Are you planning to take the NES Elementary Education exam? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the exam structure and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace the test.
In certain states, aspiring teachers may need to take the NES Elementary Education test as part of licensure requirements. The NES Elementary Ed test assesses your knowledge of elementary-level content in subjects such as ELA, math, science, social studies, health, and the arts. Understanding the structure of this exam – and knowing how to prepare effectively – should heighten your chances of success.
Whether you’re new to this test or gearing up for a retake, let’s dive into the details of the NES Elementary Education exam and explore some strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam with confidence. Let’s get started!
Overview of the NES Elementary Education Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your basic knowledge of classroom subjects such as the humanities, math, science, health, and the arts. Let’s look at the NES Elementary Education overview to help you better prepare.
The NES Elementary Ed exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. This exam is spread across two subtests:
- NES Elementary Education: Subtest I (102) (Reading and English Language Arts & Social Studies)
- NES Elementary Education: Subtest II (103) (Mathematics; Science; & Arts, Health, and Fitness)
For more detail on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that the NES Elementary Ed exam covers, check out official NES Elementary Ed preparation materials, such as this guide provided by the state of Washington. By understanding the breakdown of each section, you can assign priority to areas where you may need additional practice and review. Overall, a balanced approach to studying all sections should lead you to success on the NES Elementary Ed exam.
Time Limit
Subtest I of the NES Elementary Education exam must be completed within 1 hour 30 minutes, while Subtest II must be completed within 1 hour and 45 minutes. This adds up to a total testing time of 3 hours and 15 minutes.
| Subtest | Time Limit |
| NES Elementary Education: Subtest I (102) | 1 Hour 30 Minutes |
| NES Elementary Education: Subtest II (103) | 1 Hour 45 Minutes |
Passing Score
To pass the NES Elementary Education exam, you must pass both subtests. The national benchmark for each subtest is 220. Generally, this also represents the minimum passing score, but you should verify that this is the passing score for your particular state.
Number of Questions
The NES Elementary Ed exam has a total of 150 multiple-choice questions. The questions are spread among two subtests.
| Subtest | Number Of Questions |
| NES Elementary Education: Subtest I (102) | 75 Questions (All Multiple Choice) |
| NES Elementary Education: Subtest II (103) | 75 Questions (All Multiple Choice) |
Cost
Each subtest costs $85. However, if you take two subtests at once, you’ll only pay $165, as opposed to $170.
Note that if you take the test via online proctoring, you cannot bundle tests. You must register and pay for each subtest separately.
Visit your state’s licensure website to learn more about how to pay for your exam, including information on fee waivers.
Registration Information
You are allowed to take the NES Elementary Ed exam year-round. You can start the registration process on the NES website, which will direct you to the appropriate state agency website. Then choose a convenient time and place to test.
If you are willing to abide by the rules of online proctoring, you can even elect to take this exam at home. If you choose this option, you must register and pay for each subtest separately.
Wherever you decide to take the exam, be sure to review NES Elementary Ed test day requirements to confirm that you’ll meet all stipulations.
For more information on the individual subject exams, check out our Exam Overviews for each subtest:
NES Elementary Education: Subtest I (102) Exam Overview
NES Elementary Education: Subtest II (103) Exam Overview
Scoring and Results
If you take this exam at a testing center, you’ll see preliminary scores immediately after you finish. Within two weeks, you should receive your official score report.
Your results will be sent to each institution you indicated during registration; if applicable, your scores should also be reported to the agency that handles educator licensure in your state.
You can dig deeper into scores using our NES Elementary Education scoring guide.
Test Preparation Tips
Given its broad scope, the NES Elementary Ed exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the NES Elementary Education exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize study topics and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to both subtests and all content areas. It’s important that you be prepared for all topics you may encounter on this exam.
- Know what content this exam emphasizes. Reading and ELA questions make up a full 33% of overall Elementary Ed exam content, making this the single most frequently encountered subject on the exam. By contrast, Arts, Health, and Fitness content accounts for just 6% of the Elementary Ed exam. Most students will benefit from prioritizing Reading and ELA and spending relatively less time on Arts, Health, and Fitness.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Make regular use of practice tests to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing.
- Don’t consider your job done after you finish a practice test. Review your performance afterward, identifying subjects and content areas where you may need improvement. Be sure that you understand the reasoning behind correct answers before moving on.
- If you’re unable to finish the overall exam within 3 hours and 15 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key details, and concept connections. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are ways to calm your nerves. Before and during the exam, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk.
- Be sure you get enough sleep the night before the exam. A lack of sleep can seriously affect your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. Be confident that you have the power to succeed on the NES Elementary Education exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
Before your NES Elementary Education exam, review all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the right location! Take care not to arrive late, or you risk having your exam canceled.
Checking Required Documents
On the day of the exam, double-check that you have all you need before leaving home. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued photo ID that bears your legal name and signature. Examples of valid ID could include your driver’s license or passport.
- Sensible clothing: To combat cold exam rooms, the NES website recommends bringing clothing you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
- Equipment and workspace: If you’re taking this exam at home, you must have access to a desktop or laptop computer. You also need a quiet, private, and well lit workspace that is free of prohibited items.
- Remember that you should not bring a calculator to the Elementary Ed exam, even though it includes math content. You will be required to use an on-screen calculator.
Review the official exam policies to learn more about testing rules and what to bring to the exam site.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the NES Elementary Ed exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit for each subtest and plan accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you understand how to mark selections properly on your screen. This exam takes place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to use the on-screen calculator.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: On straightforward questions, try to work as quickly as you can without making errors. This will allow you to bank time for pondering tough questions or checking your answers.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the NES Elementary Ed exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On test day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining focus are all essential to doing well on the NES Elementary Education exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NES Elementary Ed exam gauges your knowledge of elementary-level content, ensuring you’re prepared for classroom teaching. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our prep tips, you can approach the NES Elementary Ed exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More NES Elementary Education Resources
- Got questions about your scores? We got you covered in our NES Elementary Education scoring guide!
- Looking for more study help? Check out our study guide for the NES Elementary Ed exam.
- Kick off your prep with free practice tests for both subtests of the NES Elementary Ed exam.
