Praxis Practice Questions

Praxis Special Education Practice Questions

Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354) — Practice with free sample questions covering learner development, IEP development and IDEA requirements, assessment and progress monitoring, instructional planning, and professional collaboration. Each question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concepts, not just memorize answers.

120

Total Questions

2 hours 30 minutes

Time Limit

Varies by state

Passing Score

~$146

Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 500+ Praxis Special Educationpractice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

A 9-year-old student with a specific learning disability shows average cognitive ability but struggles significantly with decoding multisyllabic words. According to research on learning differences, which explanation is MOST likely?

AThe student has a deficit in phonological processing that affects reading despite normal intelligence

BThe student simply needs more time to mature before reading skills develop

CThe student's home environment lacks sufficient reading materials

DThe student is intentionally avoiding difficult reading tasks

Under IDEA, which statement about the timeline for developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) after a student is found eligible for special education services is accurate?

AThe IEP may be finalized at any point during the school year

BThe IEP must be developed within 60 days of parental consent for evaluation, and services must begin within 30 days of the IEP being finalized

CThe IEP is optional once a student qualifies for accommodations

DOnly the special education teacher needs to be present when the IEP is written

A special education teacher is using curriculum-based measurement (CBM) to track a student's progress on a reading goal. What is the PRIMARY purpose of collecting this data on a weekly or biweekly basis?

ATo assign a final report card grade

BTo satisfy a district paperwork requirement with no instructional purpose

CTo determine whether the student's current intervention is effective and adjust instruction as needed

DTo compare the student against national norms for college readiness

A student with an emotional disturbance frequently becomes overwhelmed during transitions between activities, leading to disruptive outbursts. Which instructional strategy would BEST address this behavior proactively?

ARemoving the student from the classroom whenever a transition occurs

BIgnoring the behavior until it escalates further

CAssigning additional homework as a consequence

DProviding a visual schedule and advance verbal warnings before each transition

During an IEP meeting, a parent expresses disagreement with the proposed placement recommendation. What is the special education teacher's MOST appropriate initial response?

AListen to the parent's concerns, explain the data behind the recommendation, and collaborate to find common ground

BTell the parent that the school's decision is final and cannot be changed

CEnd the meeting and reschedule for a later date without addressing the concern

DSuggest the parent hire an advocate before continuing any discussion

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About the Praxis Special Education

Format & Structure

Total Questions: 120
Time Limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
Format: Multiple choice, selected-response

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score: Varies by state
Registration Fee: ~$146

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Praxis Special Education test cover?

The Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications test (5354) measures a candidate's understanding of learner development, legal requirements under IDEA, assessment practices, instructional planning, and professional collaboration. It's designed for teacher candidates seeking certification to work with students who have disabilities across a range of settings and age groups.

How many questions are on the Praxis 5354 test?

The Praxis 5354 contains 120 selected-response questions, and you're given 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete them. Some of those questions are unscored pretest items that ETS uses to evaluate future test content, but you won't know which ones -- so treat every question as if it counts.

What passing score do I need on the Praxis Special Education exam?

Passing scores are set individually by each state, not by ETS, so there's no single universal cutoff. Before you register, check your state's Department of Education website or your teacher preparation program for the exact score requirement, since it can vary by several points between states.

How much does the Praxis 5354 test cost?

As of 2026, the registration fee for the Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications test is approximately $146. Fees can shift over time, so it's worth confirming the current price on the official ETS Praxis website before you schedule your test date.

What topics show up most often on the special education Praxis questions?

Expect heavy coverage of IEP development and IDEA's procedural safeguards, along with questions on identifying and accommodating specific learning differences. You'll also see a fair number of items on progress monitoring, evidence-based instructional strategies, and working collaboratively with families and related service providers.

How is the Praxis Special Education test different from Praxis 5355?

The 5354 (Core Knowledge and Applications) is broader and tests foundational special education competencies applicable across grade levels, while 5355 (Mild to Moderate Applications) narrows in on strategies specific to teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities. Some states require just one; others may require both depending on your certification track.

How should I study for the Praxis Special Education test?

Start with practice questions to find your weaker content areas, then dig into an official study companion for the topics that trip you up. Pay close attention to IDEA timelines and terminology, since exact legal language shows up often. Many candidates also find it helpful to review real classroom scenarios, since a lot of the questions ask you to apply concepts rather than just recall definitions.

Can I retake the Praxis Special Education test if I don't pass?

Yes. ETS allows retakes, though you'll need to wait at least 21 days between attempts and pay the registration fee again each time. Use the waiting period productively -- review your score report to see which content categories were weakest and focus your remaining study time there.

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