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Exam Overview
The OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Multi-Age (PK–12) (004) is a crucial requirement for earning teacher licensure in the state of Ohio. It is designed to evaluate whether an educator possesses the foundational professional knowledge required to effectively teach students from preschool through grade 12.
This exam is not just a test—it is a professional benchmark that ensures all certified teachers in Ohio are equipped with essential teaching practices, classroom management strategies, and an understanding of student development principles that meet statewide standards.
- Administering Body
- Administered by: Pearson under contract with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE)
- Part of: The Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) series, used to evaluate readiness for educator licensure
- Exam Format and Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Code | 004 |
| Exam Name | OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Multi-Age (PK–12) |
| Format | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|---|---|
| Delivery Options | In-person at test centers or Online Proctored |
| Total Time | 3 hours (plus a 15-minute tutorial and NDA) |
| Total Questions | 100 multiple-choice (selected-response) + 2 written tasks |
| Written Tasks | Case Study + Work Product |
| Test Domains | 3 content domains (see below) |
| Passing Score | 220 (scaled score) |
| Score Range | 100–300 |
| Score Report Availability | Immediately for CBT; ~2 weeks for remote testing |
| Test Availability | Year-round scheduling |
Exam Domains and Weighting
| Section | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1. Student Development and Learning | 24% |
| 2. Assessment, Instruction, and | 50% |
| Environment | |
|---|---|
| 3. The Professional Environment | 26% |
Each domain evaluates different dimensions of teaching knowledge that apply across grade levels and subject areas.
- Why This Exam Matters
- Required for Licensure: You must pass this exam to obtain your Ohio teaching license for PK–12 instruction.
- Assesses Real Teaching Competencies: Measures your readiness to
manage classrooms, understand student learning, and operate professionally in diverse educational settings.
Applicable Across All Grade Levels: This exam prepares you to teach in
any grade, which broadens your certification scope.
Aligned to National Teaching Standards: Reinforces your ability to teach effectively under rigorous standards and educational expectations.
Who Should Take This Exam?
- Aspiring teachers enrolled in educator preparation programs
- Career-switchers entering the teaching profession
- Licensed teachers from other states seeking Ohio certification
- Educators adding PK–12 endorsement to an existing license
This exam is your gateway to becoming a licensed teacher in Ohio. Preparing thoroughly can open the door to a fulfilling career across a wide range of educational settings—from early childhood centers to high schools.
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