Study Guide

Field 042: Agricultural Education 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T )
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 1 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
selected-response
roman numeral 1 agricultural business, economics, and marketing 0001–0003 11 percent
roman numeral 2 animal science 0004–0006 19 percent
roman numeral 3 plant and soil science 0007–0010 18 percent
roman numeral 4 agricultural mechanics 0011–0012 17 percent
roman numeral 5 environmental science and natural resources 0013–0014 15 percent
roman numeral 6 foundations of agricultural education 0015–0017 5 percent
this cell intentionally left blank. 85 percent
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 2 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
constructed-response
roman numeral 6 foundations of agricultural education 0015–0017 15 percent

 Subarea roman numeral 1–Agricultural Business, Economics, and Marketing 

Competency 0001–Understand agricultural business ownership and management.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0002–Understand agricultural economic principles and policies.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0003–Understand agricultural marketing.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 2–Animal Science 

Competency 0004–Understand animal anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and genetics.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0005–Describe characteristics of animal nutrition and health.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0006–Understand animal production systems and safe handling of animals and their products.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 3–Plant and Soil Science 

Competency 0007–Identify principles of soil science.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0008–Understand plant anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and genetics.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0009–Describe characteristics of plant nutrition and disease.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0010–Identify characteristics of production systems for agronomic crops, horticultural crops, and rangelands.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 4–Agricultural Mechanics 

Competency 0011–Understand safe and appropriate use of power equipment and small engines.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0012–Understand safe wood and metal fabrication, agricultural construction, and irrigation systems.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 5–Environmental Science and Natural Resources 

Competency 0013–Understand ecological principles and the relationship between agriculture and the environment.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0014–Understand natural resources conservation and management.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 6–Foundations of Agricultural Education 

Competency 0015–Understand foundations of agriculture and agricultural education.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0016–Identify communication and leadership skills in agriculture and agricultural education.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0017–Understand careers in agriculture and career development.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics