If you need help studying for the NES School Library Media Specialist 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 School Library Media Specialist practice test!
What’s on the Test?
There are currently two different versions of the exam available: version 502 and version 508. This page covers the content of both versions, but be sure to check with your state’s credentialing agency to see which version you’ll need to take.
School Library Media Specialist (502)
The NES School Library Media Specialist (502) test contains 150 multiple-choice questions and is timed at three hours.
The test is split into three sections:
1. THE LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM
30% of the exam
- The role of the library media program
- The relationship of the library media program to the total school program
- School library media specialist responsibilities
- Strategies for ongoing professional growth
- Communication and collaboration with school community members
2. PROMOTING INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS
40% of the exam
- Basic child development principles
- Curriculum development and instructional design
- Creating a student-centered library environment
- Characteristics and uses of various information and technological resources
- Types of literature for young adults and children
- Information literacy skills
3. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
30% of the exam
- Collection development
- Managing and organizing information, equipment, and materials in the library media program
- Management of various types of library media program resources
- Comprehensive and collaborative planning, assessment, and evaluation of the library media program
School Library Media Specialist (508)
The NES School Library Media Specialist (508) test contains 100 multiple-choice questions and is timed at two hours.
The test is split into three sections:
1. THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST
30% of the exam
- The role of the library media program
- The relationship of the library media program to the total school program
- School library media specialist responsibilities
- Communication and collaboration with school community members
2. STUDENT-CENTERED PRACTICES, RESOURCES, AND ENVIRONMENTS
40% of the exam
- Developmentally appropriate curriculum, resources, and instruction
- Creating a student-centered, accessible, and inclusive environment
- The process of inquiry
3. SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
30% of the exam
- The development of the school library media program collection
- The management and evaluation of the school library media program
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, regardless of which version you take.
NES School Library Media Specialist 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 NES School Library Media Specialist test 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 School Library Media Specialist test?
The number of questions depends on which version of the test you take. The older version contains 150 questions, and the newer version only contains 100 questions.
What is the time limit for the NES School Library Media Specialist test?
The older version of the test is timed at 3 hours, while the newer version is timed at 2 hours.
What is the passing score for the NES School Library Media Specialist test?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 220 to pass the test.
How much does the NES School Library Media Specialist test cost?
The testing fee is $95.