If you need help studying for the AEPA Principal test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free AEPA Principal practice test!
What’s on the Test?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the AEPA Principal test. There are 104 questions in total, most being selected-response and some being constructed-response.
100 questions
Selected-response questions require you to select the correct answer from a list of options. Multiple-choice questions are the most common example, but you may also see true-or-false questions and “matching” questions, which ask you to match terms or concepts with their definitions.
Constructed-Response (CR)
4 questions
The constructed-response questions require you to write your answer instead of selecting from a list of choices. Your response to these questions is generally expected to be at least a few paragraphs, but you’ll be given specific details and instructions before you take the test.
The time limit for each subtest is 3.5 hours, and you’ll be able to take restroom breaks as needed (just know that the timer won’t stop!).
Let’s take a closer look at each subtest:
Subtest I (181)
52 questions | 3.5 hours
Visionary Leadership, Collaboration, and Educational Contexts (50%)
- Developing and implementing a shared school vision and goals
- Promoting continuous and sustainable improvement in student learning
- Political, cultural, social, and economic contexts of education
- Building positive relationships with stakeholders
Fiscal and Operational Management and Legal/Ethical Guidelines (50%)
- Fiscal and operational management
- Promoting the school’s educational goals
- Laws, regulations, and judicial decisions affecting Arizona education
- Ethical guidelines and behavior expectations for principals
Subtest II (281)
52 questions | 3.5 hours
Instructional and Organizational Leadership
- Creating and sustaining a school culture conducive to student learning and staff professional growth
- Providing instructional leadership focused on effective teaching and learning
- Instructional practices that promote academic success
- Providing professional development opportunities and experiences
- Organizational and human resource management that supports school improvement
How to Register
To register for the test, you’ll need to create an account on the NES website. Once your account has been created, you can register to take the exam.
During the registration process, you’ll need to pay a fee of $174 per subtest.
AEPA Principal Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
How the Exam is Scored
The AEPA Principal test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score ranging from 100 to 300.
You’ll need a score of at least 240 on each subtest to pass the exam.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t get the score you want on your first try, that’s okay! You can take the exam again after a mandatory 30-day waiting period.
FAQs
How many questions are on the AEPA Principal exam?
The exam contains 104 questions (54 per subtest).
What is the time limit for the AEPA Principal exam?
Each subtest is timed at 3.5 hours.
What is the passing score for the AEPA Principal exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 240 on each subtest to pass the full test.
How much does the AEPA Principal exam cost?
The testing fee is $174 for each subtest.