Study Guide

Field 105: Early Childhood Education 
Test Design and Framework

Recommendation for individuals using a screenreader: please set your punctuation settings to "most."

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 ) and online proctored test
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions, 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

pie chart of subarea weighting, as described 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 child development, learning, and the learning environment 0001–0004 19 percent
roman numeral 2 communication, language, and literacy development 0005–0010 27 percent
roman numeral 3 learning across the curriculum 0011–0016 27 percent
roman numeral 4 professional knowledge and responsibilities 0017–0018 12 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 analysis of communication, language, and literacy development 0019 15 percent

Subarea roman numeral 1–Child Development, Learning, and the Learning Environment

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of early childhood development from birth through grade three and factors that influence children's development and learning.

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

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of methods, strategies, and procedures to create and manage positive learning environments for children in prekindergarten through grade three.

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

Competency 0003–Understand the goals, benefits, types, and uses of assessment to support young children and families.

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

Competency 0004–Apply knowledge of how various types of instructional materials and resources, including current technology, can be used in early childhood classrooms to support children's learning.

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

Subarea roman numeral 2–Communication, Language, and Literacy Development

Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of expressive and receptive language development and how to provide learning experiences that encourage children's development and use of language and literacy skills.

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

Competency 0006–Apply knowledge of emergent literacy development and strategies for fostering young children's literacy, including creation of a classroom environment that encourages a positive disposition toward literacy.

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

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of phonological awareness and phonemic awareness and effective instructional strategies for promoting children's knowledge and skills in these areas.

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

Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of word identification strategies and the use of explicit and implicit instruction to promote children's knowledge and skills in applying word identification strategies.

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

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of reading comprehension, reading fluency, and vocabulary skills and effective instructional strategies for promoting children's development in these areas.

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

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of writing processes and effective instructional strategies for promoting young children's writing skills, including spelling proficiency.

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

Subarea roman numeral 3–Learning Across the Curriculum

Competency 0011–Apply knowledge of cognitive development of young children and how to provide instructional activities and a classroom environment that offer children opportunities to develop a range of cognitive skills and abilities.

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

Competency 0012–Apply knowledge of the fundamental skills, concepts, and vocabulary in mathematics and how to provide developmentally appropriate learning opportunities to enhance young children's mathematical understanding.

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

Competency 0013–Apply knowledge of the skills and concepts in science and how to provide developmentally appropriate experiences that promote young children's inquiry, exploration, and learning in this area.

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

Competency 0014–Apply knowledge, skills, and concepts in social studies and how to provide developmentally appropriate experiences that promote young children's exploration and learning in this area.

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

Competency 0015–Apply knowledge of the role of the arts, including visual arts, music, creative movement, dance, and drama, in the overall development of young children and how to provide children with a range of meaningful experiences in the arts.

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

Competency 0016–Understand young children's physical development and their needs related to personal health, safety, and nutrition and strategies for providing developmentally appropriate experiences in these areas.

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

Subarea roman numeral 4–Professional Knowledge and Responsibilities

Competency 0017–Apply knowledge of strategies for building positive, collaborative relationships with children's families, other professionals, and community agencies and organizations.

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

Competency 0018–Understand the roles and responsibilities of early childhood educators.

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

Subarea roman numeral 5–Analysis of Communication, Language, and Literacy Development

Competency 0019–Analyze and interpret authentic assessments and student work products to identify areas of need in pre-emergent, emergent, and beginning literacy development, and describe developmentally appropriate strategies to effectively address student need.

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