If you need help studying for the NES Earth and Space Science test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
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What’s on the Test?
The NES Earth and Space Science test contains 150 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll be timed at 3 hours.
The test is split into five sections:
1. Nature of Science
18% of the exam
- Scientific inquiry
- The history and nature of science
- The relationships between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
2. Geology
25% of the exam
- Historical geology
- Plate tectonics
- The rock cycle
- Earth materials
- Geologic resources
- Earth’s internal structure
- Weathering, erosion, and deposition
3. Oceanography and Freshwater Systems
19% of the exam
- The hydrologic cycle
- Ocean properties, structure, and composition
- Freshwater system properties and characteristics
4. The Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate
19% of the exam
- Atmosphere properties and structure
- Characteristics of weather systems
- The development of various weather conditions
- Earth’s climate systems
- Factors that influence climate
5. Astronomy
19% of the exam
- Characteristics of starts, galaxies, and the universe
- The solar system
- The Sun-Moon-Earth system
- The apparent motions of stars and planets
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 $95.
NES Earth and Space 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.
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 Earth and Space Science exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the NES Earth and Space Science exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the NES Earth and Space Science exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 220 to pass.
How much does the NES Earth and Space Science exam cost?
The testing fee is $95.