The Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood (PK-3) exam is intended for prospective educators seeking initial teacher licensure in early childhood grades (PreK-3). The Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood exam is a test of pedagogy and was designed in accordance with specific competencies agreed upon by the State Board of Education in Ohio. The exam functions to appraise prospective educators’ pedagogical knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to research-based instruction in early childhood education.
How do I register to take the OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood exam?
Qualified examinees will have studied the material relevant to the exam, and to their prospective field in accordance with the Ohio Department of Education, at the collegiate level. Visit the Ohio Department of Education website for further eligibility information and to ensure you meet every necessary criterion prior to registering for the exam.
In order to take the exam, you will need to register via the OAE website. The exam is offered by appointment year-round, on a first-come, first-served basis. Testing locations are accessible across Ohio and the rest of the United States. Visit the Pearson VUE and OAE websites for testing centers and dates that work best for you.
What fees are associated with the OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood exam?
Registering for the OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood exam costs $105, which is payable via credit or debit card during the online registration process. If you need to pay by check, contact Evaluation Systems via the information available on the OAE website. Your exam registration will remain valid for one year after your date of registration. If you need to cancel your test and fail to do so, or if you do not show up on your testing date, you will not receive a refund of your examination fee.
What is a passing score for the OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood exam?
To pass the exam, you will need to reach a score of at least 220. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you may retake the test; however, you have to wait at least 30 days prior to completing the registration process again. The date by which you will receive your official score report depends on the date at which you take the exam; so, visit the OAE website for further details.
What does the OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood exam cover?
The exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response (written) assignments: a case study and a work product. You will be allotted a total of 180 minutes to complete the exam, not including the 15-minute CBT tutorial you will complete prior to starting the exam. The exam is divided into three weighted domains, each covering different objective ranges and related topics. The first domain is comprised entirely of multiple-choice questions, while the remaining two domains have multiple-choice and constructed-response items. The domains, objectives, topics, and approximate weighted percentages are as follows:
- Multiple-choice questions (80%)
- Student development and learning, objectives 0001-0003, approx. 24%
- Human development and student development processes, application of instructional knowledge, instructional environments, promotion of learning; learning processes, factors in student learning, student performance and achievement; student diversity, promotion of learning environments and opportunities, and fostering students’ appreciation of diversity
- Assessment, instruction, and the learning environment, objectives 0004-0008, approx. 40%
- Assessment instruments, relationship between assessment and instruction, monitoring students’ progress; principles and procedures of instruction, effective design and planning, promotion of students’ learning and success; application of instructional approaches, promoting students’ attainment of instructional goals; motivation, communication, application of effective practices; structuring and managing the classroom, inclusivity and safety, fostering excellence, promotion of learning, etc.
- The professional environment, objectives 0009-0010, approx. 16%
- Partnerships and collaboration with colleagues, community, and family; educators’ roles and expectations, ethical and legal guidelines, and professional development
- Constructed responses (10% each; 20% total)
- Assessment, instruction, and the learning environment, objectives 0004-0008, approx. 10%
- Preparation of a well-developed analysis on a topic related to the objective ranges described above
- The professional environment, objectives 0009-0010, approx. 10%
- Preparation of a well-developed analysis on a topic related to the objective ranges described above
- Assessment, instruction, and the learning environment, objectives 0004-0008, approx. 10%
- Student development and learning, objectives 0001-0003, approx. 24%
Test Preparation
Mometrix Test Preparation’s OAE Secrets study guide contains just the comprehensive test preparation materials you need to pass the OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood (PK-3) exam on your first attempt. In the OAE Secrets study guide, you will find authentic OAE content, along with expert tips to reduce test anxiety, enhance information recall, and improve overall test performance. In addition to the OAE Secrets study guide is a comprehensive OAE Practice Test, which can be augmented with the complete OAE Flashcards. Earn the score you need to pass the OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood exam on your first attempt using Mometrix’s OAE Secrets study guide, OAE Flashcards, and OAE Practice Test.