If you’re planning to become a school teacher in Georgia, then preparing for the GACE Elementary Education (501) exam might be required. There is plenty for you to cover! Fortunately, 240 Tutoring is here to help. This guide will take you through all of the need-to-know information about both parts of the GACE Elementary Education exam, providing you with a general overview to help you get started on your journey to teaching.
Exam Overview
The GACE Elementary Education exam consists of two subtests:
- Test I (001)
- 75 multiple choice questions and 2 written response questions, covering 3 main areas:
- Reading and Language Arts (50%)
- Social Studies (25%)
- Analysis (written-response only) (25%)
- Test II (002)
- 75 multiple choice questions covering 3 main topics:
- Mathematics (53%)
- Science (30%)
- Health Education, Physical Education, and the Arts (17%)
By understanding the breakdown of each competency, you can prioritize your studying and allocate more time to areas where you may need additional practice and improvement. A balanced approach to studying all sections will lead you to success in the GACE Elementary Education exam.
Time Limit
You will have 2 hours to complete each exam.
Passing Score
A passing score for any GACE content assessment can fall into one of two categories:
220–249 — passing at the induction level
250 — passing at the professional level
At this time, passing at either of these levels meets the Georgia Special Requirement to pass the content knowledge assessment(s) appropriate to the field of certification.
If you take a combined test and pass one subtest at the induction level and the other at the professional level, the entire assessment will only be considered passed at the induction level. You must retake the subtest that was passed at the induction level if you wish to attempt to get a higher score and pass the entire assessment at the professional level.
Check out our full scoring guide for more information.
Exam Registration
Cost
The exam costs $123 per individual subtest, or if both are taken in combination, then $193.
Registration Information
You can register for the exam year round. You can start the registration process by logging into your GACE account and following the instructions.
Scoring and Reporting
At the end of a test, you are given the option of reporting or canceling your scores. You should consider very carefully before making your decision. In order to have your scores reported to you, to the GaPSC, or to any score recipients you designate, you must choose to report your scores at the end of your test.
If you choose to cancel your scores, they will not be reported to you, to the GaPSC, or to any additional score recipients you selected, and they cannot be reinstated.
At the conclusion of your test, you will be able to view unofficial scores if your test consists only of selected-response questions and you choose to report your scores. Unofficial scores are not available for tests that consist of both selected-response questions and constructed-response assignments. These are scored during a scoring session held immediately after the testing window.
If your unofficial score is reported as NS (No Score), further analysis must be done before scoring can be completed. It does not indicate a problem with your test and will not delay reporting of your scores.
Unofficial test results are not acceptable substitutes for an official score report.
Test Preparation Tips
Preparing for the exam can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies and mindset, we can help you manage the stress and ace the test. Here are some test preparation tips to help you make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize your study materials and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to each subject area. This will ensure you cover all the necessary content and give yourself enough time for review.
- Review core concepts and skills in each subject area, such as key terms and techniques. Use textbooks, online resources, and study guides to refresh your knowledge.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Regularly practice sample questions and full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing. This will help you build endurance and confidence in answering different questions.
- Analyze your performance in practice tests to identify areas where you need improvement. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind correct answers and learn from any mistakes you make.
- Use official exam preparation materials, specifically designed to align with the exam content and format. These resources will give you a realistic idea of what to expect on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key details, and concept connections.
- Use visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and flashcards, to organize and reinforce information. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to comprehend and remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a few moments at the beginning of each section to read and understand the instructions thoroughly. This will help you approach the questions with clarity.
- Prioritize easier questions: Start with the questions you find easier, as this will help you build confidence and save time for the more challenging ones.
- Pace yourself: Keep an eye on the time and allocate it wisely for each question. If you’re stuck on a difficult question, move on and return to it later if you have time.
- For multiple choice tests like this one, keep in mind that you ALWAYS want to at least submit a guess answer to every question, even if you aren’t sure!
Remember, staying calm and focused on the task can greatly improve your performance during the exam. Use these exam-day instructions to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your exam, you must be well-prepared and aware of the instructions to ensure a smooth testing experience.
Checking Required Documents
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all the necessary documents to bring with you. These typically include:
- Admission ticket: Make sure your admission ticket is printed and ready to present at the test center.
- Valid identification: Bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity.
- Necessary materials: Some exams may require you to bring specific materials, such as calculators or pencils. Check the exam guidelines to ensure you have the necessary materials with you.
Next Steps
