Study Guide

Field 181: Computer Science 
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 computer system concepts 0001–0002 17 percent
roman numeral 2 computational thinking and algorithm design 0003–0004 20 percent
roman numeral 3 programming and program development 0005–0008 30 percent
roman numeral 4 learning environments and social impacts of computing 0009–0010 18 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 5 pedagogy 0011 15 percent

Subarea roman numeral 1–Computer System Concepts

Competency 0001–Apply concepts related to computer systems and computing devices.

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

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of characteristics of computer networks and the Internet.

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

Subarea roman numeral 2–Computational Thinking and Algorithm Design

Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of the problem-solving process and algorithm design.

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

Competency 0004–Analyze types and characteristics of algorithms.

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

Subarea roman numeral 3–Programming and Program Development

Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for program development.

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

Competency 0006–Apply knowledge of characteristics and applications of data types.

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

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of types and characteristics of statements, operators, and control structures.

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

Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of object-oriented programming.

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

Subarea roman numeral 4–Learning Environments and Social Impacts of Computing

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of effective teaching strategies and learning environments.

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

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of the social aspects of computing and the role computer science plays in society on a local, national, and global level.

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

Subarea roman numeral 5–Pedagogy

Competency 0011–Analyze lesson plans for a computer science topic or project, including student work or assessment data. Describe subsequent activities that are evident from your analysis and address the needs of all students.

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