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Exam Overview
The OSAT U.S. History/Oklahoma History/Government/Economics (117) exam evaluates the subject knowledge required for individuals seeking certification to teach social studies in Oklahoma secondary schools. The test measures a candidate’s understanding of historical developments, political institutions, economic principles, and instructional knowledge relevant to teaching these subjects.
Passing this exam is an important requirement for candidates who want to obtain teacher certification in Oklahoma. The assessment helps ensure that educators possess the academic knowledge necessary to teach social studies topics accurately and effectively in the classroom.
Administering Authority
The OSAT (117) exam is part of the Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators (CEOE) testing program.
Candidates register through the official testing system and take the exam through approved testing arrangements.
Purpose of the Exam
The OSAT (117) exam is designed to assess whether candidates have the subject knowledge needed to teach social studies courses at the secondary level.
- U.S. history and Oklahoma history
- American government and political systems
- Economic principles and policy concepts
- Instructional understanding related to social studies education
Exam Pattern and Structure
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Multiple-choice and constructed-response |
| Multiple-Choice Questions | 80 questions |
| Constructed-Response Questions | 1 written response |
| Testing Format | Computer-based test |
| Total Testing Time | Approximately 4 hours |
The multiple-choice section evaluates factual knowledge, concept understanding, and analytical reasoning. The constructed-response task requires candidates to analyze a topic and present a structured written explanation.
Content Areas Covered
| Test Section | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Section 1 | U.S. History and Oklahoma History |
| Section 2 | Government and Political Science |
| Section 3 | Economics |
Scoring System
- The OSAT exam uses a scaled scoring system.
- Passing score: 240.
- Scores reflect performance across the tested components.
- Candidates who do not achieve the passing score may retake the exam subject to applicable testing policies.
Why This Exam Is Important
- Ensures teachers possess strong subject knowledge
- Maintains consistent academic standards for social studies instruction
- Confirms readiness to teach complex historical, political, and economic topics
- Supports the preparation of qualified educators for Oklahoma schools
What Students Should Focus On
- Studying major historical events and timelines
- Understanding the structure of American and Oklahoma government
- Reviewing economic theories and policy concepts
- Practicing analytical and written responses
Understanding the structure and purpose of the OSAT (117) exam helps candidates plan their preparation effectively and approach the test with a clear strategy.
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