Praxis II Agriculture California Exam

The Agriculture (CA) exam of the Praxis II series is the assessment exam for future high school agriculture teachers in California and Oregon. This exam covers six general topics normally taught in undergraduate agricultural degree programs, and they are approximately divided in the following manner to total 148 multiple choice questions:

• 40 questions covering Plant and Soil Science
• 30 questions covering Animal Science
• 25 questions covering Agricultural Management
• 25 questions covering Agricultural Mechanics
• 18 questions covering Agriculture and Society
• 10 questions covering Agricultural Resources Management

The area of Plant and Soil Science covers taxonomy of plants, reproduction and growth of plants, and the purpose of various plant parts.

Questions regarding Animal Science will cover everything from breeding to marketing. Examinees should have knowledge of industries related to animals and animal products and of the management of the businesses and operations, as well knowledge sanitation and health of the animals.

The Agricultural Management questions will focus primarily on the business and economic aspects of agriculture including marketing, management, accounting, and insurance, as a few examples.

Agricultural Mechanics questions will cover many of the materials and procedures used in agriculture. This includes, but is not limited to, tools and machinery, uses of power, fencing, sketches, the layout of fields, irrigation, and the use of soil and water.

The questions that pertain to Agriculture and Society will focus on the role that agriculture plays in economics and politics, the status of agriculture sociologically, jobs in agriculture, and leadership in agriculture. This topic also covers the concerns associated with the quality of water and the safety of food.

The area of Agricultural Resources Management concentrates on ecology and the affects of agriculture and energy on the environment. This includes the preservation of wildlife, forests, land used for grazing, and land used for recreation purposes.

The Agriculture (CA) exam is a two hour exam. Individuals who take the exam should expect to demonstrate knowledge of these topics as well as display proficiency in these areas as related to real life circumstances.