In this blog post, we’re diving into the key differences between the Praxis Elementary Education 5001 and the Praxis Elementary Education 7001 exams. Both are created by ETS and are designed to assess the knowledge and skills of aspiring elementary education teachers, but there are important distinctions you need to know—especially if you’re preparing for certification.
The Structure of the Elementary Education 5001
The Praxis Elementary Education 5001 has been the go-to certification exam in many states. It’s broken into four subtests that cover the core content areas taught in elementary classrooms:
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Reading and Language Arts (5002)
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Foundational reading skills: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
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Writing process, grammar, speaking, listening, and presentation.
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Includes scenario-based questions where you must choose the best instructional strategies.
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Mathematics (5003)
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Straightforward math problems ranging from basic computation to algebraic concepts such as slope-intercept.
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Requires strong problem-solving skills.
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Social Studies (5004)
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U.S. history, civics, geography, economics, and world history.
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Heavy on content recall—expect to review material you may not have studied since school.
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Science (5005)
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Earth/space science: volcanoes, stars, planets, earth systems.
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Physical science: atoms, molecules, energy, simple machines.
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Life science: cells, ecosystems, food webs, organisms.
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This test is widely used across the country, though some states require an additional Teaching Reading (5205) exam to more explicitly measure your knowledge of the science of reading.
The Introduction of the Elementary Education 7001
To streamline the process, some states have adopted the Praxis Elementary Education 7001, which is nearly identical to the 5001 with one big difference:
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Instead of the Reading and Language Arts subtest (5002), the 7001 incorporates the Teaching Reading exam content—but without the constructed response portion (no essays).
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This means candidates don’t need to take a separate Teaching Reading test, saving time, money, and stress.
States that recently adopted the 7001 (such as Louisiana) often phase it in slowly, allowing both exams to run for a time before fully transitioning.
Why the 7001 Might Be the Better Option
If your state gives you the choice between the 5001 and the 7001, here are a few reasons the 7001 could be the smarter route:
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Eliminates the extra Teaching Reading test – No need to prepare for or pay for a separate exam.
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No constructed response writing – The essay portion of the 5205 is considered challenging, so skipping it is a big advantage.
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Potentially easier cut scores – Newly adopted exams often have “soft” cut scores in the early phase, which may give you a better chance of passing.
Study Materials: Do You Need Both?
If you’ve already purchased study materials for the Praxis 5001, don’t panic. The only real difference is in the first subtest. You can still use your 5001 prep book and simply supplement with free resources on the science of teaching reading (such as phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension).
No need to buy a brand-new book—the overlap is significant. A good approach is to use your current materials and then add in videos, webinars, or targeted practice for the Teaching Reading component.
Both exams assess your readiness to teach the four major content areas in elementary education. The main distinction lies in how reading instruction is tested:
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5001: Reading and Language Arts + (in some states) a separate Teaching Reading exam.
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7001: Reading replaced with Teaching Reading content, no essay required.
If you have the option, the Praxis 7001 may save you time, money, and stress while still fully preparing you for the classroom.
📺 Want the full breakdown with tips and examples? Watch the video and get ready to pass your exam with confidence 📺