https //cte technical skills assessments.azed.gov/student

The CTE assessment verifies students’ attainment of technical knowledge and skills covered by the program technical standards and measurement criteria.

Assessment outcomes are used for program improvement, to meet state and federal funding requirements, and as an indicator for A-F School Accountability reporting.

What is the format of the assessments?

Each assessment is 100 multiple-choice items. Each item consists of a stem phrased as a question followed by four options consisting of one correct response and three distractors. Students may be asked a question about a graphic or an image. Graphics and images may also appear as options from which to select the correct response.

What is the pass score for the assessments?

The pass score for all assessments is 60% of 80operational items that have proven to be reliable and valid. The remaining 20 items are field-tested items that do not affect the student’s score. Students who successfully complete the pass score receive an industry-endorsed Congratulatory Letter and Certificate.

How many times can students take the assessment?

Students can only take the assessment one time. Software in the assessment system prevents a student who has taken the assessment to be registered for the same assessment except under very special circumstances to be determined on a case-by-case basis by ADE/CTE. A student can however be registered for an assessment for a different program. See the eligibility policy in this section as to when a student should take the assessment.

How is the assessment given?

The assessment is a computer-based test generally given in a computer lab. On the day of testing, a test proctor will check the roster and verify student attendance, see that students correctly log into the assessment site, and instruct students through the Assessment Security Statement.

How long is the assessment?

Ideally, students should have at least 2 hours to take the test. Items are designed with the expectation of a 1- to 2-minute response time for each assessment item. If the computer lab must be evacuated due to an emergency, students will be able to log back in and finish the assessment. If there is insufficient time to complete the test, time can be added by the test proctor or assessment coordinator. The system allows students a total of 360 minutes to take the test.

Student Eligibility Policy for Taking the Assessments

1. In a traditional or block schedule a student should take the test when completing two courses worth one credit each in a single CTE program or when completing three courses worth one credit each in a single CTE program. A student can only take the test one time.

2. If a district has added courses to a program beyond the state’s designated course sequence in a single CTE program, it will be the district’s decision as to when the student will take the test, that is, after the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th course. A student can only take the test one time.

3. If a student fails the test and retakes the course or takes an additional course in a single CTE program, the student can retake the test in the next school year prior to graduation through special arrangements with ADE/CTE. The last test score counts.

4. If an IEP or 504 plan states that the student can take the test more than one time, the student can retake the test in the current or next school year prior to graduation through special arrangements with ADE/CTE. The last test score counts.