The Praxis teaching certification exams test future teachers to make sure they meet professional standards. Many educators ask, what is the difference between Praxis 5001 and 7001?
This is an important question because changes in test codes affect anyone taking the elementary education licensure test. Since these exams are part of the teacher certification requirements, knowing the differences is key.
To pass, preparation is a must. Prepsaret offers study materials and practice questions that closely match the real exam to help candidates succeed.
Praxis 5001 vs 7001
Both Praxis 5001 and 7001 belong to the Praxis Elementary Education test series administered by ETS. These exams assess the foundational knowledge and skills needed for entry-level elementary teaching.
What is the Difference Between Praxis 5001 and 7001 for Elementary Education?
The core difference lies in the reading subtest’s structure and emphasis. Praxis 7001 updates the reading subtest to “Teaching Reading” with a stronger focus on literacy.
Other subject areas remain consistent, with slight variations in timing and question counts.
| Feature | Praxis 5001 | Praxis 7001 |
| Test Series | ETS Praxis Elementary Education test | ETS Praxis Elementary Education test |
| Total Questions | 245 multiple-choice | 225 multiple-choice |
| Reading Subtest | Reading and Language Arts (5002) | Teaching Reading (7002) |
| Mathematics Subtest | Mathematics (5003) | Mathematics (7003) |
| Social Studies Subtest | Social Studies (5004) | Social Studies (7004) |
| Science Subtest | Science (5005) | Science (7005) |
| Reading Subtest Focus | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | Phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, writing |
| Total Testing Time | 4 hrs 35 mins | 4 hrs 35 mins |
Praxis 5001 and 7001 Content and Structure Comparison
In this Praxis exam comparison, the Praxis test format differences show that the subjects tested are the same by name and purpose, but differ slightly in structure and emphasis.
| Subject | Praxis 5001 (Code & Time) | Praxis 7001 (Code & Time) | Notes |
| Reading | 5002 – 80 questions / 90 mins | 7002 – 80 questions / 110 mins | 7001 has a more detailed literacy focus |
| Mathematics | 5003 – 50 questions / 65 mins | 7003 – 40 questions / 55 mins | Same content, fewer questions in 7001 |
| Social Studies | 5004 – 60 questions / 60 mins | 7004 – 55 questions / 55 mins | Content largely the same |
| Science | 5005 – 55 questions / 60 mins | 7005 – 50 questions / 55 mins | Content largely the same |
The updated Praxis 7001 exam reflects modern literacy instruction methods while maintaining core knowledge areas tested in Praxis 5001, maintaining consistency in content across math, social studies, and science.
Overview of Praxis 5001 Exam
The Praxis 5001 exam is officially called the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test. It is designed to measure whether candidates have the broad knowledge needed to begin teaching at the elementary school level.
Because it is a Praxis multiple subjects test, it covers four key subject areas, each with its own subtest.
Praxis 5001 Content Areas
The Praxis 5001 content areas are divided into the following subtests:
- Reading and Language Arts (5002): Focuses on reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Mathematics (5003): Tests knowledge of numbers, algebra, geometry, statistics, and problem-solving.
- Social Studies (5004): Covers history, geography, civics, economics, and cultural studies.
- Science (5005): Includes life science, physical science, Earth/space science, and the nature of science.
Each subject must be passed individually, which means candidates may need to retake only the subtest(s) they did not pass, instead of the entire exam.
The exam uses a multiple-choice format and is designed to evaluate both subject knowledge and readiness for classroom instruction.
Because it is a requirement in many states for elementary education licensure, understanding the structure and preparing for each subject area is key to success.
Praxis 7001 Exam Explained
The Praxis 7001 exam is the updated version of the Praxis Elementary Education test. It is designed to reflect modern teaching standards and better prepare educators for today’s classrooms.
Like the Praxis 5001, it covers four subject areas, but the biggest update is in the reading section, which has been restructured into a new subtest focused on literacy instruction.
Praxis 7001 Scoring and Structure
The Praxis 7001 scoring and structure follows a clear format. The exam includes four separate subtests:
- Teaching Reading (7002)
- Mathematics (7003)
- Social Studies (7004)
- Science (7005)
Each subtest has its own minimum passing score requirement, and candidates must pass all four to complete the exam. Typical state passing scores are approximately:
- Teaching Reading – 129
- Mathematics – 139
- Social Studies – 140
- Science – 144
Keep in mind that these scores vary by state.
Other important details include:
- Scores are based on the number of correct answers—there’s no penalty for guessing.
- Score reports include detailed feedback on each subtest and indicate whether the candidate met state-specific requirements.
- Candidates may retake any subtest they do not pass, usually after a 28-day waiting period.
- The full exam typically costs around $220, with the option to register for individual subtests at a lower cost.
Study Resources for Praxis 7001
Preparation is critical for success. Helpful resources include:
- Praxis 7001 study guide – The official ETS Praxis 7001 study companion with structure, examples, and strategies.
- Praxis 7001 Quizlet – Flashcards and practice sets created by other learners.
- Praxis 7001 practice test – Simulated exams that build familiarity and confidence.
Prepsaret also offers targeted study materials for the Praxis 7001 exam. You can choose a complete that covers materials for all subjects or prepare for specific subtests individually.
- Praxis 7001 exam prep (All subjects)
- Elementary Education: Reading and Language Arts (7002) Prep
- Elementary Education: Mathematics (7003) Prep
- Elementary Education: Social Studies (7004) Prep
- Elementary Education: Science (7005) Prep
Praxis 7002: The Updated Reading Subtest
One important change in the new series is the reading portion. The older exam included the Reading and Language Arts subtest (5002), but in the new version, this has been replaced by Praxis 7002, which focuses specifically on teaching reading.
This subtest emphasizes phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills essential for today’s classrooms.
Praxis 5001 vs 7001 Difficulty Level
Both exams test the same core areas—reading, mathematics, social studies, and science. The main differences are:
- Reading Subtest – Praxis 7001 includes the updated 7002 Teaching Reading subtest, which is more detailed and focused than the broader Reading and Language Arts (5002) section in Praxis 5001.
- Question Count – Praxis 7001 has 225 questions, while Praxis 5001 has 245. Test-takers, however, spend more time on the reading portion in 7001 because of its depth.
- Other Subtests – The math, social studies, and science sections remain very similar in both exams, both in content and difficulty.
- Updated Structure – Praxis 7001 reflects more current teaching practices. While it feels different, it is not necessarily harder than Praxis 5001.
Is Praxis 7001 Replacing Praxis 5001?
Praxis 7001 is gradually replacing Praxis 5001, but only in select states such as Missouri, Louisiana, and Kansas (effective September 2024).
Most other states continue to use Praxis 5001 as their elementary education licensure test. In some cases, states may even allow a combination of passing subtests from both exams to meet certification requirements.
Try Out: Free Praxis 7001 Practice Questions
Differences in Praxis 5001 and 7001 Teacher Certification Requirements
Although both exams measure the essential knowledge needed for elementary teaching, their certification use differs in a few ways:
- Praxis 5001 remains widely accepted across many states as the standard elementary education licensure test.
- Praxis 7001 is newer and includes an updated reading subtest, which is currently mandated or accepted in states such as Missouri, Louisiana, and Kansas.
- Some states allow candidates to combine subtests from both Praxis 5001 and 7001 exams to meet certification requirements.
- For both exams, passing all four subtests is required for full licensure; otherwise, candidates must retake the specific sections they did not pass.
Which Praxis Test Do I Need?
The answer depends on your state and your career plans.
- If you are in Missouri, Louisiana, or Kansas, you may be required to take the Praxis 7001.
- In most other states, Praxis 5001 remains the standard test for elementary education licensure.
- If you plan to teach in multiple states, it is important to check whether subtests from Praxis 5001 and 7001 can be combined or whether your target state requires one specific exam.
In short, the test you need depends on state regulations and where you plan to teach.
Continue Reading: Best Praxis Study Resources
What is the Difference Between Praxis 5001 and 7001 FAQs
Is The Praxis 5001 Hard To Pass?
Praxis 5001 difficulty varies by candidate knowledge. It covers broad elementary subjects; thorough study improves passing chances.
What Is The Passing Score For The Praxis 7001?
Passing scores vary by state, typically around 129-144 per subtest. Always check your state’s exact requirements.
What Is The Score Range For The Praxis 5001?
Scores range from 100 to 200, with passing scores set by each state.
How Do I Convert My Praxis Scores?
Raw correct answers convert to scaled scores (100-200) via ETS scoring tables; scaled scores determine pass/fail status.
Conclusion
The Praxis 5001 and 7001 exams both assess core skills in reading, mathematics, social studies, and science, but differ in structure and state adoption.
Praxis 7001 introduces a more detailed reading subtest, while Praxis 5001 remains widely accepted across states. Your choice depends on certification requirements in your state.
To boost your chances of success, prepare with Prepsaret’s trusted study materials, offering complete packages and individual subtest resources designed to help you pass with confidence.