The PRAXIS Study Companion - Biology - 5236 - Test Overview

Sep 29, 2026

The PRAXIS Biology test (5236) is designed to measure the science knowledge and teaching competencies needed for beginning biology practice. The exam uses 150 selected-response questions delivered by computer over 2.5 hours. Content spans five domains: Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering; Cell Biology; Genetics and Evolution; Diversity of Life; and Ecology. Over 40% of items integrate Science and Engineering Practices, and about 25% require applying biology content within teaching tasks, using content aligned to DCIs and SEPs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages54

Reading Time2 h 16 min

AccessFree to download

Biology (5236)

Test at a Glance

About The Test

Content Topics

Discussion Questions

Science and Engineering Practices

Tasks of Teaching Science

Biology (5236) Sample Test Questions

Biology (5236) Answers

Understanding Question Types

General Assistance For The Test

Praxis Interactive Practice Test

The PRAXIS® Study Companion Biology (5236) [www.ets.org/praxis](www.ets.org/praxis) The Praxis􀂣 Study Companion Table of Contents Biology (5236) .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Test at a Glance .....................................................................................................................................................3 About The Test ......................................................................................................................................................4 Content Topics ......................................................................................................................................................5 Discussion Questions .............................................................................................................................................5 Science and Engineering Practices ......................................................................................................................17 Tasks of Teaching Science ...................................................................................................................................21 Biology (5236) Sample Test Questions ..............................................................................................23 Biology (5236) Answers .......................................................................................................................................35 Understanding Question Types..........................................................................................................49 Understanding Selected-Response and Numeric-Entry Questions .....................................................................49 Understanding Constructed-Response Questions ..............................................................................................50 General Assistance For The Test ........................................................................................................ 52 Praxis® Interactive Practice Test ..........................................................................................................................52 Doing Your Best ...................................................................................................................................................52 Helpful Links ........................................................................................................................................................52 The Praxis􀂣 Study Companion Biology (5236) Test at a Glance The Praxis® Biology test is designed to measure knowledge and competencies important for safe and effective beginning practice as a teacher of biology. Test takers have typically completed a bachelor’s degree program with appropriate coursework in biology and education. | Test Name | Biology | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Test Code | 5236 | | | | Time | 2.5 hours | | | | Number of Questions | 150 selected-response questions | | | | Format | The test consists of a variety of selected-response questions, where you select one or more answer choices, and other types of questions. You can review the possible question types in“Understanding Question Types.” | | | | Test Delivery | Computer Delivered | | | |
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V.
II. IV.
III. | Content Categories | Approximate
Number of
Questions | Approximate
Percentage
of
Examination | | | I. Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering | 19 | 13% | | | II. Cell Biology: Cell Structure and Function | 33 | 22% | | | III. Genetics and Evolution | 39 | 26% | | | IV. Diversity of Life and Organismal Biology | 30 | 20% | | | V. Ecology: Organisms and Environments | 29 | 19% | | | All questions assess content from the above Biology domains. More than 40 percent of questions integrate a Sc

FAQs

What does the PRAXIS Biology test (5236) measure?

It measures biology knowledge and competencies important for safe and effective beginning practice as a biology teacher, including concepts and teaching-related application.

How is the test structured and delivered?

The test contains 150 selected-response questions and is computer delivered, with a total testing time of 2.5 hours.

Which content domains are covered in Biology (5236)?

The five domains are Nature and Impact of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution, Diversity of Life and Organismal Biology, and Ecology: Organisms and Environments.

Sep 29, 2026

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