The Indiana Core Academic Skills Assessment (CASA)
examination is an Indiana educator licensure assessment used to determine a
candidate’s appropriateness for acceptance to a teacher education program in
Indiana.
The CASA exam consists of three subtests that may be taken
in one testing session or independently of one another. The three subtests are
reading, mathematics, and writing. All
three subtests must be passed to enter an educator program in the state of
Indiana.
Test design and cost
The CASA Reading subtest includes four content areas:
- The meaning of words and phrases
- Central ideas, supporting details, and the
structure of a text - The purpose and point of view of the author
- The use of critical reasoning skills to evaluate
written texts
The reading subtest has 40 multiple-choice questions. You
have 75 minutes to complete the reading subtest. The passing score for this
subtest is 220. The registration fee is $38.00.
The CASA Writing subtest includes four content areas:
- Clear and coherent writing exhibiting
development, organization, and style - Strong and developed writing through revision,
editing, rewriting, and different approaches - Grammar, usage, and mechanics using the
appropriate conventions of standard English - An assigned writing assignment demonstrating the
candidate’s ability to write and support arguments and claims through analysis,
reasoning, and evidential examination
The writing subtest has 42
multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response question. The
constructed-response question in the writing subtest assesses your ability to
write effectively in a limited amount of time. You have 105 minutes to complete
the writing subtest. The passing score for this subtest is 220. The
registration fee is $38.00.
The CASA Mathematics subtest includes four content areas:
- Number and quantity; number systems, number
representations, number operations, and basic number theory - Algebra and functions including mathematical
expressions, basic algebraic techniques, equations, and inequalities - Measurement and geometry
- Statistics and probability
The mathematics subtest has 40 multiple-choice questions. You have 75 minutes to complete the exam.
Formula reference sheets and an on-screen calculator are provided for your use
during the test. The passing score for this subtest is 220. The registration
fee is $38.00.
Registration and
location
Before you can register for the CASA tests, you need to
create an account and pay for the exam at the Indiana Educator program website.
Once you are registered, you can schedule your testing appointment online at
any time.
The CASA tests are conducted at Pearson VUE testing centers
located nationwide, and your testing appointment is scheduled on a first come,
first served basis. Once you have registered for your exam, Pearson VUE will
send a confirmation letter that indicates your test date, time, and location.
Test Day
Follow the directions for checking in at the testing
facility at your appointed test time. After you check-in, you are escorted to
your station and provided scratch paper, writing utensils, and appropriate
reference materials (as required for your exam).
Take the time to work through the pre-test tutorial to
become familiar with the delivery platform. Once you have completed the
tutorial, you can begin your exam. Pay attention to the time spent on your exam
and try to save enough time to review your responses. You receive one point for
each correct answer, and you are not penalized for wrong answers.
Exam scoring and
results
Your score is converted to a scaled score ranging from 100
to 300. You need to obtain a 220 on each subtest to pass the CASA exam. The
constructed-response question is manually reviewed against a scoring outline.
The scale is one to four. Four indicates a strong response, and one indicates a
weak response.
The reading subtest and the mathematics subtest provide a
preliminary report after your exam. Your official results for the writing
subtest are mailed within 20 days of your test date. If you take the writing
test with any subtest, immediate results are not available.
Your official score report is mailed within 20 days of your test date. If you did not pass, your report includes detailed information designed to identify your weak areas.
How Can I Prepare for the Indiana CORE CASA Test?
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!