In states that use Praxis for math certification, high school candidates usually take Praxis Mathematics (5165). Middle grades candidates usually take Praxis Middle School Mathematics (5164). Each has 66 questions, runs 180 minutes, costs $130, and is computer delivered. Your state sets the passing score, so check it before you register.
If you searched for the Praxis II math test, you’re in the right place. That’s the old name, and ETS now calls these tests Praxis Subject Assessments. Here’s which Praxis math test you need, what’s on it, and what it takes to pass, as of October 2026.
Which Praxis Math Test You Need
Your state’s certification rules and the grade band you plan to teach decide which test, if any, you need. Not every state uses Praxis. Ohio, for example, requires the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) 027 Mathematics exam for Integrated Mathematics on its Alternative Resident Educator pathway. In Praxis states, your state also decides which code covers which grade range. Confirm the exact code on the ETS state requirements page before you pay.
| Test | Who Takes It | Format | Teaching-Scenario Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Praxis Mathematics (5165) | High school math candidates | 66 questions, 180 minutes | About 25% |
| Praxis Middle School Mathematics (5164) | Middle grades math candidates | 66 questions, 180 minutes | About 30% |
Watch for old codes. A guide that lists 0061, 5061 or 5161 for high school describes a retired version. So does one that lists 0069 or 5169 for middle school. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733) is a different test too. It’s a basic skills exam, not the content test that qualifies you to teach math.
A retired code doesn’t automatically void an old score. New Jersey, for example, still reviews scores from 5061, 5161 and 5169 under its GPA and Praxis flexibility rules. If you passed an older version, ask your state whether that score still counts.
Praxis Mathematics (5165): High School
The 5165 covers the secondary math curriculum, from algebra through introductory calculus. You’ll answer 66 questions in 180 minutes. Some ask you to select one answer, some ask you to select several, and some ask you to type a number into a box. You get an on-screen graphing calculator and a reference list of notations and formulas.
| Content Category | Approx. Questions | Share of Test |
|---|---|---|
| Number and Quantity, Algebra | 20 | 30% |
| Functions and Calculus | 20 | 30% |
| Geometry | 13 | 20% |
| Statistics and Probability | 13 | 20% |
No single subtopic dominates. Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability each account for about 13 questions (20%). Number and Quantity and Calculus are smaller, at about 7 questions (10%) each, and Calculus covers limits, continuity, derivatives and integrals. If your calculus is rusty, it’s worth reviewing, but don’t let it eat your study time.
The part that trips up strong math majors is the teaching scenarios. About 25% of questions put the math inside a classroom task. You might judge whether a student’s method is valid, pick the example that exposes a misconception, or decide which explanation of a procedure is correct. You still need the math, but you also need to read student work critically.
See the full topic list and sample questions on the ETS Praxis Mathematics (5165) page.
Praxis Middle School Mathematics (5164): Middle Grades
The 5164 covers the middle school curriculum, with more weight on number sense, ratios and proportional reasoning, and less on advanced functions. It also has 66 questions in 180 minutes, with selected-response and numeric-entry questions. You get an on-screen graphing calculator plus a sheet of unit conversions and formulas, including the quadratic formula and the Pythagorean theorem.
| Content Category | Approx. Questions | Share of Test |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers and Operations | 16 | 23% |
| Algebra | 15 | 23% |
| Functions | 11 | 17% |
| Geometry and Measurement | 13 | 20% |
| Statistics and Probability | 11 | 17% |
Teaching scenarios make up about 30% of the 5164, a larger share than on the high school test. Expect questions about student reasoning on fractions, order of operations and solving equations. The conversion sheet doesn’t list everything. You’re expected to know common conversions like 3 feet in a yard and work out others from what’s given.
See the full topic list and sample questions on the ETS Praxis Middle School Mathematics (5164) page.
Passing Scores, Fees and Retakes
ETS doesn’t set a national passing score. Each state or licensing agency that uses these tests sets its own. The same test can have a different cut score from one state to the next. Look up your state’s number on the ETS passing scores by state page and write it down before you start studying.
The practical details, from ETS as of October 2026:
- Fee: $130 for either test, with four free score recipients
- Where you test: at home online or at a test center
- Rescheduling: at least three days before your test date, not counting test day. The standard fee is $40, and ETS sells optional scheduling protection that makes reschedules free
- Canceling: at least three days ahead, not counting test day, gets you a 50% refund. Late cancellations and missed tests get no refund
- Retakes: your new test date must be at least 28 days after your last attempt at the same test
Check the current rules on the ETS reschedule, retake and cancel page, since fees and policies can change.
How to Prepare for the Praxis Math Test
Start with the free ETS study companion for your test. It lists every topic, explains the teaching tasks, and includes sample questions with worked answers. Then take a timed practice run. You have about 2.7 minutes per question, and ETS includes a free interactive practice test with each test registration.
Practice with the actual on-screen calculator before test day. Both tests use the TI-84 Plus CE, and ETS links a practice tutorial from its calculator use page. If you learned on a handheld model, give yourself a few sessions to get used to the on-screen layout.
For the teaching scenarios, practice explaining why a method works, not just whether the answer is right. Take a solved problem and ask where a student could go wrong. That’s the skill these questions test. Some questions on either test may be unscored, so treat every question as if it counts.
Where the Praxis Fits in Math Teacher Certification
Passing your Praxis math test is one requirement, not the whole process. On a traditional route, you’ll also need a bachelor’s degree, an approved educator preparation program with supervised student teaching, and any other exams your state lists. Alternative routes change that sequence. Ohio’s Alternative Resident Educator license, for example, starts with a bachelor’s degree and at least a 2.5 GPA. You then pass the content exam and complete an approved Alternative Licensure Institute. After that, you teach under the license for two school years while you finish the remaining requirements. Check your state education agency’s current rules before you apply. Our overview of math teacher certification requirements walks through the full sequence.
Some states use a different exam program instead of Praxis. If yours is one of them, see our guide to the NES math exam, and confirm the required test with your state before you register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I also need the Praxis Core math test?
Maybe. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733) is a separate basic skills test, not the content exam. Some states and programs require it and others don’t, so check your state’s list of required tests.
What score do I need to pass the Praxis math test?
It depends on your state and license. Each state or licensing agency that accepts the 5165 or 5164 sets its own qualifying score, and ETS lists them on its passing scores page. Check the number for your state, license and test code before you register.
How long is the Praxis math test?
Both the 5165 and the 5164 give you 180 minutes for 66 questions. That works out to about 2.7 minutes per question.
Can I use a calculator on the Praxis math test?
Yes, but only the one ETS provides. Both tests include an on-screen TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator, and personal calculators aren’t permitted. Practice with the ETS tutorial so you aren’t learning the interface during the test.
How soon can I retake the Praxis math test?
Your new test date must be at least 28 days after your last attempt at the same test. You can register any time, as long as the date you pick meets that rule.
- Check your state first: in Praxis states, high school candidates usually take Mathematics (5165) and middle grades candidates take Middle School Mathematics (5164), but not every state uses Praxis.
- Same format, different content: both tests have 66 questions in 180 minutes and cost $130 as of October 2026.
- Your state sets the passing score: look up the number for your state and license on the ETS passing scores page before you study.
- Teaching scenarios count: about 25% of 5165 questions and 30% of 5164 questions put the math inside a classroom task.
- Old codes are retired: 5061, 5161 and 5169 describe earlier versions, though some states still review scores from them.
Passing the content exam is easier when your coursework lines up with it. If you’re still choosing an educator preparation program, compare how the schools listed here prepare you for it before student teaching.