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Praxis English Language Arts 5038 Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

A real reference for anyone preparing for the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) — ETS exam — pass rate, retake policy, how it's scored, and a practical study timeline. This is independent reference content, not a sales page: everything below is sourced from Praxis English Language Arts 5038's own certifying body.

What the Praxis English Language Arts 5038 exam is

The ETS test page for 5038 lists 130 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes, computer delivered, with a variety of selected-response questions where you select one or more answer choices; the portal mock uses 130 questions and 150 minutes. The test has three content categories: Reading (including literature) 38 percent, Language Use and Vocabulary 25 percent, and Writing, Speaking, and Listening 37 percent. This test may contain some questions that will not count toward your score; the portal uses four-option multiple choice only.

Why it matters

Many states use Praxis 5038 as part of secondary English teacher licensure, so a passing result on the state’s required score is a step toward a classroom license.

Who this exam is for

English education candidates and career changers preparing for Praxis 5038.

Pass rate

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

If you don't pass — retake policy

ETS lets you retake a Praxis test after a waiting period and a limited number of times per year; confirm the current rule on the ETS site before you re-register.

How it's scored

ETS does not set one national passing score for the Praxis tests; each state or agency sets its own required score, so confirm yours. The mock shows a percent score only as a rough self-check. Format: 130 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes; the portal mock uses the same question count and time with four-option multiple choice only. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

Format at a glance

Format: 130 selected-response and numeric-entry questions · 2 hours 30 minutes · computer delivered · passing score set by state or agency
Real exam cost: $130 (ETS Praxis 5038 test page); confirm the current fee before you register

The ETS test page for 5038 lists 130 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes, computer delivered, with a variety of selected-response questions where you select one or more answer choices; the portal mock uses 130 questions and 150 minutes. The test has three content categories: Reading (including literature) 38 percent, Language Use and Vocabulary 25 percent, and Writing, Speaking, and Listening 37 percent. This test may contain some questions that will not count toward your score; the portal uses four-option multiple choice only. 130 selected-response and numeric-entry questions · 2 hours 30 minutes · computer delivered · passing score set by state or agency. ETS does not set one national passing score for the Praxis tests; each state or agency sets its own required score, so confirm yours. The mock shows a percent score only as a rough self-check.

  • Reading38%
  • Language Use and Vocabulary25%
  • Writing, Speaking, and Listening37%

Full eligibility requirements and everything the Praxis English Language Arts 5038 study portal includes is on the Praxis English Language Arts 5038 product page.

What each domain actually tests

The content outline spreads questions across 3 areas: Reading (38.0%); Language Use and Vocabulary (25.0%); Writing, Speaking, and Listening (37.0%).

Eligibility requirements, in full

ETS does not decide who may test; your state licensing agency decides which Praxis tests and scores it requires. Confirm the test code and the required scores for your state first.

What it actually costs

ETS lists $130 for 5038. Additional score reports and rescheduling may carry extra fees, so check the ETS fee page.

Keeping the credential — maintenance & recertification

License renewal and further testing are set by your state agency, not by ETS; check your state for what applies after you pass.

How to actually prepare

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Reading (38.0%); Writing, Speaking, and Listening (37.0%); Language Use and Vocabulary (25.0%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 130 questions in one sitting.

What's changing (2026)

This guide follows the ETS Praxis 5038 test page and study companion; ETS and states update requirements, so check praxis.ets.org before you register.

Want a full practice question bank built around this exact format?

See the Praxis English Language Arts 5038 study portal

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