Education Fundamentals

 The Education Fundamentals credential emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary for success in education careers and promotes post-secondary education to prepare students for careers in education and training in PK-12 schools, higher education, non-profit, and corporate settings.

 

The Education Fundamentals credential is aligned to content standards developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

The Education Fundamentals credential is appropriate for programs in secondary and post-secondary education, community-based education, and employer-based staff development.   Eligible candidates for the pre-professional credentials have not attained a bachelor’s degree. Individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher are eligible for the AAFCS professional certifications. 

  • The Teaching Profession
  • The Learner & Learning Process
  • Planning Instruction
  • Learning Environment
  • Assessment & Instructional Strategies

Assessment Blueprint

Assessment Bulletin

Includes detailed information on assessment design, scoring, content, sample test items, and resources

Alignment Matrices

21st Century Student Outcomes

Career Ready Practices

Employability Framework

Education Fundamentals

Resource Directory

Administration Format:  Online

Paper & Pencil Available: No

Number of Test Items:  70 scored items and 10 non-scored (for research purposes)

Time Allowed (minutes):   Untimed; Average time is 45-65 minutes

Can the instructor/teacher take this test?  No*

* AAFCS Pre-PAC policy does not allow teachers to sit for the exam and earn the credential.  If there is a state or district mandate/policy in place requiring the assessment/certification for teachers, then a written waiver of the requirement would need to be received and approved by AAFCS.  For states/districts who have an approved waiver, AAFCS sets limitations on the actual test administration.

Click here for the list of current certification scores The national cut score for pre-professional certification eligibility is established annually by AAFCS. Scores can be used to demonstrate competency, identify gaps in performance, enhance programs and curricula, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders. Through articulation agreements, scores may be used as the basis for advanced placement and/or credit-by-exam at post-secondary institutions. When the assessment is submitted, the results are immediately available to the test candidate. The results provide an overall percentage score, a breakdown of scores corresponding to domains, and indicate if the pre-professional credential was achieved.


AAFCS credentials are based on industry standards. The Development Panel was comprised of industry professionals and educators. The following stakeholders participated on the development panel for the credentialing assessment.

David Cordts, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Reston, VA Wanda Fox, TeachSharp LLC, West Lafayette, IN Carol Riley, National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), Reston, VA
Marcia J. Ritter, Educational Consultant, Lee's Summit, MO Jody Shelton, American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA), Overland Park, KS Faye Snodgress, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society for Education, Indianapolis, IN
Pat Stanley, U.S. Department of Education (Retired), The Villages, FL Jan Struebing, National Career Academy Coalition, Springdale, AR Marcella Wine-Snyder, Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA), Rock Hill, SC
Ginny Ellington, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Bonnie James, Notre Dame College, South Euclid, OH Susan Roark, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA
Tamara Lane, Siloam Springs High Schoo, Siloam Springs, AR Debbie Nelson, Alameda High School, Lakewood, CO

Email Pre-PAC

Direct Telephone Line: 703-636-7641