If you need help studying for the NES Art 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 Art practice test!
What’s on the Test?
The NES Art exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll be timed at three hours.
The test is split into five sections:
1. FOUNDATIONS OF ART: ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES
11% of the exam
- The elements of art
- The use of art elements to achieve specific effects or communicate ideas
- Comparing and contrasting the elements of art in different artworks
- Characteristics and qualities of the elements of art within a given artwork
- The principles of design
- The use of design to achieve specific effects or communicate ideas
- Characteristics and qualities of design within a given artwork
2. ART MEDIA, TOOLS, TECHNOLOGIES, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCESSES
33% of the exam
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Video/film
- Multimedia
- Design
- Functional arts
3. VISUAL ARTS IN HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXTS
33% of the exam
- Purposes and functions of art in cultures and societies in history
- The relation of art and architecture to historical contexts
- The influences of art on and from various cultures and historical periods
- Distinguishing characteristics of art from various cultures
- Similarities and differences among art from various cultures and periods
- The influence of visual images on current cultural and societal issues
4. AESTHETICS AND ART CRITICISM
12% of the exam
- Appropriate vocabulary used in aesthetic responses
- Aesthetic concepts and processes
- Appropriate vocabulary used in art criticism
- Describing and evaluating works of art
5. CONNECTING THE VISUAL ARTS TO OTHER DISCIPLINES
11% of the exam
- Connections between visual arts and other disciplines
- Careers and opportunities for lifelong visual arts learning
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 Art 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.
You will need a scaled score of at least 220 to pass the exam.
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 Art exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the NES Art exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the NES Art exam?
You’ll need to get a final score of at least 220 to pass.
How much does the NES Art exam cost?
The testing fee is $119.