Test Design and 
Test Framework

Field 214: Visual Arts

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The test design below describes general test information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions 100 multiple-choice questions
Time* 3 hours, 15 minutes
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.



Test Subarea Number of Test Objectives Number of Scorable Items Number of Non-Scorable Items subarea weight as percent of total test score
Subarea 1—Visual Organization 3 20 5 25 percent
Subarea 2—Creating Visual Arts 3 20 5 25 percent
Subarea 3—Culture and Context 8 20 5 25 percent
Subarea 4—Critical Approaches and the Role of Visual Arts 4 20 5 25 percent
Totals 18 80 20 100 percent

Subarea 1—Visual Organization

0001—Understand the elements of art and design.

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0002—Understand the principles of art and design.

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0003—Understand contemporary approaches to art and design.

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Subarea 2—Creating Visual Arts

0004—Understand the media, materials, tools, technologies, and techniques used in two-dimensional art and design (e.g., drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media).

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0005—Understand the media, materials, tools, technologies, and techniques used in three-dimensional art and design (e.g., architecture, ceramics, fiber arts, sculpture, metals).

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0006—Understand the media, materials, tools, technologies, and techniques used in media arts (e.g., graphic design, photography, time-based art, interactive).

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Subarea 3—Culture and Context

0007—Understand works of art from Africa from prehistoric times to the present.

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0008—Understand works of art from Asia from prehistoric times to the present.

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0009—Understand works of art from Central America from prehistoric times to the present.

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0010—Understand works of art from Europe from prehistoric times to the present.

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0011—Understand works of art from the Middle East from prehistoric times to the present.

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0012—Understand works of art from North America from prehistoric times to the present.

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0013—Understand works of art from Oceania from prehistoric times to the present.

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0014—Understand works of art from South America from prehistoric times to the present.

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Subarea 4—Critical Approaches and the Role of Visual Arts

0015—Understand the analysis and interpretation of works of visual art.

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0016—Understand the function of visual art and design in history, society, and culture.

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0017—Understand the commonalities, distinctions, and connections in and among the arts (e.g., visual arts, dance, music, drama/theatre) and other disciplines.

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0018—Understand the teaching of visual art and design in a school setting.

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