Study Guide
Technology & Engineering
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 | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| Time* | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 220 |
*Does not include 15-minute tutorial
Test Framework
| Content Domain | Range of Competencies | Approximate Percentage of Test Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. | Core Principles of Technology and Engineering Design | 0001–0004 | 24% |
| II. | Information and Communication Systems | 0005–0007 | 17% |
| III. | Energy, Power, and Transportation Systems | 0008–0010 | 17% |
| IV. | Materials, Manufacturing, and Construction Systems | 0011–0013 | 17% |
| V. | Medical and Biotechnologies | 0014–0015 | 12% |
| VI. | Fundamentals of Technology Education | 0016–0017 | 13% |
Domain I–Core Principles of Technology and Engineering Design
Competency 0001–Understand the nature of technology.
For example:
- Describe the role of technology in solving problems.
- Identify factors that affect the development of technology.
- Analyze types and properties (e.g., open loop, closed loop) of technological systems.
- Analyze the relationship between technology, STEM, and other disciplines.
Competency 0002–Understand interrelationships between technology and society.
For example:
- Identify significant events and individuals in the historical development of technology.
- Analyze the interrelationships between technology and social, cultural, and political factors.
- Analyze interrelationships between economics and technological innovation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of environmental issues related to the development and use of technology.
Competency 0003–Understand technological and engineering design.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of design (e.g., trade-offs, optimization, aesthetics, visionary thinking).
- Apply concepts associated with research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation.
- Identify steps in the iterative design process.
- Apply characteristics of the iterative design process to solve problems.
Competency 0004–Understand abilities for a technological world.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the correct and safe operation of tools and machines.
- Select an appropriate tool or machine for a given purpose.
- Demonstrate knowledge of measurement units and instruments.
- Apply principles of troubleshooting to ensure safe and proper operation of technological systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of procedures for maintaining technological systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of federal and state health and safety regulations and agencies (e.g., OSHA, EPA, DNR).
Domain II–Information and Communication Systems
Competency 0005–Understand principles of information processing.
For example:
- Describe fundamental communication principles, models, and processes.
- Analyze communication systems and their components (e.g., source, encoder, receiver).
- Describe the characteristics of a variety of communication systems and technologies (e.g., printing, television, wireless).
- Analyze fundamental principles of digital information processing (e.g., computer networks, protocols).
Competency 0006–Understand drafting and graphic communication.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of the types of drawings used in graphic design and drafting (e.g., thumbnail, isometric, orthographic).
- Apply knowledge of the elements (e.g., color, shape) and principles (e.g., proportion, balance, symmetry) of graphic design.
- Identify and apply drafting concepts (e.g., drafting tools, alphabet of lines).
- Demonstrate knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD).
- Apply a variety of processes (e.g., storyboarding, image processing) in the design and creation of communication products.
Competency 0007–Understand principles of electronic communication.
For example:
- Apply concepts of electronics (e.g., voltage, resistance, energy) to analyze series and parallel circuits and interpret schematics.
- Analyze characteristics of electromagnetic waves and analog communication systems.
- Analyze characteristics of digital circuits and digital communication systems.
- Analyze characteristics of a variety of electronic communication systems (e.g., telephone, satellite, radio, computer).
Domain III–Energy, Power, and Transportation Systems
Competency 0008–Understand principles of energy and power.
For example:
- Apply concepts of work, potential energy, kinetic energy, and power.
- Demonstrate knowledge of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
- Analyze mechanical power systems and their components (e.g., pulleys and belts, gear systems).
- Analyze fluid power systems and their components (e.g., pumps, valves, actuators).
- Apply basic principles of electricity and magnetism to energy systems (e.g., relays, motors, generators).
Competency 0009–Understand energy and power technologies.
For example:
- Analyze energy and power conversion devices (e.g., transducers, turbines, engines).
- Apply knowledge of electrical power generating systems (e.g., steam, solar, nuclear, geothermal).
- Apply knowledge of technologies and processes for the transmission and control of power and energy.
- Demonstrate knowledge of robotic systems.
Competency 0010–Understand transportation technologies.
For example:
- Analyze the general features of transportation systems and processes (e.g., safety, managing, holding).
- Analyze characteristics of vehicular systems and their subsystems (e.g., suspension, propulsion).
- Analyze characteristics of land, air, water, and space transportation systems and their subsystems.
- Describe characteristics of intermodal transportation systems.
Domain IV–Materials, Manufacturing, and Construction Systems
Competency 0011–Understand properties of materials.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the atomic structure of materials.
- Analyze physical and mechanical (e.g., elasticity, plasticity, ductility) properties of materials.
- Analyze properties and characteristics of materials used in technology and engineering (i.e., metals, ceramics, polymers, composites).
- Select an appropriate material for a given purpose.
Competency 0012–Understand manufacturing technologies.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of manufacturing processes (e.g., separating, forming, finishing).
- Apply knowledge of tools and machines used in manufacturing (e.g., milling machine, CNC).
- Apply knowledge of manufacturing production systems (e.g., mass manufacturing, job lot, lean).
- Demonstrate knowledge of trends in manufacturing (e.g., globalization, microfabrication) and quality control.
Competency 00013–Understand construction technologies.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of legal issues related to construction (e.g., zoning, building codes).
- Analyze structural properties of various construction designs (e.g., truss, beam) and structures (e.g., bridge, arch).
- Apply knowledge of construction processes (e.g., scheduling, subcontracting, inspecting).
- Apply knowledge of construction systems (e.g., foundation, wall, plumbing).
- Apply knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment used in construction.
Domain V–Medical and Biotechnologies
Competency 0014–Understand fundamentals of agriculture and related biotechnologies.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic biology concepts (e.g., cells, DNA, ecosystems).
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic biological processes (e.g., photosynthesis, fermentation).
- Demonstrate knowledge of tools and equipment used in agriculture.
- Demonstrate knowledge of applications of biotechnology in agriculture (e.g., biofuels, disease resistant crops).
Competency 0015–Understand fundamentals of medical technologies.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of how various medical technologies combat sickness and disease (e.g., vaccines, antibiotics).
- Demonstrate knowledge of various medical devices (e.g., stethoscope, blood pressure meter) and their operation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts of genetic engineering.
- Apply knowledge of the design process to solve problems involving medical technologies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of social and ethical issues involving biotechnical and medical technologies.
Domain VI–Fundamentals of Technology Education
Competency 0016–Understand careers and career development.
For example:
- Identify career opportunities in industry and technology and engineering.
- Apply knowledge of sources of information about technology careers; and personal interests, education, and experience needed for careers in technology and engineering.
- Apply knowledge of career-planning strategies and skills related to job search and job acquisition.
- Demonstrate knowledge of career, technical, student, and professional organizations related to technology engineering.
Competency 0017–Understand instruction and assessment in technology education.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in the technology engineering laboratory.
- Apply strategies for providing all students with opportunities to integrate science, mathematics, and technology to solve engineering design problems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of strategies (e.g., differentiated instruction) for providing all students with opportunities to transform ideas into products that satisfy specific requirements.
- Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for assessing student learning.