AEPA study guide
AEPA · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) are Arizona's educator certification testing program, administered through a Pearson-run testing system. They are used by candidates seeking Arizona credentials across a wide range of roles: elementary and secondary classroom teachers, middle grades teachers, special education teachers by disability area, reading and library media specialists, adult education instructors, and school administrators such as principals, superintendents, and supervisors. The AEPA study guide has 10 sections and about 2,091 words.
01Essential Academic Skills Subtests I–III
Understand main idea, supporting details, inference, author’s purpose, tone, and vocabulary in context. Practice summarizing paragraphs and distinguishing fact from opinion.
199 words, under 1 min02Elementary Education Subtests I–II
Know major developmental stages and learning theories (Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Kohlberg, Skinner, Bandura). Match instructional expectations to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
192 words, under 1 min03Content-Area Subject Tests (Art, Biology, Chemistry, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Science)
Each content test demands deep knowledge of the subject’s core concepts, vocabulary, methods, and modes of inquiry. In biology, know experimental design, genetics, ecology, and cell function.
215 words, about 1 min04Middle Grades Subject Tests (English Language Arts, General Science, Mathematics, Social Science)
Understand the developmental needs of early adolescents: identity formation, peer influence, abstract reasoning growth, and social-emotional variability. Instruction should be challenging, relevant, and supportive.
203 words, about 1 min05Special Education Tests
Know IDEA, FAPE, least restrictive environment (LRE), individualized education programs (IEPs), procedural safeguards, and evaluation timelines. Understand Section 504 and ADA distinctions.
187 words, under 1 min06Professional Knowledge Tests (APK Elementary/Secondary, Early Childhood, Adult Education)
Understand standards-based planning, learning objectives, sequencing, questioning, differentiation, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Select strategies that fit learners’ ages and contexts.
192 words, under 1 min07Administrator Tests (Principal I–II, Superintendent I–II, Supervisor)
Understand how leaders build a shared vision, a safe and equitable culture, and productive relationships with staff, families, and the community. Know instructional leadership and professional learning communities.
191 words, under 1 min08Foundations of Reading (890)
Understand phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Know the progression from sounds to words to connected text and the role of background knowledge.
168 words, under 1 min09Reading Endorsement K–8 and 6–12; School Library Media Specialist
Understand reading development across grades, adolescent literacy, disciplinary literacy, and intervention for struggling readers. Know how text complexity, vocabulary, and comprehension vary by discipline.
359 words, about 2 min10Adult Education Tests (English Language Acquisition, English Language Arts, Mathematics)
Apply andragogy: adults bring experience, need relevance, and prefer problem-centered learning. Understand motivation, self-direction, and barriers to participation.
185 words, under 1 min