Are you planning to take the OAE Elementary Education exam? You’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the structure of the test and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The OAE Elementary Education exam assesses whether you have the skills and content knowledge to teach elementary school students. This exam has two subtests, which cover subjects such as ELA, math, science, history, and the arts. Despite the exam’s broad scope, try not to feel intimidated. Becoming familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence, and a suite of effective study tools should also set you up for success.
Whether you’re new to this test or gearing up for a retake, let’s dive into the details of the OAE Elementary Education exam and explore strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam with confidence. Let’s get started!
Overview of the OAE Elementary Education Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge and skills in subject areas that are essential for elementary school students. Let’s take a broad look at the OAE Elementary Education test to help you prepare.
The OAE Elementary Education exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover various content areas. It is divided into two subtests:
- OAE Elementary Education: Subtest I (018) (Reading and English Language Arts & Social Studies)
- OAE Elementary Education: Subtest II (019)(Mathematics; Science; & The Arts, Health, and Fitness)
For more detail on the content categories and topics covered on the OAE Elementary Education exam, check out the official OAE Elementary Education preparation materials. By understanding the content breakdown of each subtest, you can assign priority to areas where you may need additional practice and review. Overall, a balanced approach to studying these sections should lead you to success in the OAE Elementary Education exam.
Time Limit
You can take each subtest separately, or you can take more than one during the same session. Regardless, you will have 60 minutes to complete each subtest of the OAE Elementary Education exam..
| Subtest | Time Limit |
| Subtest I (018) | 1 Hour 30 Minutes |
| Subtest II (019) | 1 Hour 30 Minutes |
Passing Score
To pass the OAE Elementary Education exam, you must pass both subtests. The minimum passing score for each subtest is 220.
Number of Questions
The OAE Elementary Education exam has a total of 150 multiple-choice questions spread across two subtests.
| Subtest | Number Of Questions |
| Subtest I (018) | 75 Questions |
| Subtest II (019) | 75 Questions |
Cost
Each subtest of the OAE Elementary Education exam costs $59. However, if you take both subtests at once, you will only pay $109 (as opposed to $118).
Note that you can only bundle tests if you take the exam at a testing center; if you opt for online proctoring, you will need to register and pay for each test separately, and you cannot take two subtests at once.
Check the OAE website to find out more about paying for your exam, including information on payment methods.
Registration Information
You can register for the OAE Elementary Education exam year round. Start the registration process by creating an account, and then choose a convenient time and place to test. You can also review OAE test day requirements, including instructions for the kind of ID you’ll need to provide (such as a driver’s license or passport).
Did you know? If you’re able to abide by the rules for online proctoring, you can even elect to take this exam at home. Learn more about the requirements for online proctoring. Note that you can only take one subtest at a time if you choose the online proctoring option.
Scoring and Results
If you take the exam at a testing center, you’ll receive preliminary scores immediately after finishing. Within about two weeks, you should receive your official score report. Your scores will be sent to any institution that you selected as a recipient when you registered, in addition to the State Board of Education and the education preparation institution where you have completed (or will complete) an educator preparation program.
Visit the OAE website to find the exact day your Elementary Education exam scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Score Reporting.”)
You can dig deeper into scores using our OAE Elementary Education scoring guide.
Test Preparation Tips
Given its scope, preparing for the OAE Elementary Education exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the OAE Elementary Education exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize study topics and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to each subtest and content area. It’s important that you be prepared for all topics you may encounter on this exam.
- Give special attention to core skills in each subject area, such as key terms and techniques, math formulas, and scientific principles. These basic skills are like building blocks for the rest of your review.
- Mix it up! Don’t limit yourself to reading one exam prep resource. Broaden your knowledge with textbooks, online resources, and study guides.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Make regular use of sample questions and full-length practice tests for both subtests to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. Review your performance afterward, identifying subjects and content areas where you may need improvement. Be sure that you understand the reasoning behind correct answers before moving on.
- If you’re unable to finish each subtest within 60 minutes apiece, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official OAE exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real OAE Elementary Education exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- For each subject area, focus on main ideas and explore how concepts interrelate. Without these building blocks in place, you’ll struggle to retain details.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are ways to calm your nerves. Before and during the exam, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk.
- Be sure you get enough sleep the night before the exam. A lack of sleep can seriously affect your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. Be confident that you have the power to succeed on the OAE Elementary Education exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
Before your OAE Elementary Education exam, review all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the right location! Take care not to arrive late, or you’ll risk having your exam canceled.
Checking Required Documents
On the day of the exam, double-check that you have all you need before leaving home. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued photo ID that bears your legal name and signature. Examples of valid ID could include a driver’s license or passport.
- Necessary materials: To combat cold exam rooms, the OAE website recommends bringing clothing you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
- Equipment and workspace: If you’re taking this exam at home, you must have access to a desktop or laptop computer. You also need a quiet, private, and well lit workspace that is free of prohibited items.
- Please note that you should not bring a calculator to this exam, even though it includes math content. You will be required to use an on-screen calculator.
Review the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site. If you are taking a subtest at home, make sure that you’re viewing the tab that reads “Online Proctoring” when you browse this link. Test takers who plan to use online proctoring should pay special attention to these requirements, as the rules for remote testing are very strict.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the OAE Elementary Education exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limits for each subtest and plan your time accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you understand how to mark selections properly on your screen. OAE content exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to use the on-screen calculator.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 3 hours to answer all 150 multiple-choice questions.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the OAE Elementary Education exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On test day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining focus are all essential to doing well on the OAE Elementary Education exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OAE Elementary Education exam evaluates aspiring educators’ knowledge and proficiency in various content areas. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content standards, and follow our prep tips, you can approach the OAE Elementary Ed exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More OAE Elementary Education Resources!
- Start your test prep with our free OAE Elementary Education practice tests.
- Got questions about your scores? We got you covered in our OAE Elementary Education scoring guide!
- Looking for even more study help? Check out our OAE Elementary Education study guide.
