How To Study For (And Pass) The CASA

Do you need to take the CASA? If so, you’ll want to read this article.

The CASA exam can be the difference between being accepted or rejected by an educator prep program (EPP). While this test is no longer required by the state, some EPPs may still ask you to take it before being admitted into a program. Before you take the CASA, you’ll want to know how hard it is to pass and what the best study resources are. Reliable resources combined with a strong study plan will help you succeed on this exam.

Are you ready to get started? Let’s go!

How hard is the CASA?

Generally speaking, the CASA is a challenging test. Exactly how difficult the exam will be for you depends on your content knowledge. The following table breaks down the content of the test.

CASA Reading Subtest
Domain	Approximate Percentage
I: Literal and Inferential Reading	50%
II: Critical and Evaluative Reading	50%

CASA Mathematics Subtest
Domain	Approximate Percentage
I: Numbers and Algebra	60%
II: Geometry and Statistics	40%

CASA Writing Subtest
Domain	Approximate Percentage
I: Foundation and Effective Writing	60%
II: Writing Assignment	40%

Not all educator prep programs require the test, so be sure to check with your EPP. Some groups allow ACT or SAT scores to be used in place of the CASA, and some do not require testing at all.

How do you pass the CASA?

In order to pass the CASA, you must pass all three subtests. You must earn a score of 220 out of 300 on each exam. This means the scores are not combined, so you cannot use a strong area to balance out a weaker one. But it also means that, if necessary, you can retake individual subtests instead of retaking the entire CASA exam.

Where do you find study resources for the CASA?

You will find loads of resources by doing a quick internet search, but some are better than others. Look for sources that are written by professionals. 240 Tutoring has a helpful video that explains their process for creating test-aligned study guides. You also want resources that help you prepare for both the testing material and the testing format, meaning that in addition to mastering the material, you also want to practice using the testing software before you sit for the exam.

What are the best study resources to use for CASA?

The best resources to prepare you for the CASA exam are the state testing website and 240 Tutoring. The testing website has a great tutorial that prepares you to use the exam software, and it can help familiarize you with the format. 240 Tutoring is ideal for mastering the test material. They offer an ultimate guide that includes test information and a free CASA practice test, and they also offer a Casas study guide that includes a diagnostic test to guide your studying, study material, flashcards, practice questions, and help for the essay question.

Where do you find study guides for the CASA?

You will find study guides for the CASA both online and in print. The online ones are typically the best because there are interactive guides that will help you with videos and practice questions. 240 Tutoring offers these in addition to a diagnostic test. The pretest will guide your studying and allow you to allot your study time efficiently.

How do you use study guides to study for the CASA?

The best way to use a study guide is to take a pretest to determine your strengths and needs. This will help you better plan how to spend time on the study guide. Be sure to review key content vocabulary, and use the practice questions to be sure that you have mastered all of the material.

How do you study for the CASA?

The CASA exam is divided into three subtests. Your studying should also be divided by content because the concepts within each subarea will often relate to one another. A quality study guide, like the one offered by 240 Tutoring, will help you plan your studying based on the results of a diagnostic exam.

When should you start studying for the CASA?

Begin studying for the CASA exam early. Plan on three to four weeks for each subtest. This should give you plenty of time to study. The last week before the exam should be spent reviewing. If you are taking all three tests, you can plan three to four weeks per subject and one final week for review. A diagnostic test will help you know how much you need to study each topic.

How much should you study for the CASA?

Your study time depends greatly on how much knowledge you already have. A pretest will be extremely helpful, and 240 Tutoring offers a free one. Once you know what topics you need to improve upon, you will know how much to study. Spend about an hour on each topic (i.e. dividing fractions, finding the main idea, etc.) so there is time to learn, review flashcards, and use practice questions.