The main difference between Praxis 5091 (Physical Education: Content Knowledge) and Praxis 5095 (Physical Education: Content and Design) is the test format.

Praxis 5091 consists entirely of selected-response (multiple-choice) questions. It measures content knowledge in physical education, including student growth and development, instruction, assessment, management, and professional responsibilities.

Praxis 5095 includes both selected-response questions and constructed-response (written) questions. In addition to content knowledge, it requires you to complete two written responses focused on instructional design. The selected-response section counts for 75% of the total score, and the constructed-response section counts for 25%.

If your state requires a constructed-response writing component, you will need to take Praxis 5095.

The Praxis 5091 (Physical Education: Content Knowledge) exam measures your professional knowledge of physical education content for teaching at the secondary level. It is designed for candidates who have completed (or are completing) a bachelor’s degree in physical education, exercise science, or a related field.

The test is 2 hours long, includes 120 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions, and is delivered by computer.

You’ll need both strong content knowledge and the ability to apply it in real classroom scenarios.

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 5091 can be challenging because it assesses both content knowledge and professional decision-making.

Many candidates find it difficult because:

• It covers a wide range of topics, from kinesiology to instructional design.
• Questions often require application, not simple recall.
• You must understand how to support student development, not just know sports or fitness concepts.
• It includes terminology from health sciences and education theory.

Candidates with a strong background in physical education coursework typically perform well, but success depends on how well you understand how to teach the content—not just the content itself.