Praxis Elem CKT Science
Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching Science (7814)
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching Science test (test code 7814) is an ETS subject assessment for candidates who are preparing to teach science as part of an elementary generalist license, or who are adding science to an existing certificate. Its distinctive focus is content knowledge for teaching: not just knowing the science, but knowing how children reason about it. Items draw on life science, physical science, and Earth and space science content, and on pedagogical content knowledge - how students' naive ideas develop, which misconceptions are predictable, how to choose representations, explanations, and investigations that move a class forward, and how to read student work as evidence of understanding.
Before registering, confirm on the ETS state requirements page that your state accepts test code 7814, because states set their own testing requirements and passing scores. To prepare, download the free study companion ETS publishes for this test, which contains the content outline and sample questions; use it to map your gaps. Then work through official practice materials on a timer and, critically, spend real study time on the pedagogical portion - many candidates over-review content facts and under-prepare for questions that ask them to interpret a child's reasoning. Note that ETS has announced a new Elementary Education Fundamentals test series launching Spring 2026.
What you'll study
About Praxis Elem CKT Science preparation
What is the format of the 7814 test, and how many questions does it have?
ETS's 7814 page does not publish an item count or time limit, so check the free study companion and the Praxis Information Bulletin for current numbers before you book. Praxis subject assessments are computer delivered, and ETS offers both test center and at-home appointments, each with its own ID and environment rules.
How much does the test cost?
The retrieved ETS page does not state a fee for 7814. Do not budget from a neighboring test's price - the same page lists Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001; subtests 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005) at $180, which is a different assessment. Confirm the current 7814 fee on the Praxis Fees & Waivers page and ask your program about vouchers.
Can I retake it if I do not pass?
Yes, Praxis allows retakes, but the waiting period, attempt limits, and rescheduling fees are governed by the Information Bulletin and the Reschedule, Retake, or Cancel page, not by the 7814 page, which states none of them. Read those rules before test day so a low score does not cost you an extra month of waiting.
What score do I need to pass?
There is no single national passing score. Each state that accepts this test sets its own qualifying score, and ETS publishes the current numbers on its Passing Scores By State page. Look up the state where you intend to teach, and confirm with that state's licensure office, because requirements change between cycles.
Is 7814 the right test for me, or should I take the multiple-subjects test?
It depends entirely on your state and program. Some states license elementary teachers through a multiple-subjects assessment such as 5001 with its subtests, while others accept single subject-specific tests. Check the ETS state requirements search first; registering for the wrong test wastes both the fee and a testing appointment.
Where should I start studying, and in what order?
Start with the free study companion, which gives the official content outline and sample questions. Take one practice test cold to find your weakest area, then study content and pedagogy in parallel rather than finishing all content first. Finish with timed practice and a careful review of every missed item, including the ones you guessed correctly.
What is the most common way candidates lose points?
Treating it as a pure science quiz. A large share of items ask you to interpret a student's explanation, choose a better representation, or sequence instruction, and those are answerable only if you can name the underlying misconception. Reviewing facts alone leaves you guessing on exactly the questions that separate scores.
Does test prep actually improve pass rates?
ETS reports that 88.1% of people who use at least one Praxis test-prep product pass the exam, based on a survey of 345 Praxis users in 2024. Treat that as vendor-reported survey data rather than a guarantee, but it is a reasonable argument for using at least one official or structured prep resource.
What is this new Elementary Education Fundamentals test series ETS mentions?
ETS states that the new tests launch in Spring 2026 and are "built to reflect what matters most for today's classrooms." The page gives no test codes, fees, deadlines, or content weights for the launch, and it does not say 7814 is being discontinued. Ask your state whether it will adopt the new series before changing your plans.