Skip to main content
Skip to exam content

Praxis 5623

PLT: Grades 5–9

Maryland Passing Score

157

MSDE Score Code

7403

Retake Wait

28 days

Score Valid

10 years

10 Free Practice Questions

Question 1 · Students as Learners

A teacher notices that a student learns best by watching demonstrations and looking at diagrams rather than listening to lectures. According to Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences, this student most likely demonstrates strength in which intelligence? Consider the student's preference for visual input.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

C is correct because spatial intelligence involves the ability to think in three dimensions, visualize spatial relationships, and interpret diagrams and images. A is incorrect because linguistic intelligence relates to skill with language, reading, and writing. B is incorrect because logical-mathematical intelligence involves reasoning with numbers and abstract patterns. D is incorrect because bodily-kinesthetic intelligence involves learning through physical movement and hands-on manipulation.

Question 2 · Students as Learners

According to Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which level of need must be met before a student can effectively focus on academic learning? This theory suggests that basic needs underpin higher-level functioning.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

C is correct because physiological needs (food, water, shelter, sleep) are at the base of Maslow's hierarchy and must be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed. A is incorrect because esteem needs are higher-order needs that come after physiological and safety needs are met. B is incorrect because self-actualization is at the top of the hierarchy and requires all other needs to be fulfilled first. D is incorrect because cognitive needs appear in later revisions of the hierarchy and are still higher than physiological needs.

Question 3 · Students as Learners

B.F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning identifies positive reinforcement as a method of increasing desired behavior. Which of the following is an example of positive reinforcement in a classroom? Consider the definition carefully when selecting the best answer.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

B is correct because positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus (a sticker) following a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior recurring. A is incorrect because removing homework is an example of negative reinforcement, not positive reinforcement. C is incorrect because keeping a student from recess is an example of punishment, which decreases behavior. D is incorrect because removing a student from a preferred activity is a form of punishment, specifically response cost.

Question 4 · Students as Learners

Albert Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes that people learn by observing others. What is the term Bandura used to describe a person's belief in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task? This concept is central to his later work.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

B is correct because self-efficacy is Bandura's term for an individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific outcomes. A is incorrect because intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in a behavior for its own sake and inherent satisfaction, not one's belief in their capability. C is incorrect because self-concept is a broader sense of one's identity and perception of oneself, not specifically about capability. D is incorrect because locus of control, associated with Julian Rotter, refers to whether people believe outcomes are controlled internally or externally.

Question 5 · Students as Learners

Lawrence Kohlberg developed a theory of moral development with three main levels. A middle school student who follows rules primarily to avoid punishment is operating at which level of Kohlberg's theory? Think about the earliest level of moral reasoning.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

C is correct because pre-conventional morality is the earliest level, where decisions are based on personal consequences such as avoiding punishment or gaining rewards. A is incorrect because post-conventional morality involves reasoning based on abstract principles and universal ethical standards, a more advanced level. B is incorrect because conventional morality involves conforming to social rules and expectations to maintain relationships and social order. D is incorrect because universal ethics is a specific stage within post-conventional morality, not its own level.

Question 6 · Students as Learners

In information processing theory, the component of memory that holds a very limited amount of information for a very brief period (approximately 20-30 seconds) before it is either encoded or forgotten is known as what? This is distinct from long-term memory.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

C is correct because working memory (also called short-term memory) temporarily holds a limited amount of information for active processing before it is either transferred to long-term memory or lost. A is incorrect because sensory memory holds raw sensory information for only a fraction of a second before it is filtered. B is incorrect because long-term memory stores information for extended periods, potentially a lifetime. D is incorrect because procedural memory is a type of long-term memory that stores how to perform skills and routines.

Question 7 · Students as Learners

A student who studies hard for a test because they genuinely enjoy learning the material and find the subject interesting is displaying which type of motivation? This motivation comes from within the individual rather than from outside rewards.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

C is correct because intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its inherent satisfaction, curiosity, and personal enjoyment rather than for external rewards. A is incorrect because extrinsic motivation involves engaging in behavior to earn external rewards or avoid punishments, such as grades or praise from others. B is incorrect because operant motivation is not a standard motivational category and is associated with behavioral conditioning, not internal drive. D is incorrect because achievement motivation refers to the desire to succeed and meet standards of excellence, which can be either intrinsic or extrinsic.

Question 8 · Students as Learners

According to Piaget's theory, the process by which a child modifies existing mental schemas to incorporate new information that does not fit their current understanding is called what? This process is paired with assimilation.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

B is correct because accommodation is the process of altering existing schemas or creating new ones to incorporate new information that cannot be assimilated into existing frameworks. A is incorrect because assimilation is the opposite process—fitting new information into existing schemas without changing those schemas. C is incorrect because equilibration is the overarching process of balancing assimilation and accommodation to achieve cognitive stability. D is incorrect because conservation refers to the understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance, a specific Piagetian concept.

Question 9 · Students as Learners

The term 'scaffolding,' which is closely associated with Vygotsky's theories, refers to which instructional practice? This practice involves temporary support that is gradually removed as learners gain competence.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

B is correct because scaffolding refers to the temporary, adjustable support provided by a more knowledgeable other to help a learner accomplish a task they could not complete independently, with the support fading as the learner develops competence. A is incorrect because breaking lessons into small steps describes programmed instruction, more aligned with behaviorist approaches. C is incorrect because grouping students by ability is a differentiation strategy unrelated to the scaffolding concept. D is incorrect because using physical manipulatives is a concrete learning strategy that does not inherently involve the dynamic support and gradual release described by scaffolding.

Question 10 · Students as Learners

Lev Vygotsky introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Which of the following best defines the ZPD? This concept is central to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of learning.

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

B is correct because the ZPD refers to the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with appropriate support or scaffolding. A is incorrect because tasks completed independently fall below the ZPD. C is incorrect because the ZPD is not a fixed ceiling but a dynamic range that changes as students develop. D is incorrect because the achievement gap describes an equity issue, not Vygotsky's developmental concept.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maryland passing score for Praxis 5623?

The Maryland passing score for the Praxis 5623 (PLT: Grades 5–9) is 157. This is set by MSDE and differs from other states. Always verify current requirements at msde.maryland.gov.

What is the MSDE score recipient code for Maryland?

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) score recipient code is 7403. Select this code at every Praxis registration to have your scores sent directly to MSDE for licensure processing.

How long do I have to wait to retake the Praxis 5623?

Maryland requires a 28-day wait between Praxis 5623 attempts. This wait applies regardless of your score. Plan your test dates accordingly.

How many questions are on the Praxis 5623?

The Praxis 5623 contains 120 selected-response questions plus 2 constructed-response items (for PLT exams). You have 2 hours to complete the exam.

What domains does the Praxis 5623 cover?

The Praxis 5623 covers content knowledge specific to PLT: Grades 5–9. See the official ETS test framework for the complete domain breakdown.

How long are Praxis 5623 scores valid in Maryland?

Praxis scores are valid for 10 years from the test date in Maryland. Scores do not expire for the purposes of Maryland teacher certification within this window.

Can I use a calculator on the Praxis 5623?

No on-screen calculator is provided for the Praxis 5623.

Is edTPA replacing PLT 5623 in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland is transitioning from PLT to edTPA. Until August 31, 2026, either PLT or edTPA is accepted. Beginning September 1, 2026, edTPA is the only acceptable pedagogy assessment in Maryland. If you have not yet passed the PLT, plan to take it before September 1, 2026, or begin edTPA preparation now.

Should I take PLT 5623 or edTPA?

If you are testing before September 1, 2026, the PLT 5623 is faster to prepare for and has a lower cost. If you are not testing before September 1, 2026, you must prepare for edTPA. PraxisPass supports both — your ERS dashboard will guide you based on your timeline.

Does PraxisPass tell me when I'm ready to book the Praxis 5623?

Yes. PraxisPass is the only platform that tells you exactly when to book your exam. When your Pass Probability Score (PPS) for the 5623 reaches 90%, sustained over 7 consecutive days with 2 passing mock exams, PraxisPass declares you ready and prompts you to schedule.

Is PraxisPass free to use for the Praxis 5623?

PraxisPass offers a permanent free tier that includes your Exam Readiness Score diagnostic, Pass Probability Score baseline, and your first complete 25-minute study mission for the 5623. The Individual plan at $19/month unlocks unlimited study sessions across all 50+ Maryland Praxis exams.