Oct 30 / Dr. Jason Ampel

Praxis 5165 Mathematics Test: Preparation Guide

Praxis exams are tests that people take to become teachers in the United States. Many colleges and universities use these exams to ensure future teachers have the knowledge and skills to teach students. 

There are different Praxis exams, each for different subjects or grade levels. The Praxis 5165 is one of these exams. It focuses on mathematics and is designed for aspiring secondary school (grades 6-12) math teachers.  

The exam tests your understanding of math concepts like algebra, geometry, and statistics and how well you can explain them to students.

Passing this exam is a critical step in becoming a certified mathematics teacher. It’s also often used as a requirement for state licensure and entry into teacher preparation programs. 

Many states and educational institutions rely on the Praxis 5165 as part of their certification process to ensure teachers meet national standards.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Praxis 5165 exam, including what topics it covers, how to prepare, and tips for passing.

About Praxis 5165

The Praxis 5165 Mathematics Test is part of the Praxis Subject Assessments. It helps measure how well future teachers know math and how they can teach it to students.

This exam evaluates your understanding of important math concepts and how you explain them to students. It not only tests your math skills but also makes sure you can teach students in a simple way so they can understand tough math topics.

The exam tests two main areas: 

  1. Math content knowledge (75%)
  2. Teaching math (25%)


The majority of the test focuses on how well you know math in different areas, including:

  •    Number & Quantity: Understanding the properties of numbers, ratios, and proportions, and their applications.
  •    Algebra: Knowledge of algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, and their real-world applications.
  •    Functions: Understanding the concept of functions and their representations in various forms, including linear, quadratic, and exponential functions.
  •    Calculus: Basic calculus concepts, including limits, derivatives, integrals, and their applications in real-world contexts.
  •    Geometry: Mastery of geometric concepts such as shapes, theorems, properties of figures, and spatial reasoning.
  •    Statistics & Probability: Understanding of data analysis, probability theory, and the use of statistical tools to interpret data.


The remainder of the exam focuses on how you use your math knowledge in teaching. It tests how you present math lessons, solve problems, and handle common student mistakes.

To do well on the Praxis 5165, we suggest you take key college math courses, such as:

  •    MAT 182: College Algebra
  •    MAT 207: Probability and Statistics
  •    MAT 222: Calculus
  •    IMAT 343: Linear Algebra
  •    MAT 375: Geometry


These courses will prepare you to succeed in both the math content and teaching parts of the Praxis 5165 exam.

Praxis 5165 Format

The Praxis 5165 Mathematics Test consists of 66 selected-response questions designed to assess a candidate's understanding of mathematical content and teaching abilities. 

The exam is computer-delivered, and test-takers are given a total of 3 hours to complete.

The questions on the Praxis 5165 exam come in various formats, designed to evaluate content knowledge and practical application skills. You can expect to encounter the following types of questions:

  •    Drag-and-drop: Candidates may need to rearrange or categorize information by dragging and dropping elements into the correct position.
  •    Single-selection multiple-choice: Traditional multiple-choice questions where one answer is selected from several options.
  •    Drop-down: Candidates choose an answer by selecting from a drop-down menu.
  •    Numeric entry: Test-takers are required to input a numerical value as the answer.
  •    Sentence selection: Candidates select a sentence from a passage or mathematical explanation to answer the question.
  •    Hot spot: Candidates click on specific areas of a graphic or image to identify a correct answer.


The exam is divided into four content categories, each containing questions that evaluate the test-taker’s proficiency in various mathematical domains. 

These content categories align with the major topics in the mathematical curriculum, ensuring that prospective teachers are well-prepared to educate students in these areas.

Praxis 5165 Content Areas

As mentioned above, the Praxis 5165 Mathematics Test is divided into four content areas, each covering essential topics in mathematics that are key for teaching at the secondary level. 

These areas assess your knowledge of mathematical concepts and your ability to apply them effectively in teaching situations. 

Below is a breakdown of the four content areas:

I Number & Quantity and Algebra

In this section of the Praxis 5165 exam, you’ll be tested on two important areas: Number & Quantity and Algebra. This section is approximately 30% of the entire exam and has 20 questions.

  •    Number & Quantity (7 questions): This part focuses on your understanding of numbers, ratios, and proportions. You need to know how to work with different types of numbers, like whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. You should also understand how to solve problems that involve ratios, proportions, and real-world situations.
  •    Algebra (13 questions): In this area, you’ll be tested on algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities. You need to know how to simplify expressions, solve different types of equations, and work with inequalities. This part also tests how well you can apply algebra to solve real-life problems.

II. Functions and Calculus

The Functions and Calculus category of the Praxis 5165 exam has a total of 20 questions and also covers 30% of the entire exam.

  •    Functions (13 questions): You need to know what functions are and how to work with them. This includes understanding how to represent functions in different forms, such as graphs, tables, or equations. You'll work with different types of functions, like linear, quadratic, and exponential, and solve problems related to them.
  •    Calculus (7 questions): This part covers the basics of calculus. You’ll be tested on concepts like limits, derivatives, and integrals.

III. Geometry

In the Geometry section of the Praxis 5165 exam, you encounter 13 questions covering approximately 20% of the exam.

Questions you may find include:

  •    Theorems and proofs: This part also covers important geometric theorems, like the Pythagorean theorem, and how to use them to solve problems. You’ll need to be able to prove geometric relationships and apply these proofs to real-world situations.
  •    Shapes and figures: You need to know about different shapes, like triangles, circles, and polygons, as well as their properties, such as angles, lengths, and areas.
  •    Spatial reasoning: You’ll also be tested on how well you can think about objects in space, including visualizing shapes and solving problems that involve three-dimensional figures.

IV. Statistics & Probability

The fourth and final category of the Praxis 5165 exam has a total of 13 questions and is 20% of the entire exam.

  •     Statistics: This part covers how to collect, organize, and analyze data. You need to know how to create graphs, calculate averages (mean, median, mode), and understand concepts like variability and standard deviation. You’ll also be asked to interpret data from charts or graphs and use statistical tools to make decisions.
  •    Probability: This section focuses on understanding the likelihood of events. You’ll work with basic probability rules, calculate the probabilities of single or multiple events, and solve problems involving chance and risk.


Together, these categories cover the Praxis 5165 Mathematics test and form the foundation for effective math instruction at the middle and high school levels.

Praxis 5165 Registration

To register for the Praxis 5165 Mathematics Test, you must create an account with the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the Praxis exams. 

The registration process is straightforward and can be completed online through your ETS account.

Once your account is created, you can submit your application to take the exam by following these steps:

  1.    Choose whether you’d like to take the exam in a testing center or opt for the at-home testing option (if available).
  2.    Select a convenient test center based on your location, or choose a date for at-home testing. Be sure to pick a date that aligns with your preparation schedule.
  3.    You must pay the exam fee of $130 when you complete your registration through the ETS website.


Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive confirmation of your test date and instructions on how to prepare for the exam day. We recommend reviewing all testing policies and ensuring you meet the technical requirements if opting for the at-home test.

Praxis 5165 Scoring Criteria

Your score on the Praxis 5165 Mathematics Test is determined by the number of questions you answer correctly, known as your raw score. This raw score is then transformed into a scaled score, which is the final score you will receive.

The passing scaled score can vary slightly depending on the state where you take the exam, but it is typically around 159. 

Note: Your official results will be available approximately five weeks after completing the test.

How to Prepare for Praxis 5165

Preparing for the Praxis 5165 Mathematics Test requires a strategic study plan covering content knowledge and test-taking strategies. 

Here are some tips and resources to help you prepare effectively:

  •    Use ETS preparation materials: The ETS provides resources designed to help test-takers prepare for the Praxis 5165. These include official study guides and practice tests that mirror the actual exam format. Utilize them to help you understand what to expect and focus your study efforts on the most important content.
  •    Create a study plan: A well-organized study plan can keep you on track as you prepare for the exam. Start by setting a schedule that covers each content area thoroughly, and allocate more time to areas where you feel less confident. Aim to review every topic at least once and set aside time for full-length practice exams.
  •    Join a study group: Studying with others can provide motivation, new perspectives, and collaborative problem-solving opportunities. A study group can help you clarify difficult concepts and reinforce your learning through discussion. The Learning Liaisons provide access to study groups for candidates taking Praxis exams.
  •    Find a mentor: Seek guidance from someone who has already taken the Praxis 5165 or has experience teaching math. A mentor can offer personalized advice, help you focus on critical areas, and share valuable test-taking strategies. You can find a mentor by enrolling in a test preparation course.
  •    Use flashcards: Create flashcards for key mathematical terms, formulas, and concepts. Flashcards are a great way to review regularly and reinforce your memory.

Additional Resources

In addition to the tips above, here are more resources to aid in your preparation:
  •    Reddit: This subreddit is a supportive online community where teachers connect and share information. Teachers ask questions, seek advice, and share experiences related to the Praxis tests and other topics. You can also use this platform to connect with others who are preparing for the Praxis exams. You can share resources, discuss study strategies, and even form study groups. 
  •    MathisFun.com: This website offers simple, easy-to-understand explanations of mathematical concepts, from basic number operations to advanced calculus. It’s an excellent resource for breaking down difficult topics.
  •    YouTube: This YouTube channel offers helpful video tutorials focused on test-taking strategies for the Praxis and other exams. The channel features a variety of videos that cover essential tips and techniques to help you perform better on your tests.
  •    Purplemath: Purplemath provides free math lessons and practice problems. It focuses on explaining algebra and other topics. The website is a great resource for clarifying areas that might be challenging.


Pro Tip: When you feel ready, simulate test conditions by taking a full-length practice exam in a quiet environment, adhering strictly to the time limit of 3 hours. This will help you get comfortable with the pacing of the exam and manage your time effectively on test day.

When You Pass the Praxis 5165 Mathematics Test

When you pass the Praxis 5165 exam, you’ll have completed a major step toward becoming a secondary school math teacher. 

You need to prepare adequately to boost your confidence and improve your chances of passing the exam.

If you're looking for expert guidance to ensure your success, consider enrolling with The Learning Liaisons. Our programs are designed to help you master the material and guarantee a pass on your Praxis exam. 

Don’t wait any longer—take the first step towards your teaching career today and become a successful secondary school math teacher.