If you need help studying for the OSAT School Counselor test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free OSAT School Counselor practice test!
What’s on the Test?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the OSAT School Counselor test. There are 81 questions in total, most being selected-response and one being constructed-response.
80 questions
Selected-response questions require you to select the correct answer from a list of options. Multiple-choice questions are the most common example, but you may also see true-or-false questions and “matching” questions, which ask you to match terms or concepts with their definitions.
Constructed-Response (CR)
1 question
The constructed-response question requires you to write your answer instead of selecting from a list of choices. Your response to this question is generally expected to be at least a few sentences, but you’ll be given specific details and instructions before you take the test.
The time limit for the exam is 4 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the test.
1. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, LEARNING, AND DIVERSITY
20% of the exam
- Factors that may affect human development
- Human development from early childhood to young adulthood
- Factors that may affect learning and motivation
- Learning and motivation from early childhood to young adulthood
- Diversity issues related to school counseling
2. PROMOTING ACADEMIC, SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL, AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
26% of the exam
- Formal and informal assessments
- Selecting, administering, and interpreting educational assessments
- Practices related to data-based decision-making
- Principles and practices in instruction and academic development
- Educational/career planning
- Social/emotional development
3. MEETING INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, AND SCHOOLWIDE NEEDS
20% of the exam
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Addressing schoolwide needs
- Crisis prevention and intervention
4. THE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM AND PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE
19% of the exam
- Planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program
- Effective communication, consultation, and collaboration
- Current issues in school counseling
- The professional, ethical, and legal roles/responsibilities of school counselors
5. CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE ASSIGNMENT
15% of the exam
Then, you’ll be given specific instructions on what your written response should cover. Your finished response should be between 300 and 600 words.
How to Register
To register for the test, you’ll need to create an account on the CEOE website. Once your account has been created, you can register to take the exam.
During the registration process, you’ll need to pay the $118 testing fee.
OSAT School Counselor (139) Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
How the Exam is Scored
The OSAT School Counselor test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score.
You’ll need a scaled score of at least 240 on each subtest to pass the exam.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t get the score you want on your first try, that’s okay! You can take the exam again after a mandatory 30-day waiting period.
FAQs
How many questions are on the OSAT School Counselor exam?
The exam contains 81 questions.
What is the time limit for the OSAT School Counselor exam?
The exam is timed at 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the OSAT School Counselor exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 240 to pass.
How much does the OSAT School Counselor exam cost?
The testing fee is $118.