Study Guide

Middle School Education: Science
Test Design and Framework

The test design below describes general assessment 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) and online-proctored test
Number of Questions 80 multiple-choice questions
Time* 2 hours, 15 minutes
Passing Score 220
* Does not include 15-minute tutorial

Test Framework

 

Content Domain Range of Competencies Approximate Percentage of Test Score
I. Science and Engineering Practices 0001–0003 22%
II. Physical Science 0004–0008 36%
III. Biology 0009–0011 21%
IV. Earth and Space Science 0012–0014 21%

Domain I–Science and Engineering Practices

Competency 0001–Understand the practices of scientific inquiry and engineering design.

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Competency 0002–Understand crosscutting concepts in the sciences and engineering.

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Competency 0003–Understand the relationships between science, technology, and human activity in a global context.

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Domain II–Physical Science

Competency 0004–Understand the properties of matter.

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Competency 0005–Understand physical and chemical changes of matter.

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Competency 0006–Understand the characteristics of energy and energy transformations.

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Competency 0007–Understand the properties and principles of force and motion.

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Competency 0008–Understand the characteristics and properties of mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

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Domain III–Biology

Competency 0009–Understand the characteristics of living organisms.

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Competency 0010–Understand reproduction, heredity, and biological classification.

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Competency 0011–Understand the interactions of organisms with their environments.

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Domain IV–Earth and Space Science

Competency 0012–Understand Earth's history and the processes that shape and change its geosphere.

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Competency 0013–Understand Earth's hydrosphere, atmosphere, weather, and climate.

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Competency 0014–Understand the composition and structure of the universe.

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