In this blog post, we’re breaking down a simple but powerful approach to special education certification exams (like the 5355 and similar tests): work backwards like a test maker. The goal isn’t just to “know the content,” but to recognize how these exams signal the best answer through wording, tone, and recurring special education principles.
Below are the biggest patterns to look for plus how they show up in common scenarios.
Start With the Answer Choices
A high-scoring habit is to read the answer choices first and quickly scan for:
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Good words (inclusive, least restrictive environment, routines, procedures, proactive, data/records, interventions, supports)
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Bad words (threaten, punish, send out, ignore learning, “always/never/only,” rely on others)
Why this works: test writers build distractors that sound realistic in everyday teaching, but don’t match what the exam is measuring especially in special education where the test is heavily values-driven: inclusive, supportive, proactive, teacher-led.
“Negative” Classroom Management Choices Are Usually Traps
On teacher certification exams, anything that feels like it escalates conflict or outsources the problem is usually wrong in the test context:
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“Threaten to call home”
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“Send the student out”
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“Put the student in time-out until…”
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“Ask the principal for a paraprofessional”
In real schools, people use these options sometimes. But on the exam, you’re being tested as the classroom professional who can implement supports inside the learning environment.
A helpful rule: If the answer makes the student feel excluded, punished, or removed from instruction, it’s rarely best.
The “Best” Behavior Answer Often Sounds Like PBIS
One of the most repeated correct-answer concepts is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
A classic correct option looks like:
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Planned ignoring (when appropriate)
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Continue instruction
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Praise the desired behavior
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Reinforce students demonstrating appropriate actions
Why? Because many behaviors (especially calling out) are attention-seeking. Even negative attention (“Stop that!”) can reinforce the behavior. Planned ignoring paired with strong reinforcement for the right behavior cuts off the payoff and keeps instruction moving.
A practical example:
You keep reading and say:
“I love how Vanessa is engaged and ready to respond. Vanessa, what did we learn from that paragraph?”
Now the class sees what earns attention—and it isn’t disruption.
Rewards Aren’t Automatically Wrong—But Vague Rewards Usually Are
A sneaky distractor is:
“Offer the student a reward if the student behaves.”
That sounds positive. But it’s often too generic and not tied to a structured plan. Exams prefer answers that show you understand intentional reinforcement, not random bribery.
If the reward is unclear, inconsistent, or not part of a broader support plan, it’s usually weaker than PBIS-style answers.
Routines and Procedures: The Magic Words (Especially for Transitions)
If a question mentions:
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transitions
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emotional/behavioral disorders
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anxiety, overwhelm
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autism spectrum supports
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classroom expectations
…then routines and procedures are almost guaranteed to be the best direction.
Strong test-aligned actions include:
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explicitly teaching steps (like a checklist)
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modeling routines
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practicing routines repeatedly
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revisiting them after breaks
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using visual supports (pictures/icons)
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giving a transition countdown (“In 5 minutes we switch to math…”)
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using timers or posted schedules
The big idea: transitions feel unpredictable. Routines make them predictable.
Don’t Make Other Students the “Intervention”
Another frequent trap:
“Pair the student with a classmate who understands routines and procedures.”
Cooperative learning is great—but tests avoid answers where kids become the interventionist. The exam wants you to be the one providing structured supports.
In short: peers can support learning, but the teacher is responsible for interventions.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Is Everywhere—Use It
If you see the phrase inclusive or least restrictive environment, pay attention. LRE is a major theme across special education exams because it ties directly to IDEA principles: students should be educated with peers to the maximum extent appropriate, with supports and accommodations.
Test tip: If you’re writing a constructed response, work LRE language into your answer. It signals you understand the law’s intent, not just classroom tactics.
Watch for “Strong Language” That Makes Answers Wrong
Phrases like:
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always
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never
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only
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entire year
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solely
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unequivocally
…are often red flags.
For example: “Continue interventions throughout the entire school year” sounds committed—but interventions should be monitored and adjusted based on data. Exams want flexibility and responsiveness, not rigid one-size-fits-all language.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) = Find the Cause, Be Proactive
When you see functional behavior assessment, the point is usually to determine:
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the cause/function of a behavior
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triggers (antecedents)
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what the student gains/avoids by doing it
The test loves the proactive frame:
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Identify triggers → plan supports → teach replacement behaviors
Reactive language (“effects of consequences”) can be less aligned than “determine the causes of the behavior.”
IEP Timelines and the “Big Picture” of Support Systems
A high-frequency fact: IEPs are reviewed at least annually.
Re-evaluations are commonly associated with a longer cycle (often every three years in many contexts), and teams can meet more often if needed.
Also, be ready for test language around RTI/MTSS—the idea that schools should provide layers of support before special education identification when appropriate, and avoid misidentifying students (especially when language acquisition is the real issue).
Bloom’s Taxonomy: “Critical Thinking” Points to Analyze/Evaluate
When a question says critical thinking, look for verbs higher on Bloom’s ladder:
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analyze
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evaluate
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synthesize/create (depending on the test)
If the choices include “identify” or “understand,” those are usually lower-level skills. Not bad—but often not the “primary purpose” when the stem says critical thinking.
A One-Minute Checklist for Test Day
Before you lock in an answer, ask:
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Does this keep the student included and learning?
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Does it sound positive, proactive, and teacher-led?
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Does it avoid punitive removal unless truly necessary?
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Does it include routines/procedures when transitions are the issue?
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Does it match big themes like PBIS, LRE, IDEA, FBA, MTSS/RTI?
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Does it avoid strong language like “always” or “entire year”?
If yes, you’re probably thinking like the test maker—and that’s the whole game.
And if you’re preparing right now, you don’t have to do it alone. We also created comprehensive, in-depth Special Education Resources designed to help you pass with confidence—not by memorizing random facts, but by teaching you the patterns, vocabulary, and decision-making these exams reward.
🎥 Watch the full video to see these strategies in action 🎥