Key Takeaways

  • Practice questions from all 6 Competency Standards
  • Apply developmentally appropriate practice in your answers
  • Remember the key principles: safety, positive guidance, family partnership
  • Use test-taking strategies with scenario questions
  • Review areas where you scored lowest
Last updated: January 2026

Full Practice Questions

These questions cover all six Competency Standards and the 13 Functional Areas. Use them to assess your readiness.

Competency Standard I: Safe, Healthy Learning Environment

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According to safe sleep guidelines, how should infants be placed for sleep?

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B
C
D
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How long should children and adults wash their hands?

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B
C
D
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A child has a temperature of 101°F. What should you do?

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B
C
D

Competency Standard II: Physical and Intellectual Development

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According to Piaget, what stage of cognitive development are most preschoolers in?

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B
C
D
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Which activity BEST supports fine motor development?

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B
C
D
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A toddler is playing beside another toddler with similar toys but not interacting. What type of play is this?

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B
C
D

Competency Standard III: Social-Emotional Development and Guidance

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Which statement is an example of positive guidance?

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B
C
D
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Which type of praise is MOST effective for building self-concept?

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B
C
D
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Two children are fighting over a toy. What is the FIRST thing you should do?

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B
C
D

Competency Standard IV: Families

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What is the MOST important thing to remember about family structures?

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B
C
D
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A parent asks you not to let their child sleep during nap time because they have trouble sleeping at night. What should you do?

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B
C
D

Competency Standard V: Program Management

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Which observation is OBJECTIVE?

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B
C
D
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What is the correct order of the planning cycle?

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B
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D

Competency Standard VI: Professionalism

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Which is an example of professional advocacy?

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B
C
D
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What does the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct address?

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B
C
D