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NES test alignment

240's NES Chemistry Study Guide Is 91% Test-Aligned

240's NES Chemistry study guide is built around the official exam framework so you can study what is actually tested. This page shows exactly how the guide maps to the real exam — SMR by SMR and competency by competency.

91%test-aligned
56Fully covered
5Partially covered
3Coverage gap

Based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the lessons, practice questions, flashcards, videos, and study materials included in this guide.

Transparent coverage

NES 306

Our curriculum team begins with the official test framework, identifies the knowledge and skills candidates are expected to demonstrate, and maps instruction and practice to those expectations.

01

Coverage by content domain

Lessons and questions are organized around the exam’s content areas so your preparation reflects the structure of the assessment.

02

Honest about depth

Every competency is marked covered, partially covered, or a gap, so you can see where the guide is strongest and where to add your own review.

03

Reviewed as exams change

Alignment records provide a maintainable source of truth when exam frameworks, names, or objectives are updated.

Why Test Alignment Matters for Your NES Chemistry Study Guide

Certification test standards are broad, but the exam questions are very specific. Our team of curriculum experts uses the 240 Study Guide Creation Process to ensure the most aligned, specific content for your NES Chemistry (306) test — so you are not wasting time on broad subject review that may not show up on exam day.

Why 240 is the best choice for the NES 306 study guide

  • Built around the official exam framework
  • Organized by the competencies actually used on the exam
  • Shows exactly what is covered and where depth is partial
  • Includes aligned questions, flashcards, study materials, and videos
  • Helps candidates study what is actually tested instead of broad generic content

Transparent coverage is a strength. We show where the guide is strong, where depth is partial, and where a gap has been identified so you can make an informed study decision.

How to Read This Alignment Review

5Domains

64Competencies reviewed

91%Test-aligned

56Covered

5Partially covered

3Gaps

  • CoveredCompetency is comprehensively supported by the guide.
  • Partially coveredCore content is covered, but some depth gaps remain.
  • Coverage gap identifiedA content gap has been identified.

This study guide is based on the current official exam framework. We review and update alignment whenever the official framework changes so candidates are always studying current, accurate material.

Nature of Science (Domain I)Partially covered

SMR I.0001 · Understand principles and procedures of scientific inquiry.170 questions · 14 materials · 50 cards · 4 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and procedures for designing and carrying out scientific investigations.S.Scientific Method; S.Experimental Investigations; S.Non-Experimental InvestigationsCovered553162Covered by 3 topics (55 questions, 3 materials, 16 cards, 2 videos).
B. Recognize methods and criteria for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and numerically and graphically presenting scientific data.S.Proper Data Analysis; S.Trend Analysis of ScatterplotsCovered12280Covered by 2 topics (12 questions, 2 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos).
C. Recognize the evidential basis of scientific claims.S.Repeatability; S.Prediction, Explanation, Theory, FactCovered20261Covered by 2 topics (20 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos).
D. Demonstrate knowledge of the safety procedures and hazards associated with chemical investigations and the materials, equipment, and measurement standards used in chemistry.S.Safety Rules; S.Emergency Procedures; S.Safety Icons; S.Safety Rules - ChemistryCovered484141Covered by 4 topics (48 questions, 4 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos).
E. Apply basic mathematical procedures and concepts of uncertainty in reporting data and solving problems in chemistry.S.Precision vs Accuracy; S.Error In Measurements; S.Significant FiguresCovered35380Covered by 3 topics (35 questions, 3 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos).

SMR I.0002 · Understand the history and nature of science.96 questions · 8 materials · 80 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of major scientific ideas.NoneCoverage gap identified0000No matching topic found in the study guide.
B. Demonstrate knowledge of major contemporary theories, laws, models, and concepts in physics, biology, and Earth and space science.S.Key History of Science; S.Famous ExperimentsCovered232600Covered by 2 topics (23 questions, 2 materials, 60 cards, 0 videos).
C. Demonstrate knowledge of unifying themes, principles, and relationships that connect the different branches of the sciences and the uses and limitations of models.S.Properties of Systems; S.Change In Systems; S.Change, Constancy, and Measurements; S.Evidence, Models, and Explanation; S.ModelsCovered635160Covered by 5 topics (63 questions, 5 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos).
D. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of science and its characteristics as a system of inquiry.S.Nature of ScienceCovered10160Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos).

SMR I.0003 · Understand the relationships among science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and society.54 questions · 4 materials · 7 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Analyze the interrelationships among chemistry, technology, engineering, mathematics, and society.S.Interdisciplinary ConnectionsCovered14130Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).
B. Evaluate scientific research and the coverage of science in the media.NoneCoverage gap identified0000No matching topic found in the study guide.
C. Analyze social, economic, and ethical issues associated with technological and scientific developments.S.Ethics; S.Decision Making; S.Human Populations Impact the EarthCovered40340Covered by 3 topics (40 questions, 3 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos).

Matter and Atomic Structure (Domain II)Covered

SMR II.0004 · Understand the properties of matter.96 questions · 9 materials · 54 cards · 1 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Analyze the characteristics of elements, compounds, and mixtures.S.Elements and CompoundsCovered10130Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).
B. Apply methods used to determine the chemical and physical properties of unknown substances.S.Physical Properties; S.Chemical Properties; S.Applications of Physical and Chemical PropertiesCovered273400Covered by 3 topics (27 questions, 3 materials, 40 cards, 0 videos).
C. Analyze physical, chemical, and nuclear changes in matter.S.Radioactivity; S.Chemical vs Physical Changes; S.Conservation of Matter and Energy; S.Half-life CalculationsCovered544131Covered by 4 topics (54 questions, 4 materials, 13 cards, 1 videos).
D. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of radioactive materials.S.Radioactivity; S.Applications of RadioactivityCovered19280Covered by 2 topics (19 questions, 2 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos).

SMR II.0005 · Understand atomic theory and the periodic table.83 questions · 10 materials · 56 cards · 1 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Analyze various historical and contemporary models of atomic structure and the supporting evidence for these models.S.Quantum Applications; S.Atomic ModelsCovered8280Covered by 2 topics (8 questions, 2 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos).
B. Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of and interactions between electrons, protons, and neutrons; and the relationships among energy levels, photons, and atomic spectra.S.Dual Nature of Light; S.Parts of an AtomCovered162151Covered by 2 topics (16 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos).
C. Demonstrate the ability to analyze electron configurations, orbital notations (or diagrams), and Lewis (or electron) dot symbols.S.Electron Arrangements; S.Molecular Orbital Theory - Bond Order; S.Lewis Dot StructureCovered203110Covered by 3 topics (20 questions, 3 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).
D. Demonstrate knowledge of the organization of the periodic table and its usefulness in predicting the physical and chemical properties and relative reactivity of given elements.S.Periodic Table; S.Periodic Table and Physical Properties; S.Periodic Table and Chemical PropertiesCovered393240Covered by 3 topics (39 questions, 3 materials, 24 cards, 0 videos).

SMR II.0006 · Understand the kinetic molecular theory, the nature of phase changes, and the gas laws.82 questions · 9 materials · 27 cards · 2 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of the kinetic molecular theory and the distinguishing characteristics of the four states of matter.S.States of Matter; S.Plasma; S.Phase Changes; S.Kinetic Molecular Theory of MatterCovered424142Covered by 4 topics (42 questions, 4 materials, 14 cards, 2 videos).
B. Analyze heating and cooling curves and phase diagrams.S.Phase DiagramsCovered6170Covered by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos).
C. Demonstrate knowledge of the relationships among volume, temperature, and pressure in gases.S.Gas Laws; S.Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Laws; S.Stoichiometry of GassesCovered30360Covered by 3 topics (30 questions, 3 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos).
D. Solve problems involving the gas laws.S.Gas Laws; S.Partial Pressures; S.Stoichiometry of GassesCovered25370Covered by 3 topics (25 questions, 3 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos).

Energy and Chemical Bonding (Domain III)Partially covered

SMR III.0007 · Understand the principles of thermodynamics and calorimetry.34 questions · 5 materials · 14 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Analyze the three laws of thermodynamics and their applications to chemical and biochemical systems.S.Laws of ThermodynamicsCovered8190Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
B. Predict the spontaneity of given chemical reactions.S.EntropyPartially covered6110Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
C. Differentiate among forms of energy and between heat and temperature.S.Heat vs TemperatureCovered11130Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).
D. Analyze the results of calorimetry experiments.S.Calculations with Specific Heat; S.Calorimetry and System EnergyCovered9230Covered by 2 topics (9 questions, 2 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).

SMR III.0008 · Understand energy relationships in chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and physical processes.18 questions · 4 materials · 15 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Analyze energy changes due to the formation or breaking of chemical bonds.S.Enthalpy - Applications to Photosynthesis and RespirationPartially covered1010Partial coverage by 1 topic (1 questions, 0 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
B. Analyze energy changes during chemical reactions, including the analysis of enthalpy diagrams.S.Enthalpy; S.Enthalpy - Hess's LawCovered132110Covered by 2 topics (13 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).
C. Analyze energy changes involved in phase transitions, dissolving solutes in solvents, and diluting solutionsS.Energy Changes - Dissolutions; S.Energy Changes - DilutionsPartially covered4230Partial coverage by 2 topics (4 questions, 2 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

SMR III.0009 · Understand the nomenclature and structure of inorganic and organic compounds.78 questions · 8 materials · 38 cards · 1 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Apply the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) rules of nomenclature.S.Naming Basic Chemicals; S.NomenclatureCovered21220Covered by 2 topics (21 questions, 2 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
B. Analyze the characteristics of inorganic structures, including ionic solids, network solids, and metallic solids.S.Molecular Structure of Materials Affecting Physical PropertiesCovered61190Covered by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 19 cards, 0 videos).
C. Predict the geometry of molecules and polyatomic ions.S.Molecular orbital theory - Shapes; S.Molecular GeometryCovered12290Covered by 2 topics (12 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
D. Analyze the chemical composition and basic structure of organic compounds.S.Macromolecules; S.Functional GroupsCovered21281Covered by 2 topics (21 questions, 2 materials, 8 cards, 1 videos).
E. Recognize the characteristics of structural, geometric, and optical isomers.S.Types of BondsCovered18180Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos).

SMR III.0010 · Understand chemical bonding and intermolecular forces and their effect on the properties of substances.49 questions · 6 materials · 22 cards · 0 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Compare the characteristics of types of chemical bonds.S.Types of Bonds; S.Hydrogen Bonds; S.Molecular Bonding - PolarityCovered303110Covered by 3 topics (30 questions, 3 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).
B. Analyze chemical bonding in terms of electron behavior and the factors that affect bond strength.S.Single, Double, Triple Bonds; S.Bond EnergyCovered12260Covered by 2 topics (12 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos).
C. Analyze the characteristics of various types of intermolecular forces and the forces between molecules of a given structure.S.Intermolecular and Intramolecular ForcesCovered7190Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
D. Relate the properties of substances to their atomic bonds and intermolecular forces.S.Intermolecular and Intramolecular ForcesCovered7190Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).

Chemical Reactions (Domain IV)Partially covered

SMR IV.0011 · Understand the nature of chemical reactions.66 questions · 9 materials · 54 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Analyze different types of chemical reactions.S.Types of Reactions; S.Chemical Equations; S.Chemical Reactions in Real LifeCovered233360Covered by 3 topics (23 questions, 3 materials, 36 cards, 0 videos).
B. Predict the outcomes of chemical reactions.S.Precipitation Reactions; S.SpontaneityCovered132100Covered by 2 topics (13 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos).
C. Demonstrate knowledge of collision theory and factors that influence reaction rates.S.Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter; S.Gas Laws; S.Reaction RatesCovered24370Covered by 3 topics (24 questions, 3 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos).
D. Analyze rate problems and experimental rate data.S.Reaction Rates - Rate LawPartially covered6130Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

SMR IV.0012 · Understand the principles of chemical equilibrium.27 questions · 4 materials · 9 cards · 0 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the concept of chemical equilibrium and the factors that influence chemical equilibrium.S.Enzymes; S.EquilibriumCovered13270Covered by 2 topics (13 questions, 2 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos).
B. Apply Le Châtelier's principle to chemical systems.S.Equilibrium; S.Equilibrium and GassesCovered13270Covered by 2 topics (13 questions, 2 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos).
C. Solve problems involving equilibrium constants.S.Calculating Equilibrium ConstantsCovered8110Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos).

SMR IV.0013 · Understand acid-base chemistry.69 questions · 8 materials · 24 cards · 1 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Analyze acids and bases according to how they behave and how they are defined.S.pH; S.Acid/Base ClassificationsCovered282101Covered by 2 topics (28 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 1 videos).
B. Determine the hydronium ion concentration, hydroxide ion concentration, pH, and pOH for acid, base, and salt solutions.S.pH and Ion ConcentrationsCovered8100Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos).
C. Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between molecular structure and acid strength and the relative strengths of acids and bases.S.pH and Ka valuesCovered9120Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
D. Analyze buffer solutions qualitatively and quantitatively.S.BuffersCovered8120Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
E. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and applications of acid-base titrations.S.Acid/Base Titrations; S.pH to Molarity; S.NeutralizationCovered163100Covered by 3 topics (16 questions, 3 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos).

SMR IV.0014 · Understand oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry.36 questions · 4 materials · 16 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of oxidation, reduction, oxidation numbers, and the balancing of oxidation-reduction equations.S.Oxidation Number Examples; S.Redox ReactionsCovered18220Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
B. Analyze the components and operating principles of electrochemical cells and electrolytic cells.S.ElectrolytesCovered111100Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos).
C. Solve problems involving electrochemical cells.NoneCoverage gap identified0000No matching topic found in the study guide.
D. Demonstrate knowledge of the applications of electrochemistry.S.Redox Reactions - ApplicationsCovered7150Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos).

Stoichiometry and Solutions (Domain V)Partially covered

SMR V.0015 · Understand the mole concept.26 questions · 4 materials · 9 cards · 0 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the mole concept and its use in chemical calculations.S.StoichiometryCovered10120Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
B. Solve problems involving molar mass, percent-composition, and empirical and molecular formulas.S.Molarity; S.Percent Composition; S.Molality and NormalityCovered16370Covered by 3 topics (16 questions, 3 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos).

SMR V.0016 · Understand stoichiometry.22 questions · 2 materials · 3 cards · 0 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate the ability to interpret chemical notation, balance chemical equations, and recognize net ionic equations.S.Balancing Chemical ReactionsCovered14110Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos).
B. Solve stoichiometric problems involving moles, mass, volume, and energy, including limiting reactant and percent yield.S.Stoichiometry - Limiting Reagents and Reaction YieldCovered8120Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).

SMR V.0017 · Understand the properties of solutions and colloidal suspensions.47 questions · 6 materials · 31 cards · 1 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of different types of solutions, colloids, and suspensions.S.Mixtures and Solutions; S.Colloids and Suspensions; S.Types of SolutionsCovered253151Covered by 3 topics (25 questions, 3 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos).
B. Solve problems involving concentrations of solutions.S.Percent SolutionsPartially covered5150Partial coverage by 1 topic (5 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
C. Analyze factors that affect solubility and solubility curves.S.Solubility; S.Solubility for GasesCovered12140Covered by 2 topics (12 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos).
D. Analyze the colligative properties of solutions.S.Colligative Properties of SolutionsCovered51120Covered by 1 topic (5 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos).

How 240 Creates The NES Chemistry (306) Study Guide

Every 240 study guide starts with the official exam framework. From there, we organize lessons, practice, and study tools around the categories the exam uses to measure candidate knowledge.

1

Review the official exam framework

We begin with the standards, domains, competencies, objectives, or content categories published by the testing authority.

2

Map the tested categories

We map every major area the exam is designed to cover so the guide reflects the real structure of the test.

3

Build lessons around tested content

We create study materials to support the official blueprint, not broad filler content.

4

Cross-check practice against exam expectations

We review practice content against the framework and real exam patterns so preparation stays targeted.

5

Review and update as standards change

When official frameworks change, we review guides and update alignment as needed.

Reviewed by subject-matter experts and maintained to reflect current standards.

Why 240 Is Better Than Other Generic Study Guides

Not all study guides are built the same way. Here is what separates a test-aligned guide from a generic one — and why it matters when you are preparing for the NES Chemistry.

Generic prep

  • Covers broad subject areas without structure
  • No clear connection to the official exam framework
  • Practice questions may not reflect the real test format
  • May not update when official standards change
  • Can be helpful for quick, broad review

240 test-aligned NES 306 prep

  • Every lesson maps to an official domain or competency
  • Built directly from the official exam framework
  • Practice questions aligned to what the exam actually measures
  • A clear study path by tested category
  • Study smarter and enter test day more prepared

FAQs About the NES Chemistry Study Guide

The questions teacher candidates ask us most often about the NES Chemistry study guide.

Is 240 a good study guide for NES Chemistry?

240 is a strong option because the guide is built around the official exam framework and shows detailed alignment by SMR and competency.

How closely does 240 align to the NES 306 exam?

This guide is 91% aligned based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the study resources included in the guide.

Does 240 cover every competency?

This page shows coverage transparently across covered, partially covered, and identified gaps so candidates can see exactly how the guide maps to the exam.

What does “partially covered” mean?

Partially covered means the guide addresses the core parts of a competency, but some depth or subtopics may still be limited.

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