison of fractions using visual reasoning
- Common misconceptions young children develop about fractions
Algebraic Thinking
Early algebraic thinking in young children looks different from formal algebra - it's about patterns, relationships, and early generalization.
- Pattern identification and extension
- Understanding of the equal sign as a relationship, not an instruction
- Early functional thinking through repeated reasoning
Geometry, Measurement, and Data
This sub-area blends spatial reasoning with measurement concepts and basic data interpretation appropriate for early learners.
- Shape attributes, composition, and decomposition
- Non-standard and standard units of measurement
- Simple data collection, graphing, and interpretation activities
Key Takeaway
Because mathematics carries nearly two-thirds of the exam weight, allocate roughly twice as much review time to it as to science. A candidate who masters all four math sub-areas but neglects science will still be far better positioned than one who studies evenly across both domains.
Domain 2: Science (36%)
Science represents approximately 32 of the 90 questions on the Praxis 5028. While it's the smaller domain, it still spans four distinct content areas, so breadth of coverage matters even though the question count is lower than mathematics.
Nature of Science and Engineering
This area addresses scientific inquiry practices and early engineering design thinking as appropriate for young children.
- Observation, prediction, and simple hypothesis-testing with children
- Engineering design cycles simplified for early learners (ask, imagine, plan, create, improve)
- Safe and developmentally appropriate exploration practices
Physical Science
Covers matter, energy, motion, and forces at a level appropriate for early childhood instruction.
- Properties of matter and simple states of matter changes
- Basic forces: push, pull, gravity, friction
- Simple machines and cause-and-effect relationships
Earth and Space Science
Focuses on Earth's materials, weather patterns, and observable space phenomena.
- Weather observation and simple pattern recognition
- Earth materials: rocks, soil, water cycles at a conceptual level
- Day/night cycles and other observable sky phenomena
Life Science
Addresses living things, their needs, and basic ecological relationships suitable for young children.
- Basic needs of plants and animals
- Life cycles and growth patterns
- Simple habitat and environment concepts
Because the science domain spans four topic areas within a smaller share of questions, candidates sometimes underestimate how much content they still need to know. Don't assume "36%" means "light studying" - it means efficient studying. Our Praxis 5028 Cheat Sheet condenses the highest-yield facts from all four science areas onto a single page for last-week review.
Question Formats You'll Actually See
One detail that surprises first-time test-takers: the Praxis 5028 isn't just traditional multiple-choice. The 90-question format includes several selected-response variations:
- Standard single-answer selected response - the traditional pick-one-correct-answer format
- Multiple-select - choose all answers that apply from a list
- Numeric entry - type in a calculated value rather than choosing from options
- Drag-and-drop - arrange items, sequences, or categories
- Graphic-selection - click on a specific part of an image or diagram
- Drop-down selection - choose the correct word or value from an embedded menu
These formats appear across both the mathematics and science domains, so practicing with only flashcards or plain multiple-choice questions can leave you underprepared for the actual test screen. Also worth knowing: the test may include unscored questions ETS uses for future test development - these are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
Why the 64/36 Split Should Drive Your Study Plan
The most common mistake candidates make with the Praxis 5028 is treating mathematics and science as equal priorities simply because they're "two domains." The actual question distribution tells a different story:
| Domain | Approx. Question Count | Weight | Sub-Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | ~58 questions | 64% | 4 (Whole Numbers, Fractions, Algebraic Thinking, Geometry/Measurement/Data) |
| Science | ~32 questions | 36% | 4 (Nature of Science/Engineering, Physical, Earth/Space, Life) |
A practical implication: if you're deciding where to spend an extra study hour this week, mathematics should almost always win that tiebreaker. This doesn't mean skipping science - with four sub-areas packed into 36% of the test, gaps in any single science topic can still cost you several points. It simply means your default allocation of time should mirror the exam's own weighting. For a deeper look at how this weighting affects overall exam difficulty, read How Hard Is the Praxis 5028 Exam?.
A Domain-Based Study Timeline
Rather than a generic weekly template, here's a sequence built specifically around the 5028 domain weights - heavier early investment in mathematics, followed by a science sweep, then integrated mixed-format practice.
Mathematics Foundations
- Whole Number Numbers and Operations: place value and operation strategies
- Fraction Numbers and Operations: models and equivalence reasoning
Mathematics: Algebraic Thinking and Geometry/Measurement/Data
- Pattern-based reasoning and early functional thinking
- Shape composition, measurement units, and simple data tasks
Science Sweep: Nature of Science/Engineering and Physical Science
- Inquiry practices and simplified engineering design cycles
- Matter, forces, and simple machines
Science Sweep: Earth/Space and Life Science
- Weather patterns, Earth materials, sky observation
- Living things' needs, life cycles, habitats
Mixed-Format Practice and Review
- Full-length practice with drag-and-drop, numeric entry, and multiple-select items
- Targeted review of your weakest sub-area from each domain
This kind of spaced, domain-sequenced review works far better than cramming both domains simultaneously, because each math sub-area builds conceptual vocabulary you'll reuse across the science domain (measurement units, for instance, resurface in physical science). If you want a more detailed day-by-day breakdown of this approach, our Praxis 5028 Study Guide expands on pacing and practice-test scheduling.
Who Takes the Praxis 5028 and Why It Matters
The Praxis 5028 exists because states use it (or the combined 5026) as a licensure requirement for early childhood educators. Each certifying state sets its own qualifying score on the 100-200 scale, which means the domains covered here matter differently depending on where you plan to teach. Before you register, confirm your state actually accepts this specific subtest - see Praxis 5028 Requirements 2026 for a rundown of eligibility considerations.
It's also worth noting that ETS has announced new Elementary Education Fundamentals tests launching in spring 2026, which may shift some state requirements going forward. Candidates planning to test later in the year should track whether their state's accepted test list changes. Our Praxis 5028 Exam Dates guide covers scheduling considerations tied to these transitions.
Registration for the 5028 costs $100.00, which includes four free score recipients, and ETS provides an official interactive practice test (a $24.95 value) free upon registration. For a full cost breakdown, including how the standalone subtest fee compares to combined 5026 registration, see Praxis 5028 Certification Cost 2026. If you're still weighing whether pursuing this credential fits your career plans, Is the Praxis 5028 Certification Worth It? and the Praxis 5028 Salary Guide are useful next reads.
Whatever your path into early childhood education, understanding exactly how the 64/36 domain split works - and where each sub-area sits within it - is the single most efficient way to focus your preparation. Combine that domain knowledge with realistic, mixed-format practice on our full-length practice tests, and you'll walk into test day already familiar with both the content and the screen you'll be working on.
Frequently Asked Questions
The subtest contains 90 selected-response questions in 120 minutes. Mathematics accounts for approximately 58 questions (64%), and Science accounts for approximately 32 questions (36%).
Mathematics is divided into Numbers and Operations for whole numbers, Numbers and Operations for fractions, Algebraic Thinking, and Geometry, Measurement and Data.
Science is divided into Nature of Science and Engineering, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, and Life Science.
Yes. Beyond standard single-answer selected response, the format includes multiple-select, numeric entry, drag-and-drop, graphic-selection, and drop-down item types.
Yes, the 5028 is one of two subtests within the combined Praxis Early Childhood Assessment (5026). You can take it as a standalone 90-question, 120-minute subtest, or take the combined 5026, which bundles both subtests into a single 180-question, 4-hour session.