If
you’re planning to teach Health and Fitness in the State of Washington for Kindergarten
through Grade 8, you’re required to pass the Washington Educator Skills Test
(WEST-E) Health/Fitness (029) Exam. Learn the facts about the exam and its
content to aid you in taking and passing the test.
What is the Eligibility Requirement to take the Exam?
Those who are applying for a state-approved education preparation program, who are enrolled in one, or who are seeking to add to their Washington residency teaching certificate qualify to take the WEST-E Exam for their discipline. Out-of-state teachers who will apply for teacher certification in Washington also qualify. Passing the WEST-E Health/Fitness (029) Exam endorses you to teach topics in Health/Fitness, enhancing your career options and opportunities.
How do I Register and Schedule my Exam?
Registration for the exam is completed online at the Washington Educator Skills Test website. Once registered, you have up to one year to schedule and complete the exam at any Pearson testing centers in Washington and nationwide.
If you require alternative testing arrangements, you must declare this on your registration and submit an additional form and required documentation. Requests for alternative testing arrangements will be individually reviewed and you will be notified by email within 1-3 weeks to proceed with scheduling your test with approved alternative testing arrangements.What is the Cost of the Exam?
The WEST-E Exam costs $155, which includes a $35 processing fee. Only credit/debit cards with the VISA or Mastercard logo are accepted.
What is the Format and Content of the Exam?
Pearson Education, Inc. offers the WEST-E Exam Health/Fitness (029) Exam in a computer-based format, containing 110 multiple-choice questions. The test takes a total of 2 hours and 5 minutes, which includes a 15-minute tutorial and nondisclosure agreement.
WEST-E Exams test the knowledge required to meet the standards created by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board with each exam covering a specific discipline, as in this case, Health and Fitness. The content domains tested in the WEST-E Health/Fitness (029) Exam are as follows:
- Factors Affecting Growth and Development - 19% of questions
- Living Safely and Reducing Risks - 16% of questions
- Consumer and Safety Skills - 16% of questions
- Motor Skills and Movement Activities - 30% of questions
- Physical Fitness in Everyday Life - 19% of questions
What Happens on Test Day?
When you register for the WEST-E Health/Fitness (029) Exam, you agree to follow the rules. For example, you must have an original government-issued photo ID, printed in English, to present. Acceptable IDs include a drivers license, state-issued ID, or passport with your photo and signature. Copies will not be accepted.
When you arrive, leave cell phones and other electronics at home, in your car, or in a locker if provided. These items are not permitted in the classroom, along with calculators, printed materials, bags, briefcases, or packages. You may only wear a hat or headwear if it’s required by your religion. Pre-approved medical devices may be worn; consult the Washington Educator Skills Test website for information on seeking approval.
Additional guidelines include the following:
- Dress comfortably in layers as room temperature can vary
- Wear soft-soled shoes to provide quiet for other test-takers
- Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, considering distance and traffic patterns; anyone that is more than 15 minutes late will not be admitted and will not receive a refund
All the rules and guidelines for test day are available on the Washington Educator Skills Test Website.
When will I Receive my Score?
Results are available immediately, while a detailed score report becomes available in 2-6 weeks after the test. A candidate must score 240 out of 300 points to pass the exam.
What if I do not Pass?
Anyone who fails to score at least 240 points can retake the test following a 45-day waiting period.
How Can I Prepare for the WEST-E Health/Fitness Exam?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!