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NES test alignment

240's NES Physics Study Guide Is 85% Test-Aligned

240's NES Physics 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.

85%test-aligned
53Fully covered
14Partially covered
4Coverage 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 308

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 Physics 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 Physics (308) 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 308 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

71Competencies reviewed

85%Test-aligned

53Covered

14Partially covered

4Gaps

  • 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.210 questions · 24 materials · 107 cards · 5 videosCovered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of principles and procedures for designing and carrying out scientific investigations (e.g., generating and testing hypotheses).S.Repeatability; S.Scientific Method; S.Background Research; S.Experimental Investigations; S.Non-Experimental Investigations - Field Studies; S.Scientific Lab TechniquesCovered706292Covered by 6 topics (70 questions, 6 materials, 29 cards, 2 videos).
B. Recognize methods and criteria for collecting, measuring, organizing, analyzing, and presenting scientific data.S.Best Chart for the Data; S.Read Scientific Publication; S.Proper Data Analysis; S.Trend Analysis of ScatterplotsCovered284150Covered by 4 topics (28 questions, 4 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos).
C. Justify conclusions based on data analysis.S.Proper Data Analysis; S.Trend Analysis of Scatterplots; S.Limits of Science; S.Trend Analysis in Data - Natural Systems; S.Data Analysis of SlopesCovered194140Covered by 5 topics (19 questions, 4 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos).
D. Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and hazards associated with physics investigations and the equipment and technology used in physics.S.Safety Rules; S.Emergency Procedures; S.Safety Icons; S.Maintaining Equipment; S.Proper Tool Use; S.Various Tools; S.Choose Appropriate Equipment - AdvancedCovered567521Covered by 7 topics (56 questions, 7 materials, 52 cards, 1 videos).
E. Apply appropriate mathematical procedures, including estimation, order of magnitude, statistics, and data analysis to solving problems in physics.S.Precision vs Accuracy; S.Error In Measurements; S.Trend Analysis of Scatterplots; S.Trend Analysis in Data - Natural Systems; S.Measures of Center and Range; M.Exponential and Scientific Notation; S.Significant FiguresCovered527222Covered by 7 topics (52 questions, 7 materials, 22 cards, 2 videos).

SMR I.0002 · Understand the history of science, its connections with other sciences, and the relationships among science, technology, and society.204 questions · 19 materials · 93 cards · 1 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of major scientific ideas, the contributions of eminent scientists, and the uses and limitations of models.S.Key History of Science; S.Famous ExperimentsCovered232600Covered by 2 topics (23 questions, 2 materials, 60 cards, 0 videos).
B. Demonstrate knowledge of current major theories, models, and concepts in chemistry, biology, and Earth and space science.S.Key History of ScienceCovered181600Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 60 cards, 0 videos).
C. Identify unifying themes, principles, and relationships that connect physics with the different branches of the sciences.S.Evidence, Models, and Explanation; S.Models; S.Properties of Systems; S.Change In Systems; S.Form and Function; S.Change, Constancy, and Measurements; S.Variety of Methods Across ScienceCovered787180Covered by 7 topics (78 questions, 7 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos).
D. Analyze the interrelationships between physics, technology, engineering, and society and how science and technology affect each other.NoneCoverage gap identified0000No matching topic found in the study guide.
E. Demonstrate scientific literacy by critiquing the coverage of science in the media.S.Ethics and Publishing; S.Decision MakingCovered10220Covered by 2 topics (10 questions, 2 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
F. Analyze social, ethical, and economic issues associated with technological and scientific developments.S.Interdisciplinary Connections; S.Decision Making; S.Careers in Science; S.Ethics; S.Ethics and Regulation; S.Healthy and Unhealthy Lifestyles; S.Human Populations Impact the Earth; S.Renewable vs Nonrenewable; S.Types of Power SourcesCovered1039141Covered by 9 topics (103 questions, 9 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos).

Mechanics (Domain II)Partially covered

SMR II.0003 · Understand motion in one and two dimensions.68 questions · 7 materials · 22 cards · 2 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Use multiple representations (e.g., pictures, graphs, motion maps) to analyze the one-dimensional motion of a particle or an object.S.Motion Terms; S.Motion GraphsCovered382112Covered by 2 topics (38 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 2 videos).
B. Solve problems involving constant acceleration.S.Linear Motion CalculationsPartially covered6100Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
C. Apply properties of vectors to describe and analyze motion in two dimensions, including uniform circular motion and projectile motion.M.Vectors and Scalars; S.Projectile Motion; S.Circular and Rotary MotionCovered17390Covered by 3 topics (17 questions, 3 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
D. Solve problems involving motion in two dimensions, including uniform circular motion and projectile motion.S.Projectile Motion; S.Circular and Rotary Motion; S.Centripetal ForceCovered19350Covered by 3 topics (19 questions, 3 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos).

SMR II.0004 · Understand forces as interactions and their effects on motion.92 questions · 12 materials · 26 cards · 1 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Identify characteristics of Newton's laws in a variety of situations.S.Force and Newton's Laws; S.Newton's First Law; S.Newton's Second Law; S.Newton's Third LawCovered434131Covered by 4 topics (43 questions, 4 materials, 13 cards, 1 videos).
B. Analyze free body diagrams.S.Force Vectors and DiagramsCovered10130Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).
C. Use Newton's laws to solve problems involving force and motion, including problems involving gravitational, frictional, and elastic forces.S.Gravity Advanced; S.Newton's Second Law; S.Newton's Third Law; S.Gravity; S.Newton's Laws Applied - FrictionCovered38570Covered by 5 topics (38 questions, 5 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos).
D. Solve problems involving uniform circular motion, including satellite and planetary motion.S.Circular and Rotary Motion; S.Gravity AppliedCovered8200Covered by 2 topics (8 questions, 2 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos).
E. Apply Newton's laws to solve problems involving systems of particles and the statics and dynamics of fluids.S.Fluids - Motion Laws; S.Center of MassPartially covered3260Partial coverage by 2 topics (3 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

SMR II.0005 · Understand the conservation of energy and linear momentum.38 questions · 4 materials · 21 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Apply principles of work, potential energy, kinetic energy, and power to solve problems.S.Conservation of Energy Calculations; S.Applications of Conservation of Energy; S.Work, Energy, Power - CalculationsCovered243160Covered by 3 topics (24 questions, 3 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos).
B. Apply the work-energy theorem to conservative and nonconservative systems.S.Work-energy TheoremPartially covered0000Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
C. Analyze the relationships among force, impulse, and momentum.S.MomentumCovered14150Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos).
D. Solve problems involving elastic and inelastic collisions in one and two dimensions.S.Applications of Conservation of EnergyCovered81120Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos).

SMR II.0006 · Understand simple harmonic motion and rotational dynamics.30 questions · 6 materials · 16 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Use graphs and trigonometric functions to analyze characteristics of simple harmonic motion, such as amplitude, restoring force, frequency, and period.S.Periodic MotionCovered31100Covered by 1 topic (3 questions, 1 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos).
B. Analyze the characteristics of kinetic and potential energy for an object undergoing simple harmonic motion.S.Newton's Laws Applied - Pendulums; S.Newton's Laws Applied - SpringsCovered8200Covered by 2 topics (8 questions, 2 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos).
C. Solve problems in rotational kinematics.S.Circular and Rotary MotionPartially covered4100Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
D. Solve static and dynamic problems involving torques and forces.S.TorquePartially covered1110Partial coverage by 1 topic (1 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
E. Analyze systems involving rotational energy and angular momentum.S.MomentumCovered14150Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos).

Electricity and Magnetism (Domain III)Partially covered

SMR III.0007 · Understand properties of the electric field.43 questions · 6 materials · 18 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Analyze phenomena related to static electricity, such as the behavior of electroscopes, induced molecular polarization, and charging by induction.S.Electricity and Magnetism; S.Electrical Charges; S.Electrostatic ExamplesCovered263150Covered by 3 topics (26 questions, 3 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos).
B. Describe electric forces and electric fields for various simple charge distributions.S.Electromagnetic Forces; S.Electrostatic Forces; S.Electrostatic Fields & PotentialsCovered17330Covered by 3 topics (17 questions, 3 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).
C. Describe the motion of a charged particle in a constant electric field.S.Electrostatic Fields & PotentialsPartially covered3100Partial coverage by 1 topic (3 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
D. Demonstrate knowledge of electric potential energy and potential difference.NoneCoverage gap identified0000No matching topic found in the study guide.

SMR III.0008 · Understand properties of the magnetic field and electromagnetic induction.44 questions · 8 materials · 19 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of magnets.S.Electromagnets; S.Magnetic Materials; S.Magnetic Forces and FieldsCovered243110Covered by 3 topics (24 questions, 3 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).
B. Analyze the magnetic force on a moving charge in a magnetic field.S.Calculating Magnetic Force on ChargesPartially covered2100Partial coverage by 1 topic (2 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
C. Analyze the magnetic field for a current-carrying wire loop or solenoid.S.Electromagnets; S.Calculating Magnetic Field from CurrentCovered10260Covered by 2 topics (10 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos).
D. Apply Faraday's and Lenz's laws of induction to find the direction of an induced emf or current in a conducting loop.S.Electromagnetic InductionPartially covered7110Partial coverage by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
E. Describe the operation of devices such as electric motors, generators, and transformersS.Types of Voltage Sources; S.TransformersCovered92100Covered by 2 topics (9 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos).

SMR III.0009 · Understand properties of electric circuits.58 questions · 9 materials · 24 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of electromotive force, electric current, resistance, and Ohm's law.S.Types of Voltage Sources; S.Resistance and Resistivity; S.Currents - DC vs AC; S.EMF; S.Ohms law; S.Current and CoulombsCovered276150Covered by 6 topics (27 questions, 6 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos).
B. Describe characteristics of parallel and series circuits.S.Circuits; S.Series and ParallelCovered262110Covered by 2 topics (26 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).
C. Solve problems using Kirchhoff's laws for circuits.NoneCoverage gap identified0000No matching topic found in the study guide.
D. Analyze an electric circuit or component in terms of energy or power.S.PowerPartially covered5110Partial coverage by 1 topic (5 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

Waves (Domain IV)Partially covered

SMR IV.0010 · Understand the fundamental properties of waves.122 questions · 13 materials · 63 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics and types of waves.S.Properties of Waves; S.Sound; S.LightCovered573260Covered by 3 topics (57 questions, 3 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos).
B. Demonstrate knowledge of wave propagation and how waves transfer energy and momentum.S.Properties of WavesCovered181130Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos).
C. Describe factors that affect the speed of a wave in different media.NoneCoverage gap identified0000No matching topic found in the study guide.
D. Solve problems involving wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.S.Properties of WavesCovered181130Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos).
E. Analyze the reflection, refraction, and polarization of waves.S.Reflection and Refraction; S.Refraction Indexes; S.Fiber Optics; S.Interference, scattering, and polarizationCovered304180Covered by 4 topics (30 questions, 4 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos).
F. Apply the superposition principle to analyze wave phenomena.S.Interference, scattering, and polarization; S.Light Interference PatternsCovered92180Covered by 2 topics (9 questions, 2 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos).
G. Demonstrate knowledge of the Doppler effect.S.Doppler EffectCovered11110Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos).
H. Demonstrate knowledge of the relationships between a sound wave and the human perception of sound.S.SoundCovered32190Covered by 1 topic (32 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
I. Solve problems involving standing waves, resonance, and sounds produced by waves on a string or in a pipe, given various boundary conditions.S.Resonance; S.Applications of Waves - Harmonics; S.Applications of Waves - Harmonics CalculationsCovered183110Covered by 3 topics (18 questions, 3 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).
J. Solve problems involving the intensity of sound and the decibel scale.M.Logarithmic PhenomenaPartially covered4120Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

SMR IV.0011 · Understand the characteristics of light and electromagnetic radiation.56 questions · 12 materials · 54 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum and the production and transmission of electromagnetic waves.S.Electromagnetic Spectrum; S.Electromagnetic WavesCovered11220Covered by 2 topics (11 questions, 2 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
B. Apply the ray model of light and the thin lens equation to analyze characteristics of lenses and mirrors.S.Mirrors; S.LensesCovered112110Covered by 2 topics (11 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).
C. Solve problems using Snell's law in various situations.S.Refraction Indexes - Snells Law CalculationsPartially covered0120Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
D. Apply the wave model of light to describe phenomena such as interference, dispersion, diffraction, and polarization.S.Interference, scattering, and polarization; S.Diffraction and DispersionCovered102140Covered by 2 topics (10 questions, 2 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos).
E. Apply properties of light to describe the operation of optical devices such as filters, magnifying devices, and diffraction gratings.S.Light Interference Patterns; S.Absorption and Transmission; S.Applications of Waves - Optical TechnologiesCovered133160Covered by 3 topics (13 questions, 3 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos).
F. Describe various phenomena (e.g., electron transitions, atomic spectra, operation of a laser) using the photon model of light.S.Dual Nature of Light; S.Light SpectraCovered112120Covered by 2 topics (11 questions, 2 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos).

Physics (Domain V)Partially covered

SMR V.0012 · Understand thermal energy and the kinetic theory of matter.129 questions · 14 materials · 63 cards · 3 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of thermal energy and temperature.S.Heat vs TemperatureCovered11130Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).
B. Solve problems involving thermal expansion, specific heat, phase changes, and the first law of thermodynamics.S.Laws of Thermodynamics; S.Thermal Expansion; S.States of Matter; S.Phase Changes; S.Phase Diagrams; S.EnthalpyCovered576342Covered by 6 topics (57 questions, 6 materials, 34 cards, 2 videos).
C. Demonstrate knowledge of the kinetic theory of matter.S.Kinetic Molecular Theory of MatterPartially covered5120Partial coverage by 1 topic (5 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
D. Demonstrate knowledge of energy conversions, efficiency, heat transfer, and heat engines.S.Types of Energy; S.Types of Energy Transfers By Humans; S.Types of Energy Transfers in Ecology; S.Types of Energy Transfers in Space; S.EfficiencyCovered505261Covered by 5 topics (50 questions, 5 materials, 26 cards, 1 videos).
E. Demonstrate knowledge of the second law of thermodynamics, including entropy.S.Laws of Thermodynamics; S.EntropyCovered14290Covered by 2 topics (14 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).

SMR V.0013 · Understand fundamental ideas of modern physics.59 questions · 10 materials · 80 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the significance of the work of scientists such as Curie, Rutherford, and Planck in the development of modern physics.S.Key History of Science; S.Famous Experiments; S.Diversity in Science History; S.Periodic Table - History of DevelopmentCovered324600Covered by 4 topics (32 questions, 4 materials, 60 cards, 0 videos).
B. Analyze the Bohr model of the atom.S.Atomic Models; S.Atoms and MoleculesCovered13290Covered by 2 topics (13 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
C. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of quantum mechanics, such as wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle.S.Dual Nature of Light; S.Quantum Applications; S.Uncertainty PrincipleCovered113120Covered by 3 topics (11 questions, 3 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos).
D. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of special relativity.S.Special RelativityPartially covered3100Partial coverage by 1 topic (3 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

SMR V.0014 · Understand the fundamental principles of nuclear physics.58 questions · 8 materials · 19 cards · 1 videosPartially covered

Official competencyMatching 240 topicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure of the nucleus, including the forces that hold it together.S.Parts of an Atom; S.Stable/Unstable IsotopesCovered152101Covered by 2 topics (15 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 1 videos).
B. Apply knowledge of radioactive decay processes and the concept of the half-life to analyze and solve problems.S.Radioactivity; S.Half-life Calculations; S.Applications of RadioactivityCovered29380Covered by 3 topics (29 questions, 3 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos).
C. Demonstrate knowledge of the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.S.Fission; S.FusionPartially covered6220Partial coverage by 2 topics (6 questions, 2 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
D. Apply the principles of conservation of charge and mass-energy to analyze nuclear reactions.S.Balancing Nuclear EquationsCovered8140Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos).

How 240 Creates The NES Physics (308) 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 Physics.

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 308 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 Physics Study Guide

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

Is 240 a good study guide for NES Physics?

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 308 exam?

This guide is 85% 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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