Study Guide

Field 139: School Counselor 
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 ) and online proctored test
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 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 human development, learning, and diversity 0001–0003 20 percent
roman numeral 2 promoting academic, social/emotional, and career development 0004–0007 26 percent
roman numeral 3 meeting individual, group, and schoolwide needs 0008–0010 20 percent
roman numeral 4 the school counseling program and professional knowledge 0011–0013 19 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 Constructed-Response Assignment 0014 15 percent

subarea roman numeral 1–Human Development, Learning, and Diversity

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of human development from early childhood to young adulthood and factors that may affect human development.

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

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of learning and motivation from early childhood to young adulthood and factors that may affect learning and motivation.

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

Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of diversity issues related to school counseling and environments that promote respect and affirmation for all students.

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

subarea roman numeral 2–Promoting Academic, Social/Emotional, and Career Development

Competency 0004–Apply knowledge of formal and informal assessment methods; principles and procedures for selecting, administering, and interpreting educational assessments; and practices related to data-based decision making.

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

Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of principles and practices in instruction, academic development, and educational/career planning.

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

Competency 0006–Apply knowledge of principles, processes, and practices related to social/emotional development.

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

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of principles and practices in career development, career assessment, and career-related decision making.

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

subarea roman numeral 3–Meeting Individual, Group, and Schoolwide Needs

Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for individual counseling.

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

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for group counseling.

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

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for addressing schoolwide needs, including crisis prevention and intervention, and providing systems support.

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

subarea roman numeral 4–The School Counseling Program and Professional Knowledge

Competency 0011–Apply knowledge of how to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program.

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

Competency 0012–Apply knowledge of procedures for effective communication, consultation, and collaboration with students, families, colleagues, and other professionals.

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

Competency 0013–Apply knowledge of foundations and current issues in school counseling and the professional, legal, and ethical roles and responsibilities of school counselors.

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

subarea roman numeral 5–Constructed-Response Assignment

Competency 0014–Analyze data and other relevant information to identify and address an academic, social/emotional, or career need for individual students or group of students.

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