Praxis
Praxis 5205 (Teaching Reading: Elementary): Format, Scores and Prep
Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading Elementary: North Dakota qualifying score 159, ETS format, $156 fee, and a sensible study order for elementary candidates.
Who it's for
Praxis 5205 covers elementary reading instruction for North Dakota. North Dakota sets qualifying score 159 on Teaching Reading Elementary (5205) for non-North Dakota graduates majoring in elementary, early childhood, and/or special education. Confirm on ETS before you register.
Last updated November 2026
| Test code | 5205 |
|---|---|
| ETS test name | Teaching Reading: Elementary |
| ND qualifying score | 159 |
| ETS fee (checked) | $156 |
Sections15
- Role of 5205 in North Dakota
- Format on test day
- Fee and registration
- Content bands to study
- Four-week study arc
- Pairing with other elementary codes
- Prep products (plain links)
- After scores post
- Retakes
- Constructed-response practice
- Classroom artifacts to review
- Fluency and assessment items
- Vocabulary depth
- Equity and differentiation angles
- Sources checked November 2026
Role of 5205 in North Dakota
Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205) measures foundational reading teaching skills. It also covers assessment and intervention before gaps widen.
On ETS North Dakota required tests, 5205 appears under Reading Competency. Non-North Dakota graduates in elementary, early childhood, or special education majors need this test. The North Dakota qualifying score is 159. The listed fee is $156 (checked November 2026).
Format on test day
ETS lists 5205 as 150 minutes with 90 selected-response questions and 3 constructed-response questions on the official product page (checked November 2026).
| Element | Detail from ETS (November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Appointment length | 150 minutes |
| Selected response | 90 items |
| Constructed response | 3 prompts |
| Delivery | Computer Delivered |
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ETS ties 5205 to the National Reading Panel’s five components: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The product page also covers writing linked to reading. Assessment items appear throughout the session (ETS 5205 product page, checked November 2026).
Fee and registration
The registration fee shown on the ETS product page was $156.00 in November 2026. Create a My Praxis account, verify your name matches ESPB records, and add recipient 7848 when you test outside North Dakota. Schedule early if you need a regional center.
Content bands to study
The Study Companion groups objectives under phonology, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. It also covers writing foundations. Non-North Dakota graduates in elementary, early childhood, or special education may need 5205 for reading competency on the ETS North Dakota overview. Use the companion as a checklist. Mark each competency solid, shaky, or not studied.
Four-week study arc
Week 1: Skim the companion and complete one untimed selected-response set to expose weak bands. Week 2: Re-teach phonics and fluency rules using only ETS examples. Week 3: Practice constructed responses with a timer (15 minutes per prompt). Week 4: One full timed mixed set, review errors, and confirm logistics.
Pairing with other elementary codes
Many North Dakota elementary plans include 5017, 5622 or 5625, and Core 5713/5723/5733, and may add 5205 for Reading Competency. Map the full set in the requirements finder so you do not register 5205 in the same month as three other heavy exams without prep time.
Prep products (plain links)
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| ETS Study Companion | Free blueprint on the ETS 5205 page |
| ETS interactive practice | Listed on the same product page |
| Mometrix | mometrix.com/academy/praxis-test/ |
| Exam Edge | examedge.com/praxis |
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After scores post
Save the PDF the day results appear. ESPB may ask for uploads with your license application even when ETS transmits scores (ESPB testing information).
Retakes
ETS publishes waiting periods between attempts on your score report. Use the gap to rework missed companion objectives instead of repeating the same study habits.
Constructed-response practice
ETS lists 3 constructed-response questions on the 5205 product page. Use the Study Companion sample prompts to practice typing concise responses under time limits.
Classroom artifacts to review
Before the exam, revisit running records, phonics scope and sequence charts, and vocabulary routines from your student teaching binder. The selected-response section often embeds short classroom scenarios that assume you recognize common K-6 reading behaviors.
Fluency and assessment items
Running-record scenarios ask how you would chart errors and choose the next instructional move. Review how oral reading fluency rates connect to comprehension supports in the companion assessment section before skipping straight to phonics drills.
Vocabulary depth
Interactive read-alouds and morpheme charts from your coursework can anchor vocabulary questions. When an item lists four instructional choices, pick the answer that names a specific routine from the companion, not the longest paragraph.
Equity and differentiation angles
Items may ask how you support multilingual learners or students with IEP goals without violating test policies about real student data. Answer with hypothetical students and cite companion terminology for accommodations that still teach grade-level content.
Sources checked November 2026
5205 page verified ETS Teaching Reading Elementary 5205, North Dakota cut on ETS qualifying scores, reading competency notes on ETS North Dakota overview, and ESPB upload rules on ESPB testing information.
Quick answers
Does North Dakota require Praxis 5205?
ETS lists 5205 to meet the Reading Competency for non-North Dakota graduates majoring in elementary, early childhood, and/or special education. Confirm on the ETS North Dakota required tests page and in the requirements finder.
What should I buy first?
Download the free ETS Study Companion for 5205. Add interactive practice from ETS only after you can explain every companion objective.