About the Tests

About Test Blueprints

Test blueprints are created to provide guidance to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) during the item writing phase of test development. In addition, we believe that they can assist those instructors who did not participate in item writing (and administrators) to understand the broad content of the item bank. Items are formally allocated across a course outline in a three-step process*:

  1. CETE psychometricians send a survey starting in the summer prior to item writing and until the item bank is written. The survey asks teachers to identify competencies they deem to be most important within the course as well as the difficulty level of writing items to each competency. Survey data is used to create a suggested blueprint for review by the Ohio Department of Education program specialists and SMEs.
  2. SMEs review the blueprint as a large group before item writing for a specific EOC test. There and in small groups, SMEs review the course outline and have the ability to make changes to the blueprint with a documented rationale based on their experience and expertise.
  3. Any revisions during small group work must be approved by the larger panel of SMEs attending an item writing workshop, as well as the program specialist from the Ohio Department of Education, which is the last step and produces the final blueprint which is summarized in this document.

Test blueprints can provide high-level guidance to instructors on preparing students for testing. It is important to keep in mind that the blueprint is a tool that is used when developing the test item bank during initial item writing and test creation. As with all tests, the End-of-Course test forms are a sample of the item bank.

Interpreting the Blueprints

Test blueprints display the total number of test items SMEs planned to write to a particular outcome (as designated in the course outline created by the Ohio Department of Education Office of Career-Technical Education or by a vendor). The blueprint describes structure of the item bank which is the total pool of test items created. Final test forms of 40-items are created from the item bank.

* This newer process for producing test blueprints was implemented October 1, 2015. Item banks created prior to this date were completed under a different blueprint process and therefore we are looking backward to provide the structure of the item bank. As revisions are completed for those career fields, for example Information Technology (2017-18), the blueprint process used will be the newer model. Learn more at cete.osu.edu/expertise/assessment

Test Blueprints

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

ODE Subject Code: 010105
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills3.26%
1.2Leadership and Communication5.43%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology3.26%
1.6Business Literacy3.26%
1.7Entrepreneurship/ Entrepreneurs3.26%
1.8Operations Management3.26%
1.9Financial Management3.26%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures6.52%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.3Care and Management6.52%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments5.43%
3.3Specimen, equipment and chemical handling3.26%
3.6Molecular-Genetics Technology2.17%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance4.35%
4.3Engines3.26%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.3Design and Estimate1.09%
5.6Construction1.09%
5.9Physics and Metallurgy of Welding1.09%
5.10Joining and cutting ferrous and non-ferrous materials with heat1.09%
5.12Precision Agriculture4.35%
5.15Animal Behavior2.17%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.1Soils4.35%
6.2Water Quality3.26%
6.11Habitat Management and Restoration4.35%
Strand 7. Food Science
7.2Quality Assurance5.43%
7.5Food Product Development3.26%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition4.35%
8.4Growth and Management5.43%
Strand 9. Energy
9.1Energy Sources2.17%

Business Management for Agricultural and Environmental Systems

ODE Subject Code: 010115
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills6.67%
1.2Leadership and Communication10.00%
1.3Business Ethics and Law6.67%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology6.67%
1.5Global Environment2.22%
1.6Business Literacy13.33%
1.7Entrepreneurship/ Entrepreneurs8.89%
1.8Operations Management15.56%
1.9Financial Management10.00%
1.10Sales and Marketing8.89%
1.11Principles of Business Economics3.33%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.16Biosecurity7.78%

Mechanical Principles

ODE Subject Code: 010120
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills4.40%
1.2Leadership and Communication3.30%
1.3Business Ethics and Law3.30%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology3.30%
1.9Financial Management2.20%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures3.30%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance9.89%
4.2Equipment Operations4.40%
4.3Engines4.40%
4.4Lubrication and Cooling System1.10%
4.5Fuel, Air Induction and Exhaust System2.20%
4.11Hydraulic Systems3.30%
4.14Pneumatic Systems4.40%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.1Electrical Theory12.09%
5.2Structural Electrical Circuits6.59%
5.3Design and Estimate3.30%
5.6Construction2.20%
5.8Water Distribution Systems1.10%
5.9Physics and Metallurgy of Welding8.79%
5.10Joining and cutting ferrous and non-ferrous materials with heat12.09%
5.11Fabricating with cold ferrous and non-ferrous material2.20%
5.13Electronic Systems2.20%

Animal and Plant Science

ODE Subject Code: 010125
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.2Leadership and Communication1.18%
1.3Business Ethics and Law2.35%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology1.18%
1.10Sales and Marketing1.18%
1.11Principles of Business Economics1.18%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.1Nutrition4.71%
2.2Body Systems4.71%
2.3Care and Management5.88%
2.4Recognizing Diseases and Disorders1.18%
2.5Animal Health2.35%
2.6Population Management3.53%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments9.41%
3.3Specimen, equipment and chemical handling1.18%
3.5Microbiology Testing and Technology1.18%
3.6Molecular-Genetics Technology2.35%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.15Animal Behavior2.35%
5.16Biosecurity4.71%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.1Soils9.41%
6.2Water Quality2.35%
6.4Water Use and Management2.35%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition7.06%
8.2Plant Reproduction4.71%
8.3Pest Management4.71%
8.4Growth and Management15.29%
8.5Harvesting3.53%

Global Economics and Food Markets

ODE Subject Code: 010130
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills4.44%
1.2Leadership and Communication4.44%
1.3Business Ethics and Law5.56%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology3.33%
1.5Global Environment6.67%
1.6Business Literacy10.00%
1.7Entrepreneurship/ Entrepreneurs4.44%
1.8Operations Management13.33%
1.9Financial Management4.44%
1.10Sales and Marketing11.11%
1.11Principles of Business Economics6.67%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.3Care and Management5.56%
Strand 7. Food Science
7.3Meat Science2.22%
7.5Food Product Development2.22%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.4Growth and Management3.33%
8.5Harvesting4.44%
8.6Handling and Storage3.33%
Strand 9. Energy
9.1Energy Sources4.44%

Greenhouse and Nursery Management

ODE Subject Code: 010610
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills3.26%
1.2Leadership and Communication2.17%
1.3Business Ethics and Law2.17%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology3.26%
1.5Global Environment2.17%
1.6Business Literacy3.26%
1.10Sales and Marketing3.26%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures4.35%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments3.26%
3.5Microbiology Testing and Technology3.26%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.1Soils6.52%
6.2Water Quality6.52%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition13.04%
8.2Plant Reproduction8.70%
8.3Pest Management8.70%
8.4Growth and Management21.74%
8.6Handling and Storage4.35%

Agronomic Systems

ODE Subject Code: 010620
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills1.11%
1.2Leadership and Communication1.11%
1.3Business Ethics and Law2.22%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology1.11%
1.6Business Literacy2.22%
1.8Operations Management4.44%
1.9Financial Management2.22%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments2.22%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance1.11%
4.2Equipment Operations1.11%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.4Surveying and Mapping1.11%
5.5Geographic Information Systems (GIS)2.22%
5.12Precision Agriculture2.22%
5.16Biosecurity3.33%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.1Soils11.11%
6.2Water Quality3.33%
6.4Water Use and Management3.33%
6.7Solid Waste and Renewable Resource Management2.22%
6.8Contaminants and Pollution Control2.22%
6.11Habitat Management and Restoration6.67%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition12.22%
8.2Plant Reproduction6.67%
8.3Pest Management5.56%
8.4Growth and Management10.00%
8.5Harvesting6.67%
8.6Handling and Storage2.22%

Energy Systems Management

ODE Subject Code: 010715
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills3.41%
1.2Leadership and Communication2.27%
1.3Business Ethics and Law2.27%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology2.27%
1.6Business Literacy2.27%
1.10Sales and Marketing1.14%
1.11Principles of Business Economics3.41%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures6.82%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments4.55%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance5.68%
4.2Equipment Operations4.55%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.1Electrical Theory6.82%
5.2Structural Electrical Circuits4.55%
5.3Design and Estimate4.55%
5.4Surveying and Mapping3.41%
5.8Water Distribution Systems2.27%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.10Ecosystems4.55%
Strand 9. Energy
9.1Energy Sources7.95%
9.2Crude Oil and Natural Gas2.27%
9.3Biomass9.09%
9.4Solar Energy6.82%
9.5Wind Energy9.09%

Environmental Science for Agriculture and Natural Resources

ODE Subject Code: 010720
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills2.20%
1.2Leadership and Communication3.30%
1.3Business Ethics and Law3.30%
1.11Principles of Business Economics3.30%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures3.30%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.4Recognizing Diseases and Disorders3.30%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments9.89%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.1Soils8.79%
6.2Water Quality6.59%
6.3Air Quality5.49%
6.4Water Use and Management4.40%
6.5Potable Water Treatment3.30%
6.6Wastewater Operations3.30%
6.7Solid Waste and Renewable Resource Management6.59%
6.8Contaminants and Pollution Control6.59%
6.9Hazardous Materials and Waste Management3.30%
6.10Ecosystems7.69%
6.11Habitat Management and Restoration8.79%
Strand 9. Energy
9.1Energy Sources6.59%

Forestry and Woodland Ecosystems

ODE Subject Code: 010730
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills3.57%
1.2Leadership and Communication2.38%
1.3Business Ethics and Law3.57%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology3.57%
1.6Business Literacy4.76%
1.10Sales and Marketing2.38%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures5.95%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance15.48%
4.2Equipment Operations7.14%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.4Surveying and Mapping3.57%
5.5Geographic Information Systems (GIS)4.76%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.1Soils8.33%
6.8Contaminants and Pollution Control4.76%
6.10Ecosystems7.14%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition4.76%
8.2Plant Reproduction1.19%
8.3Pest Management4.76%
8.4Growth and Management4.76%
8.5Harvesting4.76%
8.6Handling and Storage2.38%

Animal Health

ODE Subject Code: 010915
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills1.08%
1.2Leadership and Communication1.08%
1.3Business Ethics and Law1.08%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.1Nutrition12.90%
2.2Body Systems3.23%
2.3Care and Management16.13%
2.4Recognizing Diseases and Disorders15.05%
2.5Animal Health18.28%
2.6Population Management8.60%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments3.23%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.15Animal Behavior12.90%
5.16Biosecurity6.45%

Livestock Selection, Nutrition, and Management

ODE Subject Code: 010920
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills0.93%
1.2Leadership and Communication0.93%
1.3Business Ethics and Law0.93%
1.5Global Environment0.93%
1.6Business Literacy0.93%
1.8Operations Management0.93%
1.9Financial Management0.93%
1.10Sales and Marketing0.93%
1.11Principles of Business Economics2.80%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures0.93%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.1Nutrition7.48%
2.2Body Systems7.48%
2.3Care and Management14.95%
2.4Recognizing Diseases and Disorders5.61%
2.5Animal Health4.67%
2.6Population Management8.41%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.6Molecular-Genetics Technology3.74%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance0.93%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.15Animal Behavior16.82%
5.16Biosecurity3.74%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.4Water Use and Management0.93%
6.7Solid Waste and Renewable Resource Management2.80%
Strand 7. Food Science
7.1The Science of Food0.93%
7.3Meat Science3.74%
7.4Food Production and Processing4.67%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition0.93%
Strand 9. Energy
9.1Energy Sources0.93%

Veterinary Science

ODE Subject Code: 010930
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills3.16%
1.2Leadership and Communication3.16%
1.3Business Ethics and Law3.16%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology2.11%
1.5Global Environment2.11%
1.6Business Literacy1.05%
1.8Operations Management2.11%
1.10Sales and Marketing2.11%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures5.26%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.1Nutrition8.42%
2.2Body Systems12.63%
2.3Care and Management7.37%
2.4Recognizing Diseases and Disorders8.42%
2.5Animal Health12.63%
2.6Population Management6.32%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments4.21%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance2.11%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.15Animal Behavior8.42%
5.16Biosecurity5.26%

Equine Selection, Nutrition, and Management

ODE Subject Code: 010935
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills1.05%
1.2Leadership and Communication2.11%
1.3Business Ethics and Law2.11%
1.6Business Literacy1.05%
1.8Operations Management2.11%
1.10Sales and Marketing2.11%
1.11Principles of Business Economics2.11%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures3.16%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.1Nutrition8.42%
2.2Body Systems9.47%
2.3Care and Management13.68%
2.4Recognizing Diseases and Disorders7.37%
2.5Animal Health8.42%
2.6Population Management10.53%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.6Molecular-Genetics Technology3.16%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance3.16%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.15Animal Behavior8.42%
5.16Biosecurity3.16%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.7Solid Waste and Renewable Resource Management5.26%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition2.11%
Strand 9. Energy
9.1Energy Sources1.05%

Animal Anatomy and Physiology

ODE Subject Code: 010945
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills3.16%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures6.32%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.2Body Systems51.58%
2.3Care and Management5.26%
2.4Recognizing Diseases and Disorders10.53%
2.6Population Management10.53%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.15Animal Behavior12.63%

Science and Technology of Food

ODE Subject Code: 011010
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills2.35%
1.2Leadership and Communication1.18%
1.3Business Ethics and Law1.18%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments8.24%
3.2Laboratory Standard Operational Procedures4.71%
3.4Applying Chemistry to Laboratory Practices4.71%
3.5Microbiology Testing and Technology4.71%
3.6Molecular-Genetics Technology3.53%
Strand 7. Food Science
7.1The Science of Food11.76%
7.2Quality Assurance14.12%
7.4Food Production and Processing15.29%
7.5Food Product Development10.59%
7.6Food Safety and Sanitation17.65%

Meat Science and Technology

ODE Subject Code: 011020
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills1.16%
1.2Leadership and Communication1.16%
1.3Business Ethics and Law2.33%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology2.33%
1.5Global Environment2.33%
1.6Business Literacy2.33%
1.8Operations Management2.33%
1.9Financial Management1.16%
1.10Sales and Marketing1.16%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures4.65%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.5Animal Health5.81%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.1Tool, Stationary and Mobile Maintenance4.65%
4.2Equipment Operations3.49%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.16Biosecurity6.98%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.7Solid Waste and Renewable Resource Management4.65%
Strand 7. Food Science
7.1The Science of Food4.65%
7.2Quality Assurance9.30%
7.3Meat Science15.12%
7.4Food Production and Processing10.47%
7.5Food Product Development5.81%
7.6Food Safety and Sanitation8.14%

Animal and Plant Biotechnology

ODE Subject Code: 012010
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills3.37%
1.2Leadership and Communication4.49%
1.3Business Ethics and Law6.74%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology3.37%
1.5Global Environment5.62%
1.10Sales and Marketing1.12%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures3.37%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments13.48%
3.2Laboratory Standard Operational Procedures7.87%
3.3Specimen, equipment and chemical handling7.87%
3.4Applying Chemistry to Laboratory Practices7.87%
3.5Microbiology Testing and Technology10.11%
3.6Molecular-Genetics Technology21.35%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.16Biosecurity3.37%

Foundations of Sustainable and Innovative Agriculture

ODE Subject Code: 012030
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills1.18%
1.2Leadership and Communication1.18%
1.3Business Ethics and Law1.18%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology2.35%
1.6Business Literacy2.35%
1.9Financial Management3.53%
1.11Principles of Business Economics2.35%
Strand 2. Animal Science
2.1Nutrition4.71%
2.3Care and Management5.88%
Strand 3. Biotechnology
3.1Research and Experiments2.35%
3.2Laboratory Standard Operational Procedures1.18%
3.3Specimen, equipment and chemical handling1.18%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.5Geographic Information Systems (GIS)3.53%
5.12Precision Agriculture3.53%
5.15Animal Behavior2.35%
5.16Biosecurity4.71%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.1Soils3.53%
6.2Water Quality2.35%
6.3Air Quality2.35%
6.4Water Use and Management1.18%
6.7Solid Waste and Renewable Resource Management3.53%
6.8Contaminants and Pollution Control1.18%
6.10Ecosystems3.53%
6.11Habitat Management and Restoration3.53%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition5.88%
8.2Plant Reproduction2.35%
8.3Pest Management7.06%
8.4Growth and Management10.59%
8.5Harvesting3.53%
Strand 9. Energy
9.1Energy Sources1.18%
9.3Biomass1.18%
9.4Solar Energy2.35%
9.5Wind Energy1.18%

Precision Applications in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

ODE Subject Code: 012035
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills1.11%
1.2Leadership and Communication5.56%
1.3Business Ethics and Law3.33%
1.8Operations Management3.33%
1.12Site and Personal Safety Procedures6.67%
Strand 4. Power Systems
4.2Equipment Operations7.78%
Strand 5. Elements of Production
5.1Electrical Theory6.67%
5.4Surveying and Mapping6.67%
5.5Geographic Information Systems (GIS)7.78%
5.12Precision Agriculture12.22%
5.13Electronic Systems4.44%
5.14Motors and Programmable Logic Controllers12.22%
Strand 6. Environmental Science
6.1Soils4.44%
Strand 8. Plant Science
8.1Plant Nutrition6.67%
8.5Harvesting6.67%
8.6Handling and Storage4.44%

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

ODE Subject Code: 177024
Outcome #Outcome Name% Items Approved by SMEs
Strand 1. Business Operations/21st Century Skills
1.1Employability Skills2.08%
1.2Leadership and Communications1.04%
1.3Business Ethics and Law1.04%
1.4Knowledge Management and Information Technology1.04%
1.6Business Literacy1.04%
1.7Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurs1.04%
1.8Operations Management1.04%
1.10Sales and Marketing1.04%
Strand 2. Safety, Tools and Maintenance
2.1Facility Safety5.21%
2.2Personal Safety2.08%
Strand 7. Aviation and Aeronautics
7.1Aviation: Describe the airspace system and aviation industry.3.13%
7.4Aerodynamics9.38%
7.5Airport Environments5.21%
7.6Meteorology6.25%
7.7Air Traffic Control and Communication3.13%
7.8Human Factors5.21%
7.9Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems8.33%
7.10Geographic Information Systems (GIS)7.29%
7.11Preflight Preparation14.58%
7.12Takeoff and Landing4.17%
7.13Flight Environment10.42%
7.14Emergency Operations6.25%

Download Options