- Praxis 5028 is one of two subtests inside the combined Praxis Early Childhood Assessment (5026).
- It has 90 selected-response questions in 120 minutes, delivered by computer at a center or at home.
- Mathematics is worth 64% (about 58 questions); Science is worth 36% (about 32 questions).
- The fee is $100.00 and includes four free score recipients; an official practice test is included free at registration.
What Praxis 5028 Actually Is
Praxis 5028 is the shorthand name for Praxis Early Childhood: Mathematics and Science (5028), a subtest administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is not a standalone credential - it is one of two subtests that together make up the combined Praxis Early Childhood Assessment (5026). The other subtest covers different early-childhood content areas, while 5028 focuses exclusively on mathematics and science knowledge for teaching young learners.
Some states allow candidates to take 5028 as an individual subtest, while the combined 5026 bundles both subtests into a single testing session of 180 questions across four hours. Because requirements vary by state, it's worth reviewing the Praxis 5028 Requirements 2026 guide before deciding which version to register for.
Exam Format and Question Types
Praxis 5028 is a computer-delivered exam containing 90 selected-response questions with a 120-minute test length. It can be taken at an official test center or, depending on eligibility, at home. Unlike a paper-and-pencil exam with only bubble-in answers, Praxis 5028 uses several interactive item formats:
- Standard single-answer selected response
- Multiple-select questions (choose more than one correct answer)
- Numeric entry (typing in a calculated value)
- Drag-and-drop items
- Graphic-selection items (clicking on a part of an image or diagram)
- Drop-down selection items
This variety matters for preparation: candidates who only rehearse multiple-choice recall often struggle with numeric-entry or drag-and-drop formats on test day simply because the interaction feels unfamiliar. Practicing with the actual interface style - not just flashcards - is one of the most overlooked steps in preparation.
Most administrations run without a scheduled break. If you need to step away, unscheduled breaks don't stop the test clock, so pacing across all 90 questions in 120 minutes is a real logistical concern, not just a content concern. For a deeper breakdown of what makes this pacing challenging, see How Hard Is the Praxis 5028 Exam? Complete Difficulty Guide 2026.
The Two Content Domains
Praxis 5028 is built around two domains, and they are not weighted equally. Understanding this imbalance should shape how you allocate study time.
| Domain | Approx. Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | ~58 | 64% |
| Science | ~32 | 36% |
Domain 1: Mathematics (64%)
This is the dominant content area by a wide margin, covering four sub-areas that align with National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards:
- Numbers and Operations for whole numbers
- Numbers and Operations for fractions
- Algebraic Thinking
- Geometry, Measurement and Data
Domain 2: Science (36%)
Science content draws on National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), spanning:
- Nature of Science and Engineering
- Physical Science
- Earth and Space Science
- Life Science
Both domains were shaped by an advisory panel of elementary teacher educators and content specialists, which is why the questions test applied classroom reasoning about early-childhood learners rather than abstract theory. For an item-by-item walkthrough of what each sub-area actually asks candidates to know, read the Praxis 5028 Exam Domains 2026: Complete Guide to All 2 Content Areas.
Key Takeaway
Since Mathematics carries nearly two-thirds of the exam, allocate roughly two study sessions on math for every one session on science - proportional effort should mirror proportional weight.
Registration, Fees, and Test-Day Logistics
Registering for Praxis 5028 through ETS costs $100.00, and that fee includes four free score recipients - meaning you can send your results to up to four institutions or states at no extra charge. ETS also provides an official interactive practice test, normally priced at $24.95, free once you register for the exam.
Because the exam is computer delivered, you'll choose between sitting at an official test center or, if you meet eligibility criteria, testing from home. Either way, familiarity with the on-screen interface - especially the drag-and-drop and numeric-entry formats - pays off on test day.
If you're budgeting for the exam, prep materials, and any retakes, the Praxis 5028 Certification Cost 2026: Complete Pricing Breakdown lays out the full financial picture. And if scheduling is your main concern, check the Praxis 5028 Exam Dates 2026: Testing Windows, Deadlines & Scheduling for testing-window guidance.
Who Takes Praxis 5028 and Why
Praxis 5028 is designed for candidates pursuing early-childhood teaching credentials in states that use the Praxis Early Childhood Assessment as part of licensure. Typically, this includes:
- Teacher-preparation program candidates finishing coursework in early-childhood education
- Career-change candidates entering early-childhood classrooms through alternative certification routes
- Current paraprofessionals or assistants seeking full teaching credentials
Because Praxis 5028 sits within a state licensure process rather than a private industry certification, the "employers" who ultimately value it are school districts and early-childhood programs that require state licensure as a hiring condition. If you're weighing whether pursuing this pathway makes sense for your career plans, the Is the Praxis 5028 Certification Worth It? Complete ROI Analysis 2026 article and the Praxis 5028 Jobs overview go into more depth on outcomes and hiring patterns. For general earnings context tied to early-childhood teaching roles, see the Praxis 5028 Salary Guide 2026: Complete Earnings Analysis.
How Scoring Works
Your raw performance on the 90 scored questions converts to a scaled score between 100 and 200. Because unscored trial questions may be mixed into the test without identification, your raw score is based only on the questions ETS counts - you simply won't know which ones those are during the test.
Passing thresholds are not standardized nationally. Two candidates could take the identical exam and one could "pass" while the other doesn't, purely because their states set different cutoffs. Before you register, verify your state's required score, since retaking the exam means paying the fee again.
Key Takeaway
Don't study to a generic "average" passing score - look up your specific state's cutoff on the scaled 100-200 range and calibrate your prep to that target.
When to Study Each Domain
Given the 64/36 split between Mathematics and Science, a simple, defensible way to sequence preparation is to front-load math review, since it carries roughly 58 of the 90 questions, then layer in science, then spend final sessions mixing both domains under timed conditions to simulate the real 120-minute pacing.
Mathematics Foundations
- Whole number operations and fraction operations
- Algebraic thinking patterns for early learners
- Geometry, measurement, and data interpretation
Science Foundations
- Nature of Science and Engineering practices
- Physical Science and Earth/Space Science concepts
- Life Science content tied to early-childhood curricula
Mixed Practice
- Timed practice sets mimicking the 90-question, 120-minute format
- Drilling drag-and-drop, numeric-entry, and multiple-select item types
- Reviewing weak areas across both domains
For a structured week-by-week plan with more detail, the Praxis 5028 Study Guide 2026: How to Pass on Your First Attempt expands on this approach. If you want a condensed reference to keep nearby during review, the Praxis 5028 Cheat Sheet 2026: One-Page Review of Must-Know Facts is built for quick recall sessions. You can also start practicing directly with realistic questions on our practice test platform to see where your current strengths and gaps lie before committing to a full study plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Praxis 5028 (Mathematics and Science) is one of two subtests within the combined Praxis Early Childhood Assessment (5026). The 5026 combines both subtests into one 180-question, four-hour session.
There are 90 selected-response questions with a 120-minute time limit, and the test may include some unscored questions mixed in without identification.
Mathematics, since it makes up approximately 64% of the exam (about 58 questions) compared to Science's 36% (about 32 questions).
The fee is $100.00, which includes four free score recipients. ETS also provides its $24.95 official practice test free once you register.
Scores are reported on a 100-200 scale, but there's no single national passing score - each state that accepts this test sets its own qualifying score, so check your state's requirement before registering.