Family & Consumer Sciences Composite
Study & Test Strategies

Strategy 1

Submitted by Sydney

Study Strategy

I only used to Quizlet to study for this test. There are many flashcard decks that have already been created on there for FCS. I created my own flashcards using the ones on Quizlet and made close to 600 cards. I definitely over-studied some of the material, however, I felt prepared going in. I passed the first time with a score of 254.

Testing Strategy

This test was easier than I expected. There were a few questions that I had never seen before. However, I knew more than I didn't. Writing out my own flashcards helped me pass. I am better at memorizing content if I've wrote it down. I could've just flipped through the cards online, but I know that writing each term out was beneficial for my learning style. I would recommend typing each standard into Quizlet and studying until you feel confident. When you're ready, move on to the next until you are confident in all 8. Good luck!

Strategy 2

Submitted by Raina

Study Strategy

I primarily used Quizlet to study for the test. I utilized the Texas Tech resources about a month prior to the test and they were useful, but impossible to study all the material in the 6 weeks the subscription allows. Take as many practice exams as you can find but be sure to use Quizlet and search the separate competencies.

Testing Strategy

The test was easier than I anticipated, but I was expecting the worst since the test covers so much. Several of the questions were common sense and I used my extra time to review the entire test again before I submitted. I passed the first time.

Strategy 3

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

There is not much information out there to study for this test. The only thing that I found useful to study was Texas Tech's study guide. You pay $75 for 6 weeks of access to a variety of different FCS related textbooks and quizzes. Quizlet also offers flashcards that were made by others who are studying as well. Those were helpful.

Testing Strategy

Due to the lack of study material and the wide range of topics the composite test covers, this test was harder than I anticipated. Spend a lot of time studying the Texas Tech study materials and take as many quizzes/tests as you can. I passed on the first time.

Strategy 4

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I bought ( i )TEXES AAFCS Family & Consumer Sciences Practice Questions (by TExES Exam Secrets Prep), and ( ii ) Study.com monthly subscription. The book had 2 sample tests, which helped me hone in on what I didn't understand. Study.com was great because of the video reviews of things I was unfamiliar with. It helped me to take as many practice tests as possible to get used to how the testers phrase and interpret things. I studied a few hours a week (after work and some weekends) for a month and a half.

Testing Strategy

It helped to stop mid- test and take deep breaths to settle my anxiety. There is no way to know how well I was doing because each test is different and the level of difficulty varies for each test. Thankfully, I passed.

Strategy 5

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I bought the study materials from Texas Tech and read through those (as much as possible). I would suggest reading through the chapter summary for each chapter. I also bought the Mometrix study guide; the only thing that was good about this study guide were the questions in the back, the rest of the guide was very vague. Along with that, study as many online questions as you can find.

Testing Strategy

The test was difficult. I was actually unsure if i was going to pass. Remember to read through the questions and the answers completely. I passed the first time.

Strategy 6

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the Mometrix study guide and some practice tests I found online. The study guide gave a very brief overview of the content and the practice test at the end went way more into detail. I wouldn't recommend the Mometrix study guide unless you have a detailed background in FCS, it was too general.

Testing Strategy

The exam went into more detail than what I had studied, so I thought it was kind of hard. However, I could narrow it down to two choices in most cases. There are 150 questions and 8 domains. Take your time and study the competencies you’re not familiar with. I passed the first time!

Strategy 7

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the study guide from Mometrix. It was a good basic review of all the different content areas on the test. I have a recent nutrition degree and I took many Family and Consumer Science classes back in high school, so I already had a decent background. If you don't have a good background on the different content areas I would suggest buying some books that the AAFCS website recommends. The best part of the Mometrix study guide was the practice test. I also googled other similar practice test to study.

Testing Strategy

oing into the test, I didn't know what to expect and had mentally prepared myself in case I failed. There were many question about stuff I had never seen before, but I could easily narrow it down to two answer choices based on common sense and then pick the best choice. There were many questions about textiles and apparel, families, advantages and disadvantages of buying a house or renting an apartment, situations being a FCS teacher, and the preparing of food. Overall, my best advice would be to relax and use your common sense to pick the best answer. Also, take your time. I passed my first time taking this exam. Good Luck!

Strategy 8

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used flash cards from Mometrix and bought a few books recommended from the AAFCS website.

Testing Strategy

It was a difficult test until I realized what was going on. It mainly is testing your test taking skills. Many of the questions I did not know the answer to, but I used common sense and eliminated blatantly wrong answers. The questions cover all 8 domains so you'll need to focus on the domains you don't know very well. The questions were so general that I can't recommend any one particular study guide. I passed the first time!

Strategy 9

Study Strategy

Aside from the two page study guide, there is no set book to study from. The exam covers eight different competencies. You can try to obtain a book on each of the eight different competencies. EIGHT COMPETENCIES of the FCS Exam: Integration of Foundations, Family Studies and Human Services, Human Development Education andrnServices, Nutrition Wellness and Food Sciences, Food Lodging Hospitality, Consumer and Resource Management, Textiles and Apparel, and Environmental Design. From the list that the AAFCS provides, I was able to find a book that was available in the Fort Worth library system.

Testing Strategy

This test was a little harder than I anticipated. As compared to the study guide, it was definitely harder. It would be really difficult to study all the materials for this exam and pass, if you had very little background or prior knowledge in most of the competency areas. Even after studying, which I definitely do recommend, I felt like I was relying on my prior knowledge. You really need both prior knowledge and some serious studying to do well on this exam. I recommend that you really take the time when reading the ebooks, and fully understand the material.rnrnWhen you complete the exam you are told right after whether you passed or failed. I was anticipating this to come up on the computer, but I was told by the front desk lady that I had passed. Phew! I'm not sure what my score was. As I understand from speaking with AAFCS, it can take a couple weeks for the score to be reported to the TEA.

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