NES English Language Arts Exam Overview
Looking to become an ELA teacher? You may need to pass the NES English Language Arts test. But don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of this subtest and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The NES Language Arts exam assesses your fundamental knowledge of ELA, ensuring you’re prepared to teach it to students. Given its importance to your career, it’s natural to feel some anxiety about passing this test. However, there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, gaining familiarity with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the NES Language Arts test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the NES English Language Arts exam and explore strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking the exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the NES English Language Arts test with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the NES English Language Arts exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the NES ELA test to understand what it covers.
During the English Language Arts exam, you will have 3 hours to answer 150 multiple-choice questions. The questions cover the following content domains:
- Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, and Reading Various Text Forms
- Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
- English Language Conventions, Composition, Writing Process, and Research
- Modes of Writing
- Oral and Visual Communication
For specific details on topics that may appear on this exam, check out the information provided by the NES English Language Arts prep guide.
Familiarizing yourself with these expectations should help you decide how to allocate study time. As you begin preparing for the NES ELA test, you should focus on areas you know will be challenging.
Overall, a balanced approach to studying the five content domains listed will set you up for success on the NES English Language Arts exam.
Time Limit
You will have 3 hours to complete the NES ELA exam.
Passing Score
220 is the passing score for the NES Language Arts test.
Number of Questions
The NES English Language Arts test has 150 multiple-choice questions that cover five different content domains.
Cost
The NES ELA exam costs $119.
Registration Information
You can register for the NES English Language Arts test year round. Start the registration process by creating an NES account, and then choose a convenient time and place to test.
If you’re able to abide by the requirements of online proctoring, you can even take the NES English Language Arts test at home. Learn more about OnVue exams here.
Scoring Information
A scaled score is provided immediately after testing, unless you are testing remotely. Official score reports will be released within two weeks of testing.
Want to learn more about NES Language Arts scores? Explore the details with our NES English Language Arts scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance, the NES ELA 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:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the format and content areas of the NES English Language Arts test as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Divide your study blocks among all five content domains, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that appears on this exam.
Review Key Concepts and Skills
- In the months preceding the NES ELA test, try to read as much as you can. If you don’t regularly consume literary classics or other complex material, this is the time to familiarize yourself with their cadences and vocabulary. You don’t want to miss easy questions because you struggled to parse the excerpt they were based on.
- Before you begin studying, take some time to refresh your literary vocabulary. If you dive straight into practice tests, you might find yourself discouraged by an onslaught of half-remembered literary devices. Make an extra effort on Greek terms; they’re easy to mix up.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions in every content area. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in English, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 3 hours, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official NES exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real NES Language Arts exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. 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 and terms. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing concepts in your own words or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your NES ELA exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
If you’re taking your exam at home, log in to your account and start your test within the acceptable interval (up to 30 minutes before your scheduled time and up to 15 minutes after it).
Check Required Items
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued ID that bears your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable ID include driver’s licenses and passports.
- Sensible clothing: To combat cold exam rooms, bring clothing you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
Review the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
If you’ll be taking the exam at home, make sure that you’re viewing the tabs that read “Online Proctoring” when you browse the link above. Test takers who plan to use online proctoring should pay special attention to these requirements. The rules for remote testing are very strict, and a violation will cancel your score.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on exam day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the NES English Language Arts test well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 3 hours to answer all 150 questions.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. NES exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks.
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the NES Language Arts exam within 3 hours. The following tips can help you manage 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 average, you’ll have around 1.5 minutes to answer each question. Keep this in mind as you work.
- Anticipate needs: If you feel you’ll need a bathroom break during this lengthy test, be sure to budget some extra minutes.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the NES English Language Arts test, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On exam 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 ELA test.
Conclusion
The NES English Language Arts test is key to gaining certification. To pass the NES Language Arts exam, you’ll need to show proficiency in areas such as reading comprehension, literary analysis, elements of composition, research techniques, conventions of English, and oral and visual communication skills.
Despite the broad scope of this test, you shouldn’t let it intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content domains, and follow our prep tips, you can approach the NES ELA test with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More NES English Language Arts Exam Resources
