If you need help studying for the NES General Science test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free NES General Science practice test!
What’s on the Test?
The NES General Science exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll be timed at two hours.
The test is split into four sections:
1. Physical Science
40% of the exam
- Various atomic models
- Electron and nuclear characteristics and properties
- Physical and chemical properties of matter
- Organization of the periodic table
- The kinetic molecular theory
- Different types of chemical bonds
- The properties and the energy of reactants and products in chemical reactions
- Heating and cooling curves
- The laws of thermodynamics and the principles of calorimetry
- The laws of motion and their relationships to force and mass
- Motion in terms of vector and scalar concepts
- The conservation of energy and momentum
- The work-energy theorem
- The properties of different types of waves
- Refraction, reflection, and polarization of electromagnetic waves
- The particle and wave behavior of electromagnetic radiation
- Electromagnets and the principles and applications of electromagnetism
2. Life Science
30% of the exam
- The structure and function of different macromolecules
- The structure and function of organelles in various types of cells
- The functions of specialized structures in plant systems and animal behavior used as strategies to increase the probability of successful reproduction
- The historical evidence of the evolution of species over time
- The principles of biological evolution
- The diversity of life and the taxonomic relationships among living organisms
- The causes and types of genetic and environmental mutations
- The methods and applications of genetic engineering
- The characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic biomes
- The interrelationships between producers, consumers, and decomposers
- Biotic and abiotic factors that affect population dynamics in ecosystems
3. Earth and Space Science
30% of the exam
- Theories on the origin, evolution, and evidence supporting the current understanding of the universe
- Characteristics and evolution of stars, galaxies, and other objects in the universe
- Earth’s geological timescale and formation
- Relative dating and principles of stratigraphy
- Earth’s structure and composition
- Processes involved in the rock cycle
- Positive and negative feedback loops
- Factors that affect the relationships between the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere
- Physical processes driving the hydrologic cycle
- The processes and characteristics of marine and freshwater systems
- The atmospheric and geographic factors that produce different types of weather and climate conditions
- Predicting and explaining weather events
How to Register
To get started with the registration process, you’ll need to create an NES account on their website. You can then register for the exam via your account.
The testing fee is $119.
NES General Science Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
How the Exam is Scored
The exam is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 100 and 300.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
FAQs
How many questions are on the NES General Science exam?
The exam contains 100 questions.
What is the time limit for the NES General Science exam?
The exam is timed at 2 hours.
What is the passing score for the NES General Science exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 220 to pass.
How much does the NES General Science exam cost?
The testing fee is $119.
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