Test Administration

Each test has specific requirements such as prerequisites, test length, performance skills, etc. Online testing is set-up and administered by the teacher.

Testing Protocol and Ethics

It is important that tests are administered in a consistent manner and that every effort is made to maintain high ethics. Any violation to the testing rules and procedures for giving Skill Certificate tests will be considered a breach of professional ethics and will be referred to the Professional Practices Commission.

Precision Exams

Testing Rules:

  • No talking during the test.
  • No leaving the room by teacher or student while tests are being administered.
  • No assistance provided to students.
  • Tests may not be reproduced or reviewed by the students or teacher.
  • Reference materials, texts, notes, etc., may not be used unless specified.
  • Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) may have special accommodations as specified in IEP, Individual Record Plan (IRP), 504, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and English Language Learners (ELL).
  • Tests should not be given prior to 20 school days before the end of the trimester/semester unless students are adequately prepared to demonstrate competency in the course subject.
  • The teacher is responsible for the security of the online tests.
  • The required performance documentation is to be given to the test coordinator for an audit at the end of the year.
  • Teachers must read and agree to the terms of the Instructor Agreement located on the Precision Exams testing website.

Performance Assessment

Performance evaluation is a required component of the Skill Certificate process. Each student must be evaluated on the required performance skills. Performance skills may be completed and evaluated anytime during the course. Please note that the performance skills for each test can be found within the strands and standards document for the corresponding CTE course.

Instructor Agreement

All teachers are required to read and agree to the terms of the Instructor Agreement located on the Precision Exams testing website.

Below are things for instructors to remember:

  • Students should be aware of their progress throughout the course so that they can concentrate on the skills that need improvement.
  • Students should be encouraged to repeat the skills until they have performed at a minimum of 80%, moderately to highly skilled.
  • All performance skills must be completed and evaluated prior to the objective test.
  • The teacher marks the performance in the online system.
  • The performance must be documented in the roll/grade book or summary score sheet.
  • A copy of the required performance and the class roll must be turned into the CTE Skill Certificate Program testing coordinator for an audit at the end of the school year.

Required Performance Documentation

Certificates

Students who achieve a 3 or 4 (moderately to highly skilled) or an 80% (moderately to highly skilled) on all performance skills and 80% on the written test will be issued an Career and Technical Education Skill Certificate. Reports and certificates will be available through the online testing system.

Note: Certification for licensure and national test information is given under the program area and title of certification or licensure.

Special Accommodations

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) serves special populations as defined by the federal Perkins V: The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. The local education agency (LEA) is responsible for providing special testing accommodations according to the terms outlined in a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan.

For LEAs who need assistance, USBE and YouScience have established protocols regarding accommodation arrangements. Please refer to the “CTE Accommodations and Accessibility Exams Guidance” document for more information.

Students who have been officially designated as English Language Learners (ELL), enrolled on or after April 15 of the current school year, and are new to the United States (first year of enrollment) are exempt from all state tests.

Parents have the right to opt their children out of any testing required by or facilitated through the Utah State Board of Education. In addition, students over 18-years old also have a right to opt-out of a state-level test with no academic penalty resulting for the student.

Career and Technical Education Accommodations and Accessibility Exams Guidance

Career and Technical  Education Exam Accommodation Request Form