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Praxis Practice Questions

Biology Praxis Practice Questions

Praxis Biology: Content Knowledge (5236)Practice with free biology praxis practice test questions covering the five major content areas - molecular and cellular biology, genetics and evolution, organisms, ecology, and science methodology. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you actually understand the reasoning, not just the right answer.

150
Total Questions
2 hours 30 minutes
Time Limit
150 (varies by state)
Passing Score
$130
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 280+ Biology Praxis practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

During which phase of mitosis do the sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell?

AA) Prophase
BB) Metaphase
CC) Anaphase
DD) Telophase
2

In a cross between two heterozygous pea plants (Rr x Rr), where R represents the dominant allele for round seeds and r represents the recessive allele for wrinkled seeds, what is the expected phenotypic ratio of the offspring?

AA) 1 round : 1 wrinkled
BB) 2 round : 1 wrinkled
CC) 3 round : 1 wrinkled
DD) 4 round : 0 wrinkled
3

Which of the following best describes the concept of genetic drift?

AA) A change in allele frequencies due to non-random mating patterns within a population
BB) A random change in allele frequencies that is most pronounced in small populations
CC) The movement of individuals from one population to another, altering allele frequencies
DD) The process by which organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
4

In a freshwater lake ecosystem, a toxic pesticide is introduced that bioaccumulates in organisms. Which trophic level would be expected to have the highest concentration of the pesticide?

AA) Phytoplankton (primary producers)
BB) Zooplankton (primary consumers)
CC) Small fish (secondary consumers)
DD) Large predatory fish (tertiary consumers)
5

A researcher designs an experiment to test whether a new fertilizer increases tomato plant growth. She grows 30 plants with the fertilizer and 30 plants without it, keeping all other conditions identical. The group of plants grown without the fertilizer is best described as the:

AA) Independent variable
BB) Dependent variable
CC) Control group
DD) Experimental hypothesis

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About the Biology Praxis

Format & Structure

Total Questions
150
Time Limit
2 hours 30 minutes
Format
Selected-response (multiple choice)

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
150 (varies by state)
Registration Fee
$130

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Praxis 5236 Biology: Content Knowledge test?

The Praxis 5236 is an ETS-developed assessment that measures a candidate's knowledge of fundamental biology concepts. It's required for biology teaching licensure in many states. The test covers topics like molecular and cellular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the nature of science - basically the core content you'd be expected to teach in a secondary biology classroom.

How many questions are on the Biology Praxis, and how long do I have?

The Biology Praxis 5236 has 150 selected-response (multiple choice) questions, and you get 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete them. That works out to about one minute per question, so you'll want to pace yourself carefully. Don't spend too long on any single question - flag it and come back if you need to.

What score do I need to pass the Biology Praxis?

Passing scores vary by state, but 150 is one of the most common cut scores you'll see. Some states set theirs a bit higher or lower. You should check your specific state's Department of Education website or the ETS Praxis page to confirm the exact passing score required for your licensure.

What topics does the Praxis 5236 cover?

The Biology Praxis covers five main content areas: Molecular and Cellular Biology (about 28%), Genetics and Evolution (about 22%), Biological Classification and Organisms (about 20%), Ecology (about 16%), and Science, Technology, and Social Perspectives (about 14%). Molecular and cellular biology gets the heaviest weighting, so it's probably where you should focus a good chunk of your study time.

How much does it cost to take the Biology Praxis?

The registration fee for the Praxis 5236 is $130 as of 2026. Keep in mind there may be extra fees for things like late registration, changing your test date, or additional score reports beyond the initial ones included. Some teacher preparation programs or school districts will reimburse the cost, so it's worth asking around before you pay out of pocket.

Can I use a calculator on the Biology Praxis?

Yes - an on-screen, four-function calculator is provided during the Praxis 5236. You won't be allowed to bring your own calculator, but the built-in one handles basic arithmetic. That said, don't rely on it too heavily. Most of the math on the biology test is fairly straightforward - things like ratios, percentages, and simple data interpretation.

How should I study for the Biology Praxis 5236?

Start by taking a biology praxis practice test to figure out which content areas need the most attention. Then focus your study time there - no sense drilling ecology if you've already got it down and genetics is giving you trouble. Review your college-level biology textbook or lecture notes, and make sure you're comfortable with lab techniques and experimental design. Lots of people underestimate how many questions deal with science practices and methodology.

How often can I retake the Biology Praxis if I don't pass?

You need to wait at least 28 days before retaking the Praxis 5236. There's no limit on total attempts, but you'll pay the full registration fee each time. If you didn't pass, take an honest look at your score report - ETS breaks it down by content category so you can see exactly where to improve before your next attempt.

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