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A secondary physical science teacher exam guide for the ETS selected-response format, chemistry and physics weights, matter and energy, science practices, and teaching tasks.
Praxis 5485 preparation should emphasize chemistry and physics while also covering science and engineering practices, matter and energy models, the nature of science, safety, data interpretation, and teaching applications.
Use these official structure points to organize Physical Science study.
ETS lists Praxis 5485 as a selected-response exam; calculators are not needed.
The exam is 150 minutes long.
The current ETS study companion lists 125 questions.
Chemistry and Physics are tied as the largest categories, each at 41 questions or 33%.
Chemistry and Physics together account for about two-thirds of the exam. Candidates should plan sustained review for atomic structure, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, forces, motion, energy, electricity, waves, and modern physics foundations.
Principles and Models of Matter and Energy accounts for 20% and supports both chemistry and physics. Focus on conservation, interactions, systems, models, mathematical representations, and energy transfer.
ETS notes that many questions integrate science and engineering practices and a meaningful share apply content to tasks of teaching science. Practice using data, investigations, explanations, safety, models, and student misconceptions.
Use this Praxis Physical Science (5485) exam help page for exam-specific context, then compare the broader online exam help services page or contact HiraEdu if you need a direct handoff. This page stays focused on Praxis Physical Science (5485) while the linked service pages cover broader exam support options.
Praxis Physical Science 5485 is designed to measure knowledge and competencies important for safe and effective beginning practice as a secondary school physical science teacher. ETS lists a 150-minute computer-delivered exam with 125 selected-response questions. Candidates do not need a calculator, and ETS provides a periodic table plus selected physical constants and SI conversion factors as help resources when needed.
The current study companion divides the test into Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering at 18 questions, or 14%; Principles and Models of Matter and Energy at 25 questions, or 20%; Chemistry at 41 questions, or 33%; and Physics at 41 questions, or 33%. ETS also notes that half or more of the questions integrate science and engineering practices, and about one-quarter to one-third assess content applied to tasks of teaching science.
ETS lists the exam as 150 minutes.
The current ETS study companion lists 125 selected-response questions.
The categories are Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering, Principles and Models of Matter and Energy, Chemistry, and Physics.
Chemistry and Physics are tied as the largest areas, each with 41 questions or 33% of the exam.
Yes. ETS notes that approximately one-quarter to one-third of the questions assess content applied to a task of teaching science.
Track Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering, Matter and Energy, Chemistry, and Physics as separate score areas.
Use paired study blocks so both 33% domains receive steady calculation, concept, graph, and vocabulary practice.
Work questions involving investigations, data tables, graphs, models, safety, student thinking, and instructional choices.
Use full-length 125-question timed practice to build endurance and pacing across broad physical science content.
Use the guide to self-serve, or talk to a coordinator if you need help mapping timelines, official requirements, or troubleshooting day-of logistics.
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