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Exam Overview
The WEST–E program is administered by Pearson (Evaluation Systems) on behalf of the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). Special Education (070) is a single, computer-delivered test of multiple-choice questions.
Test at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Test code | 070 |
| Format | About 110 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer choices |
| Testing time | 2 hours 15 minutes, plus a 15-minute tutorial and nondisclosure agreement (2 hours 30 minutes total appointment) |
| Delivery | Computer-based testing (CBT) at a Pearson testing center, or online proctored testing (OP) from home |
| Scoring | Scaled scores from 100 to 300; the passing score is 240 |
| Score basis | Number of questions answered correctly; no penalty for guessing |
| Unscored items | Some questions are being field-tested for future forms and do not count toward your score |
| Reference materials | None provided or permitted |
| Breaks | CBT: restroom breaks allowed but the clock keeps running; OP: no breaks |
| Test fee | $96 (confirm on the official WEST site before registering) |
| Registration | Online through the official WEST program website (west.nesinc.com) |
Content Subareas
The framework divides the content into four subareas of equal weight, about 27–28 questions each. The twelve objectives below are the official organizing statements; this guide's chapters are built around them.
| Objective | Description | Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| 0001 | Human growth and development | 1 |
| 0002 | Characteristics and needs of students with disabilities | 2–3 |
| 0003 | Factors affecting learning and development | 4 |
| 0004 | Assessment types and characteristics | 5 |
| 0005 | Assessment procedures | 6 |
| 0006 | Individualized program procedures (IFSP, IEP, placement) | 7–8 |
| 0007 | Learning environment, behavior support, and social skills | 9–11 |
| 0008 | Research-based academic strategies and RTI | 12–13 |
| 0009 | Life skills, communication, and transitions | 14 |
| 0010 | Philosophical, historical, and legal foundations | 15–16 |
| 0011 | Communication and collaboration | 17 |
| 0012 | Professional responsibilities | 18 |
How the Test Is Scored
Your raw score (the number of scored questions answered correctly) is converted to a scaled score from 100 to 300. A scaled score of 240 or higher passes. Your score report also shows performance on each subarea, which is useful for planning a retake. Because there is no penalty for wrong answers, answer every question.
Why the Test Matters
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Next, start the first chapter.