Praxis 5039 Digital Study Guide

The main difference between Praxis 5038 (English Language Arts: Content Knowledge) and Praxis 5039 (English Language Arts: Content and Analysis) is the test format.

Praxis 5038 consists entirely of selected-response (multiple-choice) questions. It assesses content knowledge in reading, language use and vocabulary, and writing, speaking, and listening.

Praxis 5039 includes both selected-response questions and constructed-response (written) questions. In addition to content knowledge, it requires written analysis. The selected-response section counts for 75% of the total score, and the constructed-response section counts for 25%.

If your state requires a writing or analysis component, you will need to take Praxis 5039.

The Praxis 5039 (English Language Arts: Content and Analysis) exam measures whether prospective secondary English teachers have both the content knowledge and analytical writing skills needed to teach English language arts.

The test is computer-delivered and consists of 130 selected-response questions and 2 constructed-response (written) questions. It is completed in 3 hours: 150 minutes for the selected-response section and 30 minutes for the constructed-response section.

The exam assesses three main content areas:

• Reading
• Language Use and Vocabulary
• Writing, Speaking, and Listening

In addition to multiple-choice questions, the constructed-response section requires you to analyze texts and demonstrate clear, organized written communication.

Most states require a scaled score between 150 and 160, but requirements differ depending on your state’s certification standards. Praxis scores are reported as scaled scores. A scaled score adjusts for slight differences in difficulty between test versions, ensuring fairness across administrations. Because of this scaling process, the number of questions you answer correctly does not directly equal your final reported score.

Always check your state’s Department of Education website to confirm the exact passing score you need. You can access information on passing scores by state on the ETS website.

The Praxis 5039 is generally considered moderately challenging because it assesses both deep content knowledge and analytical writing ability.

Many candidates find it demanding because:

• It requires strong literary and informational text analysis.
• It tests detailed knowledge of grammar, rhetoric, and language conventions.
• The constructed-response section requires clear, organized written analysis under time constraints.
• Time management is critical across both multiple-choice and written tasks.

Candidates with strong backgrounds in literature, composition, and textual analysis typically perform well. Focused preparation aligned with the official test blueprint and practice writing timed analytical responses greatly improve performance.