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Physical Education K to 12

Test Format and Sample Questions

The Physical Education K to 12 subject area test consists of approximately 80 multiple-choice questions. You will have two and one-half hours to complete the test.

Each question will contain four response options. You will choose the best response out of the available options, and indicate A, B, C, or D.

The table below presents types of questions on the exam and directs you to examples of these formats among the sample items that follow.

Table of Question Formats

Type of Question Sample Question
Sentence Completion
Select the response option that best completes the sentence.
Question 1
Scenario
Examine a situation, problem, or case study. Then answer a question, make a diagnosis, or recommend a course of action by selecting the best response option.
Question 3
Direct Question
Choose the response option that best answers the question.
Question 4

Sample Questions

The following questions represent both the form and content of questions on the examination. These questions will acquaint you with the general format of the examination; however, these sample questions do not cover all of the competencies and skills that are tested and will only approximate the degree of examination difficulty.


Question 1

Competency 1—Knowledge of the history and philosophy of the physical education profession

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The British tradition of fair play is used by educators in physical education programs to promote

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C.

Question 2

Competency 2—Knowledge of standards-based physical education curriculum development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Using national and state standards to guide effective development of a curriculum will ideally result in a program that

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: D.

Question 3

Competency 2—Knowledge of standards-based physical education curriculum development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

In a 4th-grade class, a physical education teacher groups students into sets of two to work together. One student identifies the source of mistakes made by the second student. On the teacher’s predetermined signal, the students switch roles. Based on this information, which of the following curriculum models is the teacher using?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C.

Question 4

Competency 2—Knowledge of standards-based physical education curriculum development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following best illustrates a benefit that physical education students receive from cross-curricular links?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: B.

Question 5

Competency 3—Knowledge of developmentally appropriate physical education instructional strategies

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following soccer modifications would increase the probability of success for all players?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: D.

Question 6

Competency 3—Knowledge of developmentally appropriate physical education instructional strategies

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

In the attribution motivational theory, teachers would most prefer their students to

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 7

Competency 3—Knowledge of developmentally appropriate physical education instructional strategies

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following teaching strategies arranges the physical education environment so that two or more tasks are going on in a class simultaneously in different places?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: B.

Question 8

Competency 3—Knowledge of developmentally appropriate physical education instructional strategies

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

After observing students throwing a ball, a physical education teacher determines that most of them are unable to throw the ball 30 yards and they are not using a mature throwing pattern. To develop this skill, the teacher’s next step should be to

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 9

Competency 4—Knowledge of human growth and development and motor learning as they relate to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A student achieves a feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment as a result of regular participation in physical activities. This best describes which type of development?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: D.

Question 10

Competency 4—Knowledge of human growth and development and motor learning as they relate to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

During a throwing and catching lesson with kindergarten students, the teacher notices that the class is struggling to catch an 8.5-inch playground ball. To improve the students’ success in catching the ball, the teacher should use a

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: D.

Question 11

Competency 5—Knowledge of developmentally appropriate movement skills and concepts related to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A physical education teacher would like to create an introductory activity for a kindergarten class. Which of the following is the first activity that the students should practice to learn spatial awareness?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 12

Competency 5—Knowledge of developmentally appropriate movement skills and concepts related to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The difficulty of striking a ball with an implement like a tennis racket, a bat, or golf club

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 13

Competency 5—Knowledge of developmentally appropriate movement skills and concepts related to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

An offensive lineman on the football team wants to increase the power in his chest for blocking. During weight training class, which of the following powerlifting techniques should the physical education teacher recommend?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: B.

Question 14

Competency 5—Knowledge of developmentally appropriate movement skills and concepts related to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

To demonstrate the effort quality of movement, which activity is most appropriate?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C.

Question 15

Competency 6—Knowledge of lifetime health, wellness, and physical fitness

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A student’s personal fitness program includes jogging 3 days a week for 30–45 minutes, lifting weights 3 days a week, and performing appropriate stretching exercises during warm-up and cool-down for both jogging and weight lifting. This fitness program emphasizes which of the following sets of health-related components?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: B.

Question 16

Competency 6—Knowledge of lifetime health, wellness, and physical fitness

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

According to the American Heart Association, modifiable risk factors associated with coronary artery disease are

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C.

Question 17

Competency 6—Knowledge of lifetime health, wellness, and physical fitness

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

What happens to the composition of the body as a result of muscular strength and endurance training?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C.

Question 18

Competency 6—Knowledge of lifetime health, wellness, and physical fitness

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of these sets of exercises emphasizes the development of strength in the arms?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 19

Competency 7—Knowledge of cognitive, social, and emotional development through physical education and physical activity

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Regular exercise improves one’s appearance and ability to perform tasks, which increases self-confidence and self-esteem. This type of benefit would be described as

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: B.

Question 20

Competency 7—Knowledge of cognitive, social, and emotional development through physical education and physical activity

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A physical education teacher is instructing a lesson on soccer skills. The teacher notices that a student with a motor disability is struggling to provide enough force to pass the ball. To best meet the needs of the student, the teacher should

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: B.

Question 21

Competency 8—Knowledge of various types of assessment strategies that can be used to determine student levels and needs in physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following would be the first step to help a student establish individual fitness goals?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 22

Competency 8—Knowledge of various types of assessment strategies that can be used to determine student levels and needs in physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following instruments is the most accurate for measuring body composition?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C.

Question 23

Competency 8—Knowledge of various types of assessment strategies that can be used to determine student levels and needs in physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The most authentic method of determining a student's cognitive understanding of the mechanics of a particular skill is to

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: D.

Question 24

Competency 9—Knowledge of strategies that promote an effective learning environment

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following pieces of weight training equipment is most important for safety?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: D.

Question 25

Competency 9—Knowledge of strategies that promote an effective learning environment

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following is the proper procedure for treating a student who has just strained a hamstring muscle?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C.

Question 26

Competency 10—Knowledge of laws, legislation, and liabilities that pertain to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

One of the major factors leading to legislative and policy changes impacting physical education is a(an)

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Correct Response: C.

Question 27

Competency 11—Knowledge of appropriate safety considerations, rules, strategies, and terminology related to physical education and a variety of physical activities

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

During a rally, a tennis player finds her opponent at the far right side of the backhand court and hits a ball cross court to the left. Hitting to an open space is an example of a game

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 28

Competency 11—Knowledge of appropriate safety considerations, rules, strategies, and terminology related to physical education and a variety of physical activities

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

In a volleyball game, two opposing players contact the net at the same time. The correct ruling is a

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 29

Competency 12—Knowledge of professional ethics, advocacy, and development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following is the best professional organization for teachers to use as a resource for enriching their physical education programs in order to serve diverse populations engaged in activity?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: B.

Question 30

Competency 13—Knowledge of the appropriate use of technology as related to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A 9th-grade teacher wants to plan a cognitive lesson that incorporates health-enhancing physical fitness. Which of the following student activities would best meet this objective?

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A.

Question 31

Competency 13—Knowledge of the appropriate use of technology as related to physical education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A 6th-grade teacher assigns a digital presentation titled “How I Stay Fit.” The project will require students to document evidence of their own fitness through word processing and digital media. In order to protect the privacy of the students, the teacher should have them

Choose an answer
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: D.