Test Design and 
Test Framework

Field 238: School Social Worker

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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—Foundations of School Social Work 4 29 7 36 percent
Subarea 2—School Social Work Interventions and Services 4 29 7 36 percent
Subarea 3—The School Social Worker and the Learning Community 3 22 6 28 percent
Totals 11 80 20 100 percent

Subarea 1—Foundations of School Social Work

0001—Understand human development and learning.

For example:

0002—Understand cultural competence and strategies for supporting diversity.

For example:

0003—Understand methods of school social work practice with individuals and groups.

For example:

0004—Understand methods of school social work practice with home, school, and community systems.

For example:

Subarea 2—School Social Work Interventions and Services

0005—Understand principles of measurement, assessment, and evaluation and methods for evaluating a student's social/emotional health, mental health, and overall functioning.

For example:

0006—Understand the use of assessment to develop interventions to support students' emotional/mental health, learning, and ability to function successfully in the educational setting.

For example:

0007—Understand strategies for promoting a healthy learning community.

For example:

0008—Understand organizational principles and the planning and management of educational and school social work services.

For example:

Subarea 3—The School Social Worker and the Learning Community

0009—Understand the principles, processes, and practices of effective communication, consultation, and collaboration.

For example:

0010—Understand professional ethics, advocacy, and facilitation for the school social worker.

For example:

0011—Understand professional development for the school social worker.

For example: