The Content and Design test in Physical Education is designed to measure the professional knowledge of prospective teachers of physical education in elementary through senior high school. The test assesses whether an examinee has the knowledge and competencies necessary for a beginning teacher of physical education.

Examinees typically have completed, or are about to complete, a bachelor’s degree program in physical education, exercise science, or similar program of study. The content of the test is based largely on the teacher preparation standards created by the Society of Health and Physical Educators® (SHAPE America).

The 90 selected-response questions cover knowledge of fitness, kinesiology, exercise physiology, fundamental movements, and sports that comprise the content of physical education classes; knowledge of areas in the natural and social sciences that provide the foundation for teaching these activities; and knowledge of crucial topics in health and safety. The constructed-response questions measure an examinee’s ability to design fitness and skill activities for physical education classes.

Knowledge of these subject areas enables teachers to understand the nature and purpose of the activities in the physical education curriculum, to evaluate and interpret the physical characteristics and performances of students in physical education classes, and to make decisions about the ongoing conduct of physical education classes and the needs of students in those classes. Questions will test knowledge of essential facts, including the meaning of terms and placement of content elements in proper categories, understanding of relationships between and among areas of content, and the ability to apply concepts appropriately. This test may contain some questions that will not count toward your score.