COST Content Knowledge Exam Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of content knowledge exams in the out-of-state teacher certification process?
- To assess a teacher's classroom management skills
- To verify that the teacher has sufficient subject-matter expertise to teach in the new state (Correct answer)
- To evaluate a teacher's student teaching experience
- To measure a teacher's familiarity with local curriculum standards
Correct answer: To verify that the teacher has sufficient subject-matter expertise to teach in the new state
Content knowledge exams confirm that teachers possess the subject-matter depth required to teach effectively in their certified area.
Question 2: A teacher applying for COST certification in a state that uses the edTPA instead of a traditional content exam would MOST likely be asked to submit which of the following?
- A passing score on a Praxis content test
- A portfolio of classroom practice including video and student work samples (Correct answer)
- Results from a national background check
- Proof of participation in a teacher mentoring program
Correct answer: A portfolio of classroom practice including video and student work samples
edTPA is a performance-based assessment requiring a portfolio of teaching artifacts, not a traditional multiple-choice content exam.
Question 3: A state requires COST applicants to pass the Praxis 5001 (Elementary Education: Content Knowledge). This exam is MOST relevant for teachers seeking certification in which grade band?
- High school grades 9–12
- Middle school grades 6–8 only
- Early childhood through upper elementary grades (Correct answer)
- Post-secondary adult education
Correct answer: Early childhood through upper elementary grades
The Praxis Elementary Education content tests are designed for teachers in early childhood through upper elementary settings.
Question 4: When comparing content knowledge exam requirements across states, which factor MOST commonly causes an out-of-state applicant to need additional testing?
- Differences in physical fitness requirements
- Variations in the specific approved exam list or minimum passing score between states (Correct answer)
- Differences in required years of teaching experience
- Variations in professional development hour requirements
Correct answer: Variations in the specific approved exam list or minimum passing score between states
States often approve different exams or set higher passing scores than the applicant's home state, requiring additional testing.
Question 5: A bilingual teacher certified in Spanish and English as a foreign language applies for COST in a state requiring a World Languages content exam. She passed a Spanish-specific Praxis exam in her home state. What should she verify?
- Whether her Spanish exam score meets the new state's cut score and is on its approved list (Correct answer)
- Whether she needs to retake the English portion of her certification
- Whether world languages teachers are exempt from COST requirements
- Whether she needs a new bachelor's degree in linguistics
Correct answer: Whether her Spanish exam score meets the new state's cut score and is on its approved list
The teacher must confirm that her specific exam and score meet the receiving state's approved exam list and minimum cut score requirements.
Question 6: Which of the following is a common alternative pathway for COST applicants who cannot meet a state's content knowledge exam requirement?
- Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program in the new state (Correct answer)
- Submitting a character reference from a school board member
- Passing a physical education requirement
- Providing proof of home ownership in the new state
Correct answer: Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program in the new state
Completing an approved preparation program in the receiving state is a recognized alternative pathway when exam requirements cannot otherwise be met.
Question 7: A teacher fails a required content knowledge exam on the first attempt. Under most COST programs, what typically happens next?
- The application is immediately denied with no appeal option
- The teacher may retake the exam after a waiting period, subject to state rules (Correct answer)
- The teacher is permanently barred from certification in that state
- The teacher must return to college to repeat the relevant subject coursework
Correct answer: The teacher may retake the exam after a waiting period, subject to state rules
Most states allow exam retakes after a designated waiting period, and the application remains open pending a passing score.
COST Content Knowledge Exam Requirements 3
Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of content knowledge exams in the out-of-state teacher certification process?