Praxis

Praxis 5038 (English Language Arts: Content Knowledge): Format, Scores and Prep

Praxis 5038 for North Dakota secondary English: 130 questions, 2.5 hours, qualifying score 167, $130 fee, and companion-first prep for ELA candidates.

Key details for Praxis 5038 (English Language Arts: Content Knowledge): Format, Scores and Prep
Test code 5038
ETS test name English Language Arts: Content Knowledge
ND qualifying score 167
ETS fee (checked) $130

Sources checked November 2026

Sections10

Why secondary English candidates register for 5038

Future North Dakota English language arts teachers must demonstrate literature and rhetoric knowledge beyond Core Reading and Writing. The ETS North Dakota page lists English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) on the secondary ELA route alongside Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): PreK–12 (5625) or PLT Grades 7-12 (5624). Match the code on your ESPB audit before checkout so you do not confuse 5038 with elementary literacy tests.

ETS format for test 5038

ETS describes 5038 as a computer-delivered exam. You face about 130 selected-response and numeric-entry questions in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Item types include standard multiple choice, multi-select, and numeric entry in a box. The ETS product page groups content across reading and writing skills. It also lists listening and speaking objectives typical of secondary ELA licensure.

ETS may include pretest questions that do not count toward your score. Practice under full timing. Pace longer reading passages so you do not leave the final ten items blank.

The ETS product page notes that 5038 measures content knowledge for prospective secondary English teachers. It links objectives to state curriculum standards and typical high school ELA scope. Download the free Study Companion from the product page before you buy optional interactive practice near $24.95.

North Dakota qualifying score

North Dakota's qualifying score for 5038 is 167 on the ETS qualifying scores page (checked November 2026). Confirm it there before you register, because states can change their scores. ESPB policy context appears on ND testing information.

Fees, codes, and ESPB recipient 7848

The 5038 registration fee on the ETS product page was $130 (November 2026). Sign in at praxis.ets.org, search 5038, and add North Dakota ESPB using code 7848 if you need scores sent to the board. Optional ETS interactive practice for this code was listed near $24.95 on the same product page; confirm the SKU before you pay.

Study approach for literature and rhetoric items

Download the free Study Companion and color-code objectives into literature periods, literacy theories, and writing conventions. For each period, write a one-page summary linking two canonical authors to a theme ETS might compare. That beats passive highlighting because 5038 often asks for analysis across works, not plot recall alone.

Schedule separate drills for grammar and linguistics terminology. Secondary teachers sometimes underestimate morphology and syntax items because daily grading focuses on essays. Use companion sample questions to rehearse numeric-entry items if they appear in your diagnostic set.

Coordinating with Core Writing and PLT 5625 or 5624

You still need 5723 and 5713 for every path. Strong writing on Core does not replace 5038 literature breadth. After 5038 prep blocks, switch modes before 5625 or 5624: constructed responses on PLT need concise scenario answers, while 5038 rewards content depth across genres.

Retakes and record keeping

ETS publishes waiting periods between attempts in the Information Bulletin. If you score below 167, map each reported content category back to the companion before paying for another $130 seat. Store score PDFs with the test code in the filename and email copies to espbinfo@nd.gov when ESPB requests them (ESPB testing information).

Balancing canon and young adult lit on 5038

Secondary English candidates sometimes over-prepare Shakespeare while the companion also lists American and British authors from multiple centuries. Build a simple spreadsheet of authors you can pair with themes such as identity, justice, or political conflict. When you practice, explain in one sentence why two works belong in the same unit. That mirrors the cross-text thinking ETS uses on 5038.

Listening and speaking objectives are easy to ignore during solo study. Recite two companion objectives aloud. Connect each to a North Dakota content standard you saw in student teaching, even if your placement emphasized writing portfolios only.

North Dakota ESPB lists 5038 with qualifying score 167 on the ETS North Dakota required tests page alongside PLT codes for secondary routes. Confirm that pairing before you add recipient 7848 at checkout.

Writing versus content on 5038

Do not confuse 5038 with Core Writing 5723. Core Writing measures general argument and grammar under time pressure. 5038 expects you to know literary movements, rhetoric terms, and secondary-level texts from the companion outline. Schedule separate weekly blocks so grammar drills for Core do not crowd out British novel review for 5038.

Sources checked November 2026

Quick answers

Does North Dakota require Praxis 5038?

ETS pairs 5038 with secondary English language arts licensure together with Core and PLT 5625 or 5624. Confirm your plan of study before you register.

Are calculators allowed on 5038?

Unless 5038 appears on the ETS Calculator Use list on praxis.ets.org, calculators are not allowed.

Should I buy third-party books before the companion?

Use the ETS outline first so you know which centuries and genres appear. Paid books can add drills once you identify weak objectives.

Does student teaching in journalism cover 5038?

Journalism units help media literacy skills, but the exam still spans classical rhetoric and British and American literature. Fill companion gaps even if your placement focused on news production.

Can I take 5038 at home?

Delivery options for 5038 are listed on the ETS product page and Information Bulletin for your registration date.