Planning to teach social studies to middle-grade students in Ohio? You’ll need to pass the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) exam to get certified. But don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of this exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The OAE Middle Grades Social Studies exam gauges your fundamental knowledge of social studies, ensuring you’re prepared to teach this subject in Ohio schools. Since this exam is an important part of becoming a social studies teacher, it’s natural to feel some anxiety about passing. But there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, getting familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the OAE Social Studies (031) test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the OAE Social Studies (031) exam and explore some strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking the exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies exam with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) test to understand what it covers.
The OAE Social Studies (031) exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. You will have 3 hours to complete this test. The test assesses your knowledge in the following content domains:
- History
- Geography and Culture
- Government
- Economics
- Ohio in the United States
For specific details on topics that may appear on the exam, check out the information provided by the official OAE Middle Grades Social Studies prep guide. Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you allocate study time. As you begin preparing for the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies exam, focus on concepts you know will be challenging.
Your study plan might also consider how often each content domain appears on the test. For instance, the Economics and Ohio in the United States domains each account for only 10% of exam questions. By contrast, both 40% of questions on the OAE Social Studies (031) test will refer to the History domain alone. That’s nearly half the exam! Therefore, it’s logical to give this area plenty of attention as you study.
Overall, a thoughtful and balanced approach to studying the five content domains listed above will set you up for success on the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) exam.
Time Limit
You will have 3 hours to complete the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) test.
Passing Score
The passing score for the OAE Social Studies (031) exam is a 220.
Number of Questions
The OAE Middle Grades Social Studies test has 125 multiple-choice questions that cover five different content domains.
Cost
The OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) exam costs $109. Visit the OAE website for more information on fees and payment.
Registration Information
You can register for the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) exam year round. Start the registration process by creating an account, and then choose a convenient time and place to test.
If you’re willing to abide by online proctoring rules, you can even take the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) test at home. Learn more about OnVue exams and online proctoring.
Scoring Information
Visit the OAE website to find out what day your Social Studies (031) scores will be posted. (Scroll down to “Score Reporting.”) Scores will be viewable on your account starting at 10 p.m. (ET) on the listed date.
Be aware that since results are posted in batches, you may be waiting anywhere from around 12 days to around six weeks to get your scores. This wait time depends on whether you took your test early or late in the exam cycle.
Want to learn more about Social Studies (031) scores? Explore the details with our OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance to your career, the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the format and content domains of the OAE MG Social Studies (031) test as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Split your study blocks among all five content domains, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that appears on this exam.
Review Key Concepts and Skills
- Consider easing into this subject with test content that addresses research skills and broad geographic concepts, as opposed to knowledge of historical timelines and societies. Many test takers find this content friendlier than areas that deal with specific facts.
- Before you begin studying for the MG Social Studies (031) test, take some time to refresh your basic vocabulary. Many social studies terms sound uncomfortably similar to one another, and it’s easy to forget precise definitions or mix up ideas. On test day, you don’t want to be getting tripped up on chronology versus causality, or macroeconomics versus microeconomics.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions in every content domain. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in social studies, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 3 hours, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official OAE Middle Grades Social Studies exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real OAE exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use timelines, charts, and flashcards to organize events and concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as defining terms in your own words, explaining an event to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your OAE Middle Grades Social Studies exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
If you’re taking your exam at home, you should log in to your account and start your test within the acceptable interval (up to 30 minutes before the scheduled time and up to 15 minutes after it).
Check Required Items
Before your exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued ID that bears your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable ID include driver’s licenses and passports.
- Sensible clothing: If you’ll be at a test site, the OAE website recommends bringing clothes that you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
- Equipment and workspace: If you’re testing at home, you must have access to a desktop or laptop computer. You also need a quiet, private, and well lit workspace that is free of prohibited items.
Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
If you are taking the exam at home, make sure that you’re viewing the tabs that read “Online Proctoring” when you clink the link above. Test takers who plan to use online proctoring should pay special attention to these requirements. The rules for online proctoring are very strict, and a violation will cancel your score.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) test well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 3 hours to answer all 125 multiple-choice questions.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. Whether you are at a testing center or at home, OAE exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks.
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies exam within 3 hours. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of the test to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: On average, you’ll have a little under 1.5 minutes to answer each question. However, try to work faster than that whenever possible, in order to save up time for tough questions or for checking answers.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies test, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess. You can always return to the question if you have time.
On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining your focus are all essential to doing well on the Middle Grades Social Studies test.
Conclusion
The OAE Middle Grades Social Studies (031) exam is key to becoming a certified social studies teacher in the state of Ohio. To pass this test, you’ll need to show proficiency in content areas such as world history, U.S. history and government, Ohio history and government, geography and world cultures, and basic economics.
While the scope of this test is broad, don’t let it intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the OAE Social Studies exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More OAE Middle Grades Social Studies Resources
