Teaching & Education • Exam
Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)
Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) — Education & Teaching credential from ETS
Researched and maintained by TestPrepPilot Editorial BoardTeacher licensure & education certifications desk · Figures last verified August 2026
The short version
What is the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) and is it worth it?
Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) is a professional credential administered by ETS. It validates job-ready knowledge and skills in the Education & Teaching field and is used for career entry, advancement, or compliance.
- Recognized credential from ETS
- Demonstrates verified competence in Education & Teaching
- Supports career advancement and may satisfy licensing or employer requirements
What is it?
What exactly is the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)?
Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) — Education & Teaching credential from ETS
Secondary English content test covering reading of literature and informational texts, language use, writing, speaking and listening. Offered by ETS, it is designed for candidates who need to demonstrate verified competence in the Education & Teaching field. The credential is commonly used for career entry, advancement, regulatory compliance, or employer requirements. Candidates should review the official handbook for eligibility, exam format, and scoring before registering.
The path in brief
- Confirm you meet any eligibility or prerequisites
- Review the official handbook and study materials
- Register and pay through the awarding body or authorized provider
- Schedule and take the exam (test center or online proctoring)
- Receive your score and, if passed, your credential
Before you book
Who is eligible to sit the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)?
Eligibility varies; many credentials are open to all, while others require coursework, work experience, or sponsorship.
Who it is for: Professionals and candidates seeking to validate Education & Teaching competence.
The test itself
What is the format of the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)?
The Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) is administered by ETS and runs Computer-based exam.
| Administered by | ETS |
|---|---|
| Questions | Selected-response items |
| Time limit | Computer-based exam |
| Pass mark | Passing score set by the awarding body; see the official score report |
| Exam fee | Varies by location and currency — confirm on the official registration page |
| Format | Proctored, computer-based (test center or online remote proctoring) |
Content outline
What topics are on the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)?
The Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) covers 4 content domains.
Weightings come from the official exam outline. Study time is best allocated in roughly these proportions rather than evenly across domains.
- Subject content
Topic area tested on the exam; see the official blueprint for the detailed breakdown.
- Instruction & pedagogy
Topic area tested on the exam; see the official blueprint for the detailed breakdown.
- Assessment
Topic area tested on the exam; see the official blueprint for the detailed breakdown.
- Classroom management
Topic area tested on the exam; see the official blueprint for the detailed breakdown.
Study materials
Which study guide should you use for the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)?
Start with the exam sponsor's official content outline. If you also want one structured resource to work through, these are the Mometrix titles that match this exam.
This links to Mometrix's Praxis subject-test range rather than a single Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) title. Check that it lists an edition for Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) before you buy.
Affiliate links We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Mometrix has no say in what our exam guides cover. How we make money.
The path
How do you register for the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)?
- 1
Read your state requirements page20 minutes
Open hiset.org and select your state or jurisdiction. Age minimums, residency rules, whether you must enrol in an adult education programme first, and the exact fees are all set locally.
- 2
Create a myHiSET account15 minutes
Sign up through the state requirements page to generate your HiSET number, which you need for scheduling, score access and any state paperwork.
- 3
Take the official practice tests1 to 2 hours per subtest
HiSET publishes free and low-cost official practice tests for each subtest. Unlike the GED at-home route, HiSET does not require a practice-test pass before you can schedule.
- 4
Schedule subtests one at a time10 minutes each
Book any of the five subtests in any order, on paper or computer at a test centre or through HiSET@Home online proctoring where your state allows it.
- 5
Test with valid photo ID65 to 120 minutes per subtest
Bring a current government-issued photo ID showing your name, date of birth, signature and photograph. At-home testers need a private room, a webcam and a stable connection.
- 6
Check scores and claim your credential1 to 2 weeks
Multiple-choice results typically post within about five to seven days and essay results within about seven to ten days. Once all five subtests pass, your state issues the credential.
The fine print
What are the retake and renewal rules for the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)?
- Proctoring & delivery
- HiSET is offered in three ways: paper-based at a test centre, computer-based at a test centre and HiSET@Home under live online proctoring, with availability depending on the state. Calculators and formula sheets are supplied at test centres. The full battery in English or Spanish is permitted, and several states allow candidates to mix languages across subtests.
- Retake policy
- Retake rules are set per state, but a common pattern allows three attempts per subtest in a calendar year, sometimes extending to six. Several states use a favourable pricing structure in which the full fee is charged only on the first and fourth attempts while the second and third cost only the test centre or proctor fee.
- Score reporting
- Each of the five subtests is scored 1 to 20. To pass you must score at least 8 on every subtest, at least 2 out of 6 on the Language Arts Writing essay, and at least 45 out of 100 in total across the five. A score of 15 or higher on a subtest is treated as HiSET honours-level performance in several states.
- Recertification
- The credential a state issues on the strength of a passing HiSET battery is permanent and needs no renewal. Passing subtest scores are carried forward within a state-defined window while you complete the remaining subjects.
- Refunds & rescheduling
- Refund and reschedule windows are administered by PSI and vary by state and test centre; most centres require cancellation at least 24 hours before the appointment. Registering by phone rather than online attracts an additional fee in some states.
Context
HiSET subtests at a glance
| Subtest | Questions | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Arts - Reading | About 40 to 50 multiple choice | 65 minutes | |
| Language Arts - Writing | About 50 multiple choice plus 1 essay | 120 minutes | |
| Mathematics | About 50 multiple choice | 90 minutes | |
| Science | About 50 multiple choice | 80 minutes | |
| Social Studies | About 50 multiple choice | 70 minutes |
What it pays
How much does this credential pay?
$64,580 median for high school teachers (BLS, May 2024)
The Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) is the English-subject licensure gate for secondary teachers in many states, and the wage question belongs to the occupation you enter with it: teaching. The closest official BLS occupation is High School Teachers, SOC 25-2031, which had a May 2024 median wage of $64,580, with the lowest 10 percent under $47,460 and the highest 10 percent above $107,520. BLS counted 1,084,100 high school teacher jobs in 2024 and projects 1 percent growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 65,300 openings a year, almost all replacement demand. Read the median with the standard teacher-market caveats: pay is set by district salary schedules, varies enormously by state, and the exam itself carries no wage premium. The honest framing: the 5038 is a subject-content licensure gate, and the benchmark it unlocks is the English-teacher wage in your specific state and district, not a national figure that applies everywhere.
| Measure | Figure | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage, high school teachers | $64,580 | BLS OOH, SOC 25-2031, May 2024 |
| Lowest 10 percent | Under $47,460 | BLS OOH, SOC 25-2031, May 2024 |
| Highest 10 percent | Above $107,520 | BLS OOH, SOC 25-2031, May 2024 |
| Projected openings per year | ~65,300 | BLS OOH, SOC 25-2031, 2024-2034 |
Job growth.BLS projects 1 percent growth for high school teachers from 2024 to 2034, about 65,300 openings per year, mostly replacement demand.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - High School Teachers
Your odds
What are the pass rates?
ETS does not publish a single national pass rate — it publishes scaled scores, and each state sets its own passing line
ETS does not publish one national pass rate for the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038), and any single percentage you see online is a state-specific report or a third-party estimate, so we do not present one as authoritative. What ETS does publish is the reporting model: the 5038 produces a scaled score, and the passing score is set by each state education agency — the same exam has different pass lines in different states, which is exactly why no national pass rate exists. Your target is your state's published passing score, which you should look up before you study. The exam itself is a computer-based test of selected-response questions built on the content categories: reading (literary analysis of prose, poetry and drama); language use and vocabulary (grammar, usage and word knowledge); writing (the writing process, modes and the research skills); and the teaching and assessment of English language arts. Because state cut scores typically sit in the low-to-mid 160s scaled range for this exam, a candidate who covers all the content categories clears the line in most states — but verify your state's number, because the margin changes with it.
Read this before quoting the number.ETS reports scaled scores and each state sets its own passing score; there is no single national pass rate to quote.
Source: ETS - Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)
Your schedule
How long should I study for it?
40-60 hours over 3-4 weeks of focused study
The Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) is a computer-based exam of selected-response questions built on the ETS content categories: reading (literary analysis), language use and vocabulary, writing, and the teaching and assessment of ELA. A defensible plan runs 40 to 60 hours over three to four weeks. Week one: the reading category — the literary analysis of prose, poetry and drama, the literary terms and the major works and authors, because the exam tests both analysis and literary knowledge. Week two: language use and vocabulary — grammar, usage, the sentence structure and the vocabulary-in-context items, drilling the error-recognition patterns. Week three: writing and the teaching category — the writing process, the modes of writing and the research skills, plus the teaching-and-assessment content. Week four: two timed practice exams and targeted review of the weak categories. The plan is category-balanced because the exam draws from all four areas; candidates who study only the literature they enjoy miss the language and writing items.
- Week 114
Reading and literature
- Literary analysis of prose, poetry and drama
- Literary terms and devices
- Major works and authors
- Week 214
Language use and vocabulary
- Grammar, usage and sentence structure
- Vocabulary in context
- Error-recognition drilling
- Week 312
Writing and teaching
- The writing process and modes
- Research skills
- Teaching and assessment of ELA
- Week 412
Practice and review
- Two timed practice exams
- Review weak categories
- Schedule the exam
Adjusting the pace
English teacher in practice.The literature content is familiar; focus study on the language-use and teaching categories and the exam format.
Recent English degree.The content knowledge is fresh; focus study on the exam style and the teaching category.
How to study
How do I prepare most effectively?
The 5038 rewards broad English-content knowledge, so the dominant strategy is category-balanced coverage: the exam draws from reading, language use, writing and the teaching category, and candidates who study only the literature they enjoy miss the language and writing items. Second, master the literary-analysis skills — the terms, the devices and the analysis of prose, poetry and drama — because the reading category is the largest. Third, drill the language-use material: grammar, usage and the vocabulary-in-context items are a distinct category with precise patterns. Fourth, cover the writing and the teaching-and-assessment content deliberately, a category that literature-focused candidates often under-prepare. Finally, use the ETS Study Companion as the scope map and its sample questions for the item style, and look up your state's passing score early so practice targets sit above it.
Balance the four categories
Literature-only study misses the language and writing items.
Master literary analysis
Terms, devices and the analysis of the genres are the largest category.
Drill the language-use items
Grammar, usage and vocabulary are a distinct precise category.
Cover writing and teaching
A category literature-focused candidates under-prepare.
Target your state's cut score
Look up your state's passing line and aim practice above it.
What to buy
Which study resources are worth paying for?
Praxis 5038 prep is inexpensive because ETS publishes the authoritative materials at low or no cost. The free Study Companion lists the content categories and provides sample questions. ETS also sells the official study product (roughly $20-$50). Third-party ELA content guides ($20-$60) and question banks ($20-$80) add volume; an English-literature reference can supplement the literary content. Free resources include the Study Companion and the state department-of-education pages. The exam fee is roughly $130-$156 (confirm at ets.org/praxis). Prices below are list prices as of mid-2026 and change frequently; we rank nothing by commission.
| Resource | Price | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETS Study Companion (5038) | Free | Official PDF | The authoritative scope and sample items |
| ETS official study product | $20-$50 | Online practice questions | Official item-style practice |
| ELA content guides | $20-$60 | Printed or digital book | Structured content review |
| Question banks | $20-$80 | Online practice items | Selected-response volume |
| State DOE requirement pages | Free | Official state resources | Your state's passing score and rules |
List prices as of mid-2026, subject to change; the 5038 exam fee is roughly $130-$156; no commission or affiliate ranking is implied.
Avoid these
What mistakes do candidates most often make?
The most common 5038 mistake is studying only the literature: candidates with an English background focus on the literary content they enjoy and miss the language-use and writing items, which are distinct categories. The fix is category-balanced coverage. The second mistake is treating the language-use material as easy and skipping the grammar drilling; the error-recognition items are precise and cost points. Third, candidates under-prepare the teaching-and-assessment category, treating it as secondary when it is tested. Fourth, some candidates never take a timed practice exam and misjudge the format. Finally, candidates who do not look up their state's passing score study toward a vague target; the state cut line is the number that matters.
✕Studying literature only
✓Cover all four categories; language and writing are distinct.
✕Skipping the grammar drilling
✓The language-use items are precise; drill the patterns.
✕Under-preparing the teaching category
✓A tested category; cover the teaching and assessment content.
✕Never timing a practice exam
✓Run two timed practice exams before the real one.
✕Ignoring your state's cut score
✓Find your state's passing line and target practice above it.
What you'll face
What question types will I see?
The 5038 is a computer-based exam of selected-response questions built on the content categories: reading (literary analysis), language use and vocabulary, writing, and the teaching and assessment of ELA. The items test literary terms and analysis, grammar and usage, vocabulary in context, and the writing and teaching concepts. Samples below are editor-written illustrations of the ETS content categories, not live exam items; they show the English-content style of the real items.
Prose, poetry and drama analysis with the literary terms.
Grammar, usage and vocabulary in context.
The writing process and the teaching of ELA.
Try these
Q1Which literary device is used in the phrase "the wind whispered through the trees"?
Answer:A
Personification gives human qualities (whispering) to a non-human thing (the wind). A simile uses "like" or "as", alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds, and hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration.
Q2Choose the sentence with correct usage:
Answer:A
"Me" is the objective-case pronoun for the object of the preposition "to" — "to Sarah and me". "I" is the subjective case, and "myself" is reflexive, both incorrect here.
Q3In a research-based argument essay, the purpose of citing sources is primarily to:
Answer:A
Citations support claims with evidence and acknowledge sources — the purpose of research-based writing. Length, quantity or replacing the writer's own analysis each misstate the citation's role.
Samples are editor-written illustrations of the ETS content categories, not live exam items.
The big day
What should I expect on exam day?
The Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) is a computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE centre or through online proctoring. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name and your appointment confirmation; personal items go in the locker. Arrive 30 minutes early; late arrivals forfeit the appointment and fee. Pace yourself across the selected-response items, flag uncertain items for review, and finish with time to spare. Your scaled score appears on screen immediately, with the official score report following. If you do not pass, the retake wait is 21 days. On a pass, the score is valid for 10 years subject to your state's acceptance window. The afterwards matters: forward your score to your state's licensure system through the ETS score-reporting tools, and keep the score report for your records.
Bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name
- Appointment confirmation
Leave at home
- Phone, smartwatch and all electronics
- Notes and study materials
- Personal bags beyond what the centre allows
How the day runs
Rules in the room
- No personal electronics in the testing room
- Computer-based selected-response exam
- Retakes require a 21-day wait
Afterwards.On a pass, your score is valid 10 years subject to your state's window; report it to your state education agency. On a fail, wait 21 days and retake after additional category study.
Reference
What are the key facts about the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)?
Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) is a exam credential; awarded by ETS; the exam fee is Varies by location and currency — confirm on the official registration page; typical preparation is Computer-based selected-response exam; holders typically earn $47,000-$108,000.
| Credential | Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) |
|---|---|
| Type | Exam |
| Profession | Teaching & Education |
| Specialty | Praxis Humanities & Social Studies |
| Awarded by | ETS |
| Difficulty | Mixed |
| Typical prep time | Computer-based selected-response exam |
| All-in cost | ~$130-$156 |
| Typical salary range | $47,000-$108,000 |
| Credential | Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) |
| Awarding body | ETS |
| Exam format | Proctored, computer-based |
| Validity | Praxis scores are valid for 10 years. |
| Languages | Varies — see awarding body |
| Scope | National / Multi-state |
| Also known as | 5038 |
Real questions
Frequently asked questions about the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)
How do I register for the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) exam?
Register through ETS's official portal or an authorized test provider (e.g., Pearson VUE or Prometric where applicable). Create an account, select the exam, pay the fee, and schedule a date.
How much does the exam cost?
Fees vary by location and currency. Confirm the current fee on the official registration page before scheduling.
How long is the credential valid, and how do I renew?
Praxis scores are valid for 10 years, subject to your state's acceptance window; the state sets the passing score.
What if I do not pass?
Most bodies allow retakes after a waiting period and payment of the full or partial fee. Check ETS's retake policy before rescheduling.
Is HiSET run by ETS or by PSI?
Both. ETS develops the HiSET test content and PSI delivers it operationally, following the ETS acquisition of PSI in January 2024. In practice you register and schedule through myHiSET on the PSI platform.
Do I have to live in a HiSET state to test?
Usually not. Several HiSET states, including Georgia and Oklahoma, explicitly allow non-residents to test, though you generally must pass your final subtest in the state whose credential you want.
Is HiSET easier than the GED?
They are set to comparable standards but structured differently: HiSET has five subtests with reading and writing separated, while the GED combines them into one Reasoning Through Language Arts test. HiSET is more widely available on paper, which some candidates prefer.
In short
Is the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) worth it?
- Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) is awarded by ETS.
- Validates job-ready competence in Education & Teaching.
- Registration is through the awarding body or an authorized test provider.
- Renewal and retake policies vary — confirm before scheduling.
Same awarding body
What other credentials does ETS award?
Worth comparing
How does the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) compare with similar credentials?
Trust
Where does this information come from?
Everything above is taken from the awarding body's own published material. Fees, question counts and domain weights are revised regularly — check the official page before you pay.
- ETS Awarding body
Research confidence: medium · Last reviewed 2026-08