diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_about.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_about.py
index de00034ce3..9491166038 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_about.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_about.py
@@ -41,29 +41,34 @@ SHIB_ERROR_STR = "The currently logged-in user account does not have permission
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class AboutTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase, EventTrackingTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
+class AboutTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase, EventTrackingTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
     """
     Tests about xblock.
     """
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(AboutTestCase, self).setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.about = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="about", parent_location=self.course.location,
+
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(AboutTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        cls.course_without_about = CourseFactory.create(catalog_visibility=CATALOG_VISIBILITY_NONE)
+        cls.course_with_about = CourseFactory.create(catalog_visibility=CATALOG_VISIBILITY_ABOUT)
+        cls.purchase_course = CourseFactory.create(org='MITx', number='buyme', display_name='Course To Buy')
+        cls.about = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="about", parent_location=cls.course.location,
             data="OOGIE BLOOGIE", display_name="overview"
         )
-        self.course_without_about = CourseFactory.create(catalog_visibility=CATALOG_VISIBILITY_NONE)
-        self.about = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="about", parent_location=self.course_without_about.location,
+        cls.about = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="about", parent_location=cls.course_without_about.location,
             data="WITHOUT ABOUT", display_name="overview"
         )
-        self.course_with_about = CourseFactory.create(catalog_visibility=CATALOG_VISIBILITY_ABOUT)
-        self.about = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="about", parent_location=self.course_with_about.location,
+        cls.about = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="about", parent_location=cls.course_with_about.location,
             data="WITH ABOUT", display_name="overview"
         )
 
-        self.purchase_course = CourseFactory.create(org='MITx', number='buyme', display_name='Course To Buy')
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(AboutTestCase, self).setUp()
+
         self.course_mode = CourseMode(
             course_id=self.purchase_course.id,
             mode_slug=CourseMode.DEFAULT_MODE_SLUG,
@@ -152,7 +157,7 @@ class AboutTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase, EventTrackingT
     def test_about_page_unfulfilled_prereqs(self):
         pre_requisite_course = CourseFactory.create(
             org='edX',
-            course='900',
+            course='901',
             display_name='pre requisite course',
         )
 
@@ -222,21 +227,24 @@ class AboutTestCaseXML(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class AboutWithCappedEnrollmentsTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class AboutWithCappedEnrollmentsTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     This test case will check the About page when a course has a capped enrollment
     """
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(AboutWithCappedEnrollmentsTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(metadata={"max_student_enrollments_allowed": 1})
+        cls.about = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="about", parent_location=cls.course.location,
+            data="OOGIE BLOOGIE", display_name="overview"
+        )
+
     def setUp(self):
         """
         Set up the tests
         """
         super(AboutWithCappedEnrollmentsTestCase, self).setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(metadata={"max_student_enrollments_allowed": 1})
-
-        self.about = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="about", parent_location=self.course.location,
-            data="OOGIE BLOOGIE", display_name="overview"
-        )
 
     def test_enrollment_cap(self):
         """
@@ -272,20 +280,22 @@ class AboutWithCappedEnrollmentsTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTes
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class AboutWithInvitationOnly(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class AboutWithInvitationOnly(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     This test case will check the About page when a course is invitation only.
     """
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(AboutWithInvitationOnly, self).setUp()
-
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(metadata={"invitation_only": True})
-
-        self.about = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="about", parent_location=self.course.location,
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(AboutWithInvitationOnly, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(metadata={"invitation_only": True})
+        cls.about = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="about", parent_location=cls.course.location,
             display_name="overview"
         )
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(AboutWithInvitationOnly, self).setUp()
+
     def test_invitation_only(self):
         """
         Test for user not logged in, invitation only course.
@@ -320,19 +330,22 @@ class AboutWithInvitationOnly(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
 @attr('shard_1')
 @patch.dict(settings.FEATURES, {'RESTRICT_ENROLL_BY_REG_METHOD': True})
-class AboutTestCaseShibCourse(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class AboutTestCaseShibCourse(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Test cases covering about page behavior for courses that use shib enrollment domain ("shib courses")
     """
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(AboutTestCaseShibCourse, self).setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(enrollment_domain="shib:https://idp.stanford.edu/")
-
-        self.about = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="about", parent_location=self.course.location,
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(AboutTestCaseShibCourse, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(enrollment_domain="shib:https://idp.stanford.edu/")
+        cls.about = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="about", parent_location=cls.course.location,
             data="OOGIE BLOOGIE", display_name="overview"
         )
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(AboutTestCaseShibCourse, self).setUp()
+
     def test_logged_in_shib_course(self):
         """
         For shib courses, logged in users will see the enroll button, but get rejected once they click there
@@ -366,8 +379,8 @@ class AboutWithClosedEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     set but it is currently outside of that period.
     """
     def setUp(self):
-
         super(AboutWithClosedEnrollment, self).setUp()
+
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(metadata={"invitation_only": False})
 
         # Setup enrollment period to be in future
@@ -385,7 +398,6 @@ class AboutWithClosedEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         )
 
     def test_closed_enrollmement(self):
-
         url = reverse('about_course', args=[self.course.id.to_deprecated_string()])
         resp = self.client.get(url)
         self.assertEqual(resp.status_code, 200)
@@ -406,15 +418,32 @@ class AboutWithClosedEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 @attr('shard_1')
 @patch.dict(settings.FEATURES, {'ENABLE_SHOPPING_CART': True})
 @patch.dict(settings.FEATURES, {'ENABLE_PAID_COURSE_REGISTRATION': True})
-class AboutPurchaseCourseTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class AboutPurchaseCourseTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     This test class runs through a suite of verifications regarding
     purchaseable courses
     """
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(AboutPurchaseCourseTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(org='MITx', number='buyme', display_name='Course To Buy')
+
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        tomorrow = now + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        nextday = tomorrow + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+
+        cls.closed_course = CourseFactory.create(
+            org='MITx',
+            number='closed',
+            display_name='Closed Course To Buy',
+            enrollment_start = tomorrow,
+            enrollment_end = nextday
+        )
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(AboutPurchaseCourseTestCase, self).setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(org='MITx', number='buyme', display_name='Course To Buy')
         self._set_ecomm(self.course)
+        self._set_ecomm(self.closed_course)
 
     def _set_ecomm(self, course):
         """
@@ -487,19 +516,12 @@ class AboutPurchaseCourseTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
         window
         """
         self.setup_user()
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
-        tomorrow = now + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
-        nextday = tomorrow + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
 
-        self.course.enrollment_start = tomorrow
-        self.course.enrollment_end = nextday
-        self.course = self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
-
-        url = reverse('about_course', args=[self.course.id.to_deprecated_string()])
+        url = reverse('about_course', args=[self.closed_course.id.to_deprecated_string()])
         resp = self.client.get(url)
         self.assertEqual(resp.status_code, 200)
         self.assertIn("Enrollment is Closed", resp.content)
-        self.assertNotIn("Add buyme to Cart <span>($10 USD)</span>", resp.content)
+        self.assertNotIn("Add closed to Cart <span>($10 USD)</span>", resp.content)
 
         # course price is visible ihe course_about page when the course
         # mode is set to honor and it's price is set
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_info.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_info.py
index 9a600413bc..6a5547867e 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_info.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_info.py
@@ -30,18 +30,22 @@ from lms.djangoapps.ccx.tests.factories import CcxFactory
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class CourseInfoTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class CourseInfoTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Tests for the Course Info page
     """
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(CourseInfoTestCase, self).setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.page = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="course_info", parent_location=self.course.location,
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(CourseInfoTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        cls.page = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="course_info", parent_location=cls.course.location,
             data="OOGIE BLOOGIE", display_name="updates"
         )
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(CourseInfoTestCase, self).setUp()
+
     def test_logged_in_unenrolled(self):
         self.setup_user()
         url = reverse('info', args=[self.course.id.to_deprecated_string()])
@@ -203,11 +207,15 @@ class SelfPacedCourseInfoTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTest
     Tests for the info page of self-paced courses.
     """
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(SelfPacedCourseInfoTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.instructor_paced_course = CourseFactory.create(self_paced=False)
+        cls.self_paced_course = CourseFactory.create(self_paced=True)
+
     def setUp(self):
         SelfPacedConfiguration(enabled=True).save()
         super(SelfPacedCourseInfoTestCase, self).setUp()
-        self.instructor_paced_course = CourseFactory.create(self_paced=False)
-        self.self_paced_course = CourseFactory.create(self_paced=True)
         self.setup_user()
 
     def fetch_course_info_with_queries(self, course, sql_queries, mongo_queries):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_survey.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_survey.py
index 05f2386bff..c52128af7b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_survey.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_survey.py
@@ -13,27 +13,42 @@ from survey.models import SurveyForm, SurveyAnswer
 
 from common.test.utils import XssTestMixin
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from courseware.tests.helpers import LoginEnrollmentTestCase
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class SurveyViewsTests(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase, XssTestMixin):
+class SurveyViewsTests(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase, XssTestMixin):
     """
     All tests for the views.py file
     """
 
     STUDENT_INFO = [('view@test.com', 'foo')]
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(SurveyViewsTests, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.test_survey_name = 'TestSurvey'
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(
+            display_name='<script>alert("XSS")</script>',
+            course_survey_required=True,
+            course_survey_name=cls.test_survey_name
+        )
+
+        cls.course_with_bogus_survey = CourseFactory.create(
+            course_survey_required=True,
+            course_survey_name="DoesNotExist"
+        )
+
+        cls.course_without_survey = CourseFactory.create()
+
     def setUp(self):
         """
         Set up the test data used in the specific tests
         """
         super(SurveyViewsTests, self).setUp()
 
-        self.test_survey_name = 'TestSurvey'
         self.test_form = '<input name="field1"></input>'
-
         self.survey = SurveyForm.create(self.test_survey_name, self.test_form)
 
         self.student_answers = OrderedDict({
@@ -41,19 +56,6 @@ class SurveyViewsTests(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase, XssTestMixi
             u'field2': u'value2',
         })
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(
-            display_name='<script>alert("XSS")</script>',
-            course_survey_required=True,
-            course_survey_name=self.test_survey_name
-        )
-
-        self.course_with_bogus_survey = CourseFactory.create(
-            course_survey_required=True,
-            course_survey_name="DoesNotExist"
-        )
-
-        self.course_without_survey = CourseFactory.create()
-
         # Create student accounts and activate them.
         for i in range(len(self.STUDENT_INFO)):
             email, password = self.STUDENT_INFO[i]
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_credit_requirements.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_credit_requirements.py
index d449137d92..87fc3c2c42 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_credit_requirements.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_credit_requirements.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from pytz import UTC
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
 
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory
 from student.tests.factories import UserFactory, CourseEnrollmentFactory
 from util.date_utils import get_time_display, DEFAULT_SHORT_DATE_FORMAT
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ from openedx.core.djangoapps.credit.models import CreditCourse
 
 @patch.dict(settings.FEATURES, {"ENABLE_CREDIT_ELIGIBILITY": True})
 @ddt.ddt
-class ProgressPageCreditRequirementsTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class ProgressPageCreditRequirementsTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Tests for credit requirement display on the progress page.
     """
@@ -35,11 +35,15 @@ class ProgressPageCreditRequirementsTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     MIN_GRADE_REQ_DISPLAY = "Final Grade Credit Requirement"
     VERIFICATION_REQ_DISPLAY = "Midterm Exam Credit Requirement"
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(ProgressPageCreditRequirementsTest, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(ProgressPageCreditRequirementsTest, self).setUp()
 
-        # Create a course and configure it as a credit course
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        # Configure course as a credit course
         CreditCourse.objects.create(course_key=self.course.id, enabled=True)
 
         # Configure credit requirements (passing grade and in-course reverification)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_field_overrides.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_field_overrides.py
index 24f6d61859..e0bec1b485 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_field_overrides.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_field_overrides.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from xblock.field_data import DictFieldData
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import (
     ModuleStoreTestCase,
-)
+    SharedModuleStoreTestCase)
 
 from ..field_overrides import (
     disable_overrides,
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_grades.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_grades.py
index 4b43ec2a8d..9168429c2a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_grades.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_grades.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ from capa.tests.response_xml_factory import MultipleChoiceResponseXMLFactory
 from student.tests.factories import UserFactory
 from student.models import CourseEnrollment
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 
 
 def _grade_with_errors(student, request, course, keep_raw_scores=False):
@@ -46,23 +46,27 @@ def _grade_with_errors(student, request, course, keep_raw_scores=False):
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class TestGradeIteration(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestGradeIteration(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Test iteration through student gradesets.
     """
     COURSE_NUM = "1000"
     COURSE_NAME = "grading_test_course"
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestGradeIteration, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(
+            display_name=cls.COURSE_NAME,
+            number=cls.COURSE_NUM
+        )
+
     def setUp(self):
         """
         Create a course and a handful of users to assign grades
         """
         super(TestGradeIteration, self).setUp()
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(
-            display_name=self.COURSE_NAME,
-            number=self.COURSE_NUM
-        )
         self.students = [
             UserFactory.create(username='student1'),
             UserFactory.create(username='student2'),
@@ -142,19 +146,24 @@ class TestGradeIteration(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         return students_to_gradesets, students_to_errors
 
 
-class TestMaxScoresCache(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestMaxScoresCache(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Tests for the MaxScoresCache
     """
+
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestMaxScoresCache, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        cls.problems = []
+        for _ in xrange(3):
+            cls.problems.append(
+                ItemFactory.create(category='problem', parent=cls.course)
+            )
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestMaxScoresCache, self).setUp()
         self.student = UserFactory.create()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.problems = []
-        for _ in xrange(3):
-            self.problems.append(
-                ItemFactory.create(category='problem', parent=self.course)
-            )
 
         CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.student, self.course.id)
         self.request = RequestFactory().get('/')
@@ -183,16 +192,16 @@ class TestMaxScoresCache(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(max_scores_cache.num_cached_from_remote(), 1)
 
 
-class TestFieldDataCacheScorableLocations(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestFieldDataCacheScorableLocations(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Make sure we can filter the locations we pull back student state for via
     the FieldDataCache.
     """
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(TestFieldDataCacheScorableLocations, self).setUp()
-        self.student = UserFactory.create()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        chapter = ItemFactory.create(category='chapter', parent=self.course)
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestFieldDataCacheScorableLocations, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        chapter = ItemFactory.create(category='chapter', parent=cls.course)
         sequential = ItemFactory.create(category='sequential', parent=chapter)
         vertical = ItemFactory.create(category='vertical', parent=sequential)
         ItemFactory.create(category='video', parent=vertical)
@@ -200,6 +209,10 @@ class TestFieldDataCacheScorableLocations(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         ItemFactory.create(category='discussion', parent=vertical)
         ItemFactory.create(category='problem', parent=vertical)
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(TestFieldDataCacheScorableLocations, self).setUp()
+        self.student = UserFactory.create()
+
         CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.student, self.course.id)
 
     def test_field_data_cache_scorable_locations(self):
@@ -334,45 +347,43 @@ class TestProgressSummary(TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(possible, 0)
 
 
-class TestGetModuleScore(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestGetModuleScore(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Test get_module_score
     """
-    def setUp(self):
-        """
-        Set up test course
-        """
-        super(TestGetModuleScore, self).setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.course,
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestGetModuleScore, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        cls.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.course,
             category="chapter",
             display_name="Test Chapter"
         )
-        self.seq1 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.chapter,
+        cls.seq1 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.chapter,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Test Sequential",
             graded=True
         )
-        self.seq2 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.chapter,
+        cls.seq2 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.chapter,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Test Sequential",
             graded=True
         )
-        self.vert1 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.seq1,
+        cls.vert1 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.seq1,
             category='vertical',
             display_name='Test Vertical 1'
         )
-        self.vert2 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.seq2,
+        cls.vert2 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.seq2,
             category='vertical',
             display_name='Test Vertical 2'
         )
-        self.randomize = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.vert2,
+        cls.randomize = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.vert2,
             category='randomize',
             display_name='Test Randomize'
         )
@@ -381,31 +392,37 @@ class TestGetModuleScore(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
             choices=[False, False, True, False],
             choice_names=['choice_0', 'choice_1', 'choice_2', 'choice_3']
         )
-        self.problem1 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.vert1,
+        cls.problem1 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.vert1,
             category="problem",
             display_name="Test Problem 1",
             data=problem_xml
         )
-        self.problem2 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.vert1,
+        cls.problem2 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.vert1,
             category="problem",
             display_name="Test Problem 2",
             data=problem_xml
         )
-        self.problem3 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.randomize,
+        cls.problem3 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.randomize,
             category="problem",
             display_name="Test Problem 3",
             data=problem_xml
         )
-        self.problem4 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.randomize,
+        cls.problem4 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.randomize,
             category="problem",
             display_name="Test Problem 4",
             data=problem_xml
         )
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        """
+        Set up test course
+        """
+        super(TestGetModuleScore, self).setUp()
+
         self.request = get_request_for_user(UserFactory())
         self.client.login(username=self.request.user.username, password="test")
         CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.request.user, self.course.id)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_lti_integration.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_lti_integration.py
index 91d9867b85..00b03b101b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_lti_integration.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_lti_integration.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
 from courseware.tests import BaseTestXmodule
 from courseware.views import get_course_lti_endpoints
 from lms.djangoapps.lms_xblock.runtime import quote_slashes
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory
 from xmodule.x_module import STUDENT_VIEW
 
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ class TestLTI(BaseTestXmodule):
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class TestLTIModuleListing(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestLTIModuleListing(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     a test for the rest endpoint that lists LTI modules in a course
     """
@@ -133,42 +133,46 @@ class TestLTIModuleListing(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     COURSE_SLUG = "100"
     COURSE_NAME = "test_course"
 
-    def setUp(self):
-        """Create course, 2 chapters, 2 sections"""
-        super(TestLTIModuleListing, self).setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(display_name=self.COURSE_NAME, number=self.COURSE_SLUG)
-        self.chapter1 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.course.location,
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestLTIModuleListing, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(display_name=cls.COURSE_NAME, number=cls.COURSE_SLUG)
+        cls.chapter1 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.course.location,
             display_name="chapter1",
             category='chapter')
-        self.section1 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.chapter1.location,
+        cls.section1 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.chapter1.location,
             display_name="section1",
             category='sequential')
-        self.chapter2 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.course.location,
+        cls.chapter2 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.course.location,
             display_name="chapter2",
             category='chapter')
-        self.section2 = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.chapter2.location,
+        cls.section2 = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.chapter2.location,
             display_name="section2",
             category='sequential')
 
         # creates one draft and one published lti module, in different sections
-        self.lti_published = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.section1.location,
+        cls.lti_published = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.section1.location,
             display_name="lti published",
             category="lti",
-            location=self.course.id.make_usage_key('lti', 'lti_published'),
+            location=cls.course.id.make_usage_key('lti', 'lti_published'),
         )
-        self.lti_draft = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.section2.location,
+        cls.lti_draft = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.section2.location,
             display_name="lti draft",
             category="lti",
-            location=self.course.id.make_usage_key('lti', 'lti_draft'),
+            location=cls.course.id.make_usage_key('lti', 'lti_draft'),
             publish_item=False,
         )
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        """Create course, 2 chapters, 2 sections"""
+        super(TestLTIModuleListing, self).setUp()
+
     def expected_handler_url(self, handler):
         """convenience method to get the reversed handler urls"""
         return "https://{}{}".format(settings.SITE_NAME, reverse(
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_masquerade.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_masquerade.py
index 7e24283efa..539326b719 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_masquerade.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_masquerade.py
@@ -25,40 +25,36 @@ from courseware.tests.test_submitting_problems import ProblemSubmissionTestMixin
 from student.tests.factories import UserFactory
 from xblock.runtime import DictKeyValueStore
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import ItemFactory, CourseFactory
 from xmodule.partitions.partitions import Group, UserPartition
 
 
-class MasqueradeTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
+class MasqueradeTestCase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
     """
     Base class for masquerade tests that sets up a test course and enrolls a user in the course.
     """
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(MasqueradeTestCase, self).setUp()
-
-        # By default, tests run with DISABLE_START_DATES=True. To test that masquerading as a student is
-        # working properly, we must use start dates and set a start date in the past (otherwise the access
-        # checks exist prematurely).
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(number='masquerade-test', metadata={'start': datetime.now(UTC())})
-        # Creates info page and puts random data in it for specific student info page test
-        self.info_page = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="course_info", parent_location=self.course.location,
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(MasqueradeTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(number='masquerade-test', metadata={'start': datetime.now(UTC())})
+        cls.info_page = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="course_info", parent_location=cls.course.location,
             data="OOGIE BLOOGIE", display_name="updates"
         )
-        self.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.course.location,
+        cls.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.course.location,
             category="chapter",
             display_name="Test Section",
         )
-        self.sequential_display_name = "Test Masquerade Subsection"
-        self.sequential = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.chapter.location,
+        cls.sequential_display_name = "Test Masquerade Subsection"
+        cls.sequential = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.chapter.location,
             category="sequential",
-            display_name=self.sequential_display_name,
+            display_name=cls.sequential_display_name,
         )
-        self.vertical = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.sequential.location,
+        cls.vertical = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.sequential.location,
             category="vertical",
             display_name="Test Unit",
         )
@@ -69,13 +65,17 @@ class MasqueradeTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
             options=['Correct', 'Incorrect'],
             correct_option='Correct'
         )
-        self.problem_display_name = "TestMasqueradeProblem"
-        self.problem = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.vertical.location,
+        cls.problem_display_name = "TestMasqueradeProblem"
+        cls.problem = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.vertical.location,
             category='problem',
             data=problem_xml,
-            display_name=self.problem_display_name
+            display_name=cls.problem_display_name
         )
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(MasqueradeTestCase, self).setUp()
+
         self.test_user = self.create_user()
         self.login(self.test_user.email, 'test')
         self.enroll(self.course, True)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_microsites.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_microsites.py
index 302d09898d..5072090c3b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_microsites.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_microsites.py
@@ -11,51 +11,42 @@ from course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from xmodule.course_module import (
     CATALOG_VISIBILITY_CATALOG_AND_ABOUT, CATALOG_VISIBILITY_NONE)
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class TestMicrosites(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
+class TestMicrosites(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
     """
     This is testing of the Microsite feature
     """
 
     STUDENT_INFO = [('view@test.com', 'foo'), ('view2@test.com', 'foo')]
 
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(TestMicrosites, self).setUp()
-
-        # use a different hostname to test Microsites since they are
-        # triggered on subdomain mappings
-        #
-        # NOTE: The Microsite Configuration is in lms/envs/test.py. The content for the Test Microsite is in
-        # test_microsites/test_microsite.
-        #
-        # IMPORTANT: For these tests to work, this domain must be defined via
-        # DNS configuration (either local or published)
-
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestMicrosites, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(
             display_name='Robot_Super_Course',
             org='TestMicrositeX',
             emit_signals=True,
         )
-        self.chapter0 = ItemFactory.create(parent_location=self.course.location,
+        cls.chapter0 = ItemFactory.create(parent_location=cls.course.location,
                                            display_name='Overview')
-        self.chapter9 = ItemFactory.create(parent_location=self.course.location,
+        cls.chapter9 = ItemFactory.create(parent_location=cls.course.location,
                                            display_name='factory_chapter')
-        self.section0 = ItemFactory.create(parent_location=self.chapter0.location,
+        cls.section0 = ItemFactory.create(parent_location=cls.chapter0.location,
                                            display_name='Welcome')
-        self.section9 = ItemFactory.create(parent_location=self.chapter9.location,
+        cls.section9 = ItemFactory.create(parent_location=cls.chapter9.location,
                                            display_name='factory_section')
 
-        self.course_outside_microsite = CourseFactory.create(
+        cls.course_outside_microsite = CourseFactory.create(
             display_name='Robot_Course_Outside_Microsite',
             org='FooX',
             emit_signals=True,
         )
 
         # have a course which explicitly sets visibility in catalog to False
-        self.course_hidden_visibility = CourseFactory.create(
+        cls.course_hidden_visibility = CourseFactory.create(
             display_name='Hidden_course',
             org='TestMicrositeX',
             catalog_visibility=CATALOG_VISIBILITY_NONE,
@@ -63,7 +54,7 @@ class TestMicrosites(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
         )
 
         # have a course which explicitly sets visibility in catalog and about to true
-        self.course_with_visibility = CourseFactory.create(
+        cls.course_with_visibility = CourseFactory.create(
             display_name='visible_course',
             org='TestMicrositeX',
             course="foo",
@@ -71,6 +62,9 @@ class TestMicrosites(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
             emit_signals=True,
         )
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(TestMicrosites, self).setUp()
+
     def setup_users(self):
         # Create student accounts and activate them.
         for i in range(len(self.STUDENT_INFO)):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_middleware.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_middleware.py
index 63adce0684..c895091808 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_middleware.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_middleware.py
@@ -10,19 +10,22 @@ from nose.plugins.attrib import attr
 
 import courseware.courses as courses
 from courseware.middleware import RedirectUnenrolledMiddleware
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class CoursewareMiddlewareTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class CoursewareMiddlewareTestCase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """Tests that courseware middleware is correctly redirected"""
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(CoursewareMiddlewareTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(CoursewareMiddlewareTestCase, self).setUp()
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-
     def check_user_not_enrolled_redirect(self):
         """A UserNotEnrolled exception should trigger a redirect"""
         request = RequestFactory().get("dummy_url")
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_module_render.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_module_render.py
index 81c3a976f1..0c1224667d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_module_render.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_module_render.py
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ from student.models import anonymous_id_for_user
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import (
     TEST_DATA_MIXED_TOY_MODULESTORE,
     TEST_DATA_XML_MODULESTORE,
-)
+    SharedModuleStoreTestCase)
 from xmodule.lti_module import LTIDescriptor
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
@@ -121,10 +121,17 @@ class GradedStatelessXBlock(XBlock):
 
 @attr('shard_1')
 @ddt.ddt
-class ModuleRenderTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
+class ModuleRenderTestCase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
     """
     Tests of courseware.module_render
     """
+
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(ModuleRenderTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course_key = ToyCourseFactory.create().id
+        cls.toy_course = modulestore().get_course(cls.course_key)
+
     # TODO: this test relies on the specific setup of the toy course.
     # It should be rewritten to build the course it needs and then test that.
     def setUp(self):
@@ -133,8 +140,6 @@ class ModuleRenderTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
         """
         super(ModuleRenderTestCase, self).setUp()
 
-        self.course_key = ToyCourseFactory.create().id
-        self.toy_course = modulestore().get_course(self.course_key)
         self.mock_user = UserFactory()
         self.mock_user.id = 1
         self.request_factory = RequestFactory()
@@ -401,17 +406,20 @@ class ModuleRenderTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class TestHandleXBlockCallback(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
+class TestHandleXBlockCallback(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
     """
     Test the handle_xblock_callback function
     """
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestHandleXBlockCallback, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course_key = ToyCourseFactory.create().id
+        cls.toy_course = modulestore().get_course(cls.course_key)
 
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestHandleXBlockCallback, self).setUp()
 
-        self.course_key = ToyCourseFactory.create().id
         self.location = self.course_key.make_usage_key('chapter', 'Overview')
-        self.toy_course = modulestore().get_course(self.course_key)
         self.mock_user = UserFactory.create()
         self.request_factory = RequestFactory()
 
@@ -709,19 +717,24 @@ class TestTOC(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 @attr('shard_1')
 @ddt.ddt
 @patch.dict('django.conf.settings.FEATURES', {'ENABLE_SPECIAL_EXAMS': True})
-class TestProctoringRendering(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestProctoringRendering(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestProctoringRendering, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course_key = ToyCourseFactory.create().id
+
     """Check the Table of Contents for a course"""
     def setUp(self):
         """
         Set up the initial mongo datastores
         """
         super(TestProctoringRendering, self).setUp()
-        self.course_key = ToyCourseFactory.create().id
         self.chapter = 'Overview'
         chapter_url = '%s/%s/%s' % ('/courses', self.course_key, self.chapter)
         factory = RequestFactory()
         self.request = factory.get(chapter_url)
-        self.request.user = UserFactory()
+        self.request.user = UserFactory.create()
+        self.user = UserFactory.create()
         self.modulestore = self.store._get_modulestore_for_courselike(self.course_key)  # pylint: disable=protected-access
         with self.modulestore.bulk_operations(self.course_key):
             self.toy_course = self.store.get_course(self.course_key, depth=2)
@@ -1028,7 +1041,15 @@ class TestProctoringRendering(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class TestGatedSubsectionRendering(ModuleStoreTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
+class TestGatedSubsectionRendering(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestGatedSubsectionRendering, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        cls.course.enable_subsection_gating = True
+        cls.course.save()
+        cls.store.update_item(cls.course, 0)
+
     """
     Test the toc for a course is rendered correctly when there is gated content
     """
@@ -1038,10 +1059,6 @@ class TestGatedSubsectionRendering(ModuleStoreTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin)
         """
         super(TestGatedSubsectionRendering, self).setUp()
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.course.enable_subsection_gating = True
-        self.course.save()
-        self.store.update_item(self.course, 0)
         self.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
             parent=self.course,
             category="chapter",
@@ -1113,11 +1130,10 @@ class TestHtmlModifiers(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestHtmlModifiers, self).setUp()
-        self.user = UserFactory.create()
+        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
         self.request = RequestFactory().get('/')
         self.request.user = self.user
         self.request.session = {}
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
         self.content_string = '<p>This is the content<p>'
         self.rewrite_link = '<a href="/static/foo/content">Test rewrite</a>'
         self.rewrite_bad_link = '<img src="/static//file.jpg" />'
@@ -1447,16 +1463,20 @@ class DetachedXBlock(XBlock):
 @attr('shard_1')
 @patch.dict('django.conf.settings.FEATURES', {'DISPLAY_DEBUG_INFO_TO_STAFF': True, 'DISPLAY_HISTOGRAMS_TO_STAFF': True})
 @patch('courseware.module_render.has_access', Mock(return_value=True, autospec=True))
-class TestStaffDebugInfo(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestStaffDebugInfo(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """Tests to verify that Staff Debug Info panel and histograms are displayed to staff."""
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestStaffDebugInfo, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestStaffDebugInfo, self).setUp()
         self.user = UserFactory.create()
         self.request = RequestFactory().get('/')
         self.request.user = self.user
         self.request.session = {}
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
 
         problem_xml = OptionResponseXMLFactory().build_xml(
             question_text='The correct answer is Correct',
@@ -1589,16 +1609,20 @@ PER_STUDENT_ANONYMIZED_DESCRIPTORS = set(
 
 @attr('shard_1')
 @ddt.ddt
-class TestAnonymousStudentId(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
+class TestAnonymousStudentId(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
     """
     Test that anonymous_student_id is set correctly across a variety of XBlock types
     """
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestAnonymousStudentId, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course_key = ToyCourseFactory.create().id
+        cls.course = modulestore().get_course(cls.course_key)
+
     def setUp(self):
-        super(TestAnonymousStudentId, self).setUp(create_user=False)
+        super(TestAnonymousStudentId, self).setUp()
         self.user = UserFactory()
-        self.course_key = ToyCourseFactory.create().id
-        self.course = modulestore().get_course(self.course_key)
 
     @patch('courseware.module_render.has_access', Mock(return_value=True, autospec=True))
     def _get_anonymous_id(self, course_id, xblock_class):
@@ -1668,11 +1692,16 @@ class TestAnonymousStudentId(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
 @attr('shard_1')
 @patch('track.views.tracker', autospec=True)
-class TestModuleTrackingContext(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestModuleTrackingContext(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Ensure correct tracking information is included in events emitted during XBlock callback handling.
     """
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestModuleTrackingContext, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestModuleTrackingContext, self).setUp()
 
@@ -1926,10 +1955,16 @@ class TestEventPublishing(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
 @attr('shard_1')
 @ddt.ddt
-class LMSXBlockServiceBindingTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class LMSXBlockServiceBindingTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Tests that the LMS Module System (XBlock Runtime) provides an expected set of services.
     """
+
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(LMSXBlockServiceBindingTest, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+
     def setUp(self):
         """
         Set up the user and other fields that will be used to instantiate the runtime.
@@ -1937,7 +1972,6 @@ class LMSXBlockServiceBindingTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         super(LMSXBlockServiceBindingTest, self).setUp()
         self.user = UserFactory()
         self.student_data = Mock()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
         self.track_function = Mock()
         self.xqueue_callback_url_prefix = Mock()
         self.request_token = Mock()
@@ -2012,16 +2046,21 @@ USER_NUMBERS = range(2)
 
 @attr('shard_1')
 @ddt.ddt
-class TestFilteredChildren(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TestFilteredChildren(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Tests that verify access to XBlock/XModule children work correctly
     even when those children are filtered by the runtime when loaded.
     """
+
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestFilteredChildren, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+
     # pylint: disable=attribute-defined-outside-init, no-member
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestFilteredChildren, self).setUp()
         self.users = {number: UserFactory() for number in USER_NUMBERS}
-        self.course = CourseFactory()
 
         self._old_has_access = render.has_access
         patcher = patch('courseware.module_render.has_access', self._has_access)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_navigation.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_navigation.py
index d9da282c7f..2db5f51981 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_navigation.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_navigation.py
@@ -11,56 +11,60 @@ from django.test.utils import override_settings
 
 from courseware.tests.helpers import LoginEnrollmentTestCase
 from courseware.tests.factories import GlobalStaffFactory
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class TestNavigation(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
+class TestNavigation(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
     """
     Check that navigation state is saved properly.
     """
 
     STUDENT_INFO = [('view@test.com', 'foo'), ('view2@test.com', 'foo')]
 
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(TestNavigation, self).setUp()
-        self.test_course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.chapter0 = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.course,
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TestNavigation, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.test_course = CourseFactory.create()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        cls.chapter0 = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.course,
                                            display_name='Overview')
-        self.chapter9 = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.course,
+        cls.chapter9 = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.course,
                                            display_name='factory_chapter')
-        self.section0 = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.chapter0,
+        cls.section0 = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.chapter0,
                                            display_name='Welcome')
-        self.section9 = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.chapter9,
+        cls.section9 = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.chapter9,
                                            display_name='factory_section')
-        self.unit0 = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.section0,
+        cls.unit0 = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.section0,
                                         display_name='New Unit')
 
-        self.chapterchrome = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.course,
+        cls.chapterchrome = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.course,
                                                 display_name='Chrome')
-        self.chromelesssection = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.chapterchrome,
+        cls.chromelesssection = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.chapterchrome,
                                                     display_name='chromeless',
                                                     chrome='none')
-        self.accordionsection = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.chapterchrome,
+        cls.accordionsection = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.chapterchrome,
                                                    display_name='accordion',
                                                    chrome='accordion')
-        self.tabssection = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.chapterchrome,
+        cls.tabssection = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.chapterchrome,
                                               display_name='tabs',
                                               chrome='tabs')
-        self.defaultchromesection = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent=self.chapterchrome,
+        cls.defaultchromesection = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent=cls.chapterchrome,
             display_name='defaultchrome',
         )
-        self.fullchromesection = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.chapterchrome,
+        cls.fullchromesection = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.chapterchrome,
                                                     display_name='fullchrome',
                                                     chrome='accordion,tabs')
-        self.tabtest = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.chapterchrome,
+        cls.tabtest = ItemFactory.create(parent=cls.chapterchrome,
                                           display_name='progress_tab',
                                           default_tab='progress')
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(TestNavigation, self).setUp()
+
         # Create student accounts and activate them.
         for i in range(len(self.STUDENT_INFO)):
             email, password = self.STUDENT_INFO[i]
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_split_module.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_split_module.py
index d6002bad35..da87ba1aa4 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_split_module.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_split_module.py
@@ -9,13 +9,13 @@ from courseware.module_render import get_module_for_descriptor
 from courseware.model_data import FieldDataCache
 from student.tests.factories import UserFactory, CourseEnrollmentFactory
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import ItemFactory, CourseFactory
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.partitions.partitions import Group, UserPartition
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.tests.factories import UserCourseTagFactory
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class SplitTestBase(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class SplitTestBase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Sets up a basic course and user for split test testing.
     Also provides tests of rendered HTML for two user_tag conditions, 0 and 1.
@@ -27,9 +27,10 @@ class SplitTestBase(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     HIDDEN_CONTENT = None
     VISIBLE_CONTENT = None
 
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(SplitTestBase, self).setUp()
-        self.partition = UserPartition(
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(SplitTestBase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.partition = UserPartition(
             0,
             'first_partition',
             'First Partition',
@@ -39,22 +40,25 @@ class SplitTestBase(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             ]
         )
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(
-            number=self.COURSE_NUMBER,
-            user_partitions=[self.partition]
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(
+            number=cls.COURSE_NUMBER,
+            user_partitions=[cls.partition]
         )
 
-        self.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.course.location,
+        cls.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.course.location,
             category="chapter",
             display_name="test chapter",
         )
-        self.sequential = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.chapter.location,
+        cls.sequential = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.chapter.location,
             category="sequential",
             display_name="Split Test Tests",
         )
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(SplitTestBase, self).setUp()
+
         self.student = UserFactory.create()
         CourseEnrollmentFactory.create(user=self.student, course_id=self.course.id)
         self.client.login(username=self.student.username, password='test')
@@ -269,14 +273,14 @@ class TestSplitTestVert(SplitTestBase):
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class SplitTestPosition(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class SplitTestPosition(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Check that we can change positions in a course with partitions defined
     """
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(SplitTestPosition, self).setUp()
-
-        self.partition = UserPartition(
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(SplitTestPosition, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.partition = UserPartition(
             0,
             'first_partition',
             'First Partition',
@@ -286,16 +290,19 @@ class SplitTestPosition(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             ]
         )
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(
-            user_partitions=[self.partition]
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(
+            user_partitions=[cls.partition]
         )
 
-        self.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
-            parent_location=self.course.location,
+        cls.chapter = ItemFactory.create(
+            parent_location=cls.course.location,
             category="chapter",
             display_name="test chapter",
         )
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(SplitTestPosition, self).setUp()
+
         self.student = UserFactory.create()
         CourseEnrollmentFactory.create(user=self.student, course_id=self.course.id)
         self.client.login(username=self.student.username, password='test')
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
index 031467a91f..7eb36effda 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ from courseware.tests.helpers import LoginEnrollmentTestCase
 from lms.djangoapps.lms_xblock.runtime import quote_slashes
 from student.tests.factories import UserFactory
 from student.models import anonymous_id_for_user
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory
 from xmodule.partitions.partitions import Group, UserPartition
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.credit.api import (
@@ -126,13 +126,10 @@ class TestSubmittingProblems(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase, Probl
     COURSE_NAME = "test_course"
 
     def setUp(self):
-
-        super(TestSubmittingProblems, self).setUp(create_user=False)
-        # Create course
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(display_name=self.COURSE_NAME, number=self.COURSE_SLUG)
-        assert self.course, "Couldn't load course %r" % self.COURSE_NAME
+        super(TestSubmittingProblems, self).setUp()
 
         # create a test student
+        self.course = CourseFactory.create(display_name=self.COURSE_NAME, number=self.COURSE_SLUG)
         self.student = 'view@test.com'
         self.password = 'foo'
         self.create_account('u1', self.student, self.password)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_tabs.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_tabs.py
index 70c6d49858..4d8b7f8d68 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_tabs.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_tabs.py
@@ -28,21 +28,25 @@ from util.milestones_helpers import (
 from milestones.tests.utils import MilestonesTestCaseMixin
 from xmodule import tabs as xmodule_tabs
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import (
-    TEST_DATA_MIXED_TOY_MODULESTORE, TEST_DATA_MIXED_CLOSED_MODULESTORE
-)
+    TEST_DATA_MIXED_TOY_MODULESTORE, TEST_DATA_MIXED_CLOSED_MODULESTORE,
+    SharedModuleStoreTestCase)
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory
 
 
-class TabTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TabTestCase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """Base class for Tab-related test cases."""
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TabTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(org='edX', course='toy', run='2012_Fall')
+        cls.fake_dict_tab = {'fake_key': 'fake_value'}
+        cls.books = None
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(TabTestCase, self).setUp()
-
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(org='edX', course='toy', run='2012_Fall')
-        self.fake_dict_tab = {'fake_key': 'fake_value'}
         self.reverse = lambda name, args: "name/{0}/args/{1}".format(name, ",".join(str(a) for a in args))
-        self.books = None
 
     def create_mock_user(self, is_authenticated=True, is_staff=True, is_enrolled=True):
         """
@@ -219,21 +223,25 @@ class TextbooksTestCase(TabTestCase):
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class StaticTabDateTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class StaticTabDateTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """Test cases for Static Tab Dates."""
 
     MODULESTORE = TEST_DATA_MIXED_TOY_MODULESTORE
 
-    def setUp(self):
-        super(StaticTabDateTestCase, self).setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.page = ItemFactory.create(
-            category="static_tab", parent_location=self.course.location,
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(StaticTabDateTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+        cls.page = ItemFactory.create(
+            category="static_tab", parent_location=cls.course.location,
             data="OOGIE BLOOGIE", display_name="new_tab"
         )
-        self.course.tabs.append(xmodule_tabs.CourseTab.load('static_tab', name='New Tab', url_slug='new_tab'))
-        self.course.save()
-        self.toy_course_key = SlashSeparatedCourseKey('edX', 'toy', '2012_Fall')
+        cls.course.tabs.append(xmodule_tabs.CourseTab.load('static_tab', name='New Tab', url_slug='new_tab'))
+        cls.course.save()
+        cls.toy_course_key = SlashSeparatedCourseKey('edX', 'toy', '2012_Fall')
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(StaticTabDateTestCase, self).setUp()
 
     def test_logged_in(self):
         self.setup_user()
@@ -417,16 +425,20 @@ class EntranceExamsTabsTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase, Mi
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
-class TextBookCourseViewsTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
+class TextBookCourseViewsTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Validate tab behavior when dealing with textbooks.
     """
     MODULESTORE = TEST_DATA_MIXED_TOY_MODULESTORE
 
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls):
+        super(TextBookCourseViewsTestCase, cls).setUpClass()
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(TextBookCourseViewsTestCase, self).setUp()
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
         self.set_up_books(2)
         self.setup_user()
         self.enroll(self.course)