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Exam Overview
The OSAT Computer Science (181) test is a computer-based test given by appointment through the CEOE program, which the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA) oversees and Pearson administers. Passing it is part of earning Oklahoma certification in computer science.
Test Format at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Question types | 80 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions with four answer choices, plus 1 constructed-response assignment |
| Appointment time | 4 hours 15 minutes: 15 minutes for the computer-based testing tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, plus 4 hours of testing time |
| Delivery | Computer-based test (CBT), scheduled by appointment during testing windows at test centers in Oklahoma and nationwide |
| Reference materials | None are provided or allowed |
| Score scale | 100–300 scaled score |
| Passing score | 240 |
| Test fee | $118 |
| Unscored items | Some questions are being tried out for future tests and do not count toward your score |
How the Test Is Weighted
The framework divides the test into five subareas. The first four are tested with selected-response questions; Subarea V is the constructed-response assignment. The estimated question counts below spread the 80 selected-response questions in proportion to each subarea's share of the score.
| Subarea | Title | Competencies | Approx. % of score | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Computer System Concepts | 0001–0002 | 17% | ~16 SR |
| II | Computational Thinking and Algorithm Design | 0003–0004 | 20% | ~19 SR |
| III | Programming and Program Development | 0005–0008 | 30% | ~28 SR |
| IV | Learning Environments and Social Impacts of Computing | 0009–0010 | 18% | ~17 SR |
| V | Pedagogy (lesson plan analysis) | 0011 | 15% | 1 CR |
The Eleven Competencies
| # | Competency | Guide section |
|---|---|---|
| 0001 | Computer systems and computing devices | Section 1 |
| 0002 | Computer networks and the Internet | Section 1 |
| 0003 | The problem-solving process and algorithm design | Section 2 |
| 0004 | Types and characteristics of algorithms | Section 2 |
| 0005 | Program development principles and procedures | Section 3 |
| 0006 | Data types | Section 3 |
| 0007 | Statements, operators, and control structures | Section 3 |
| 0008 | Object-oriented programming | Section 3 |
| 0009 | Teaching strategies and learning environments | Section 4 |
| 0010 | Social aspects of computing | Section 4 |
| 0011 | Lesson plan analysis (constructed response) | Section 5 |
What the Questions Look Like
Official sample questions are short and applied. Expect items like these:
- A character-code table followed by a question about how many bytes a phrase needs in memory
- A pseudocode loop meant to add five numbers, with four proposed one-line fixes for its bug
- A list-processing loop where you choose the exact sequence of values it prints
- A class definition where you identify a constructor, a method call, or what encapsulation prevents
- A classroom situation where you choose the strategy that best supports a struggling or advanced student
Pseudocode on the test uses common conventions: = for assignment, // for comments, square brackets for list indexes that start at 0, and parentheses after a name to show a method or procedure call.
The Constructed-Response Assignment
Subarea V is one written assignment worth about 15% of the score. You receive exhibits describing a computer science lesson (class context, objective, instructions, and a sample of student work) and write a response of about 300–600 words. You analyze the student work, identify a strength and a need, describe a strategy that builds on the strength to address the need, and evaluate the lesson. Section 5 explains the task and its scoring in detail.
Scores
Your score report shows a total scaled score from 100 to 300 and whether you passed. A score of 240 or higher passes. The report also shows how you performed on each subarea, which helps you plan if you need to retake the test. Policies on retakes and score release dates are posted on the CEOE website.
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