Test Design and 
Test Framework

Field 224: Chief School Business Official

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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—Educational Leadership 3 18 5 23 percent
Subarea 2—School District Financial Leadership 5 31 7 38 percent
Subarea 3—School District Operations and Services Leadership 5 31 8 39 percent
Totals 13 80 20 100 percent

Subarea 1—Educational Leadership

Objective 0001—Understand the foundations of public education and skills and the personal qualities associated with educational leadership.

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Objective 0002—Understand procedures for using strategic planning and evaluating school district programs and services.

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Objective 0003—Understand public education policy, intergovernmental relations, and legal aspects of educational leadership.

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Subarea 2—School District Financial Leadership

Objective 0004—Understand principles and procedures of public school finance and budgeting.

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Objective 0005—Understand principles and procedures for accounting, auditing, and financial reporting.

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Objective 0006—Understand cash management, investment, and debt management procedures.

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Objective 0007—Understand purchasing procedures and supply and fixed asset management.

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Objective 0008—Understand risk management procedures.

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Subarea 3—School District Operations and Services Leadership

Objective 0009—Understand the management of information systems.

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Objective 0010—Understand human resource management and labor relations and collective bargaining issues.

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Objective 0011—Understand procedures for real estate management and school facilities planning and construction.

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Objective 0012—Understand maintenance, operations, and security procedures for school buildings.

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Objective 0013—Understand school transportation services, food services, and health and safety services.

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