NES National Evaluation Series 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization develops and administers the NES exams?
- Evaluation Systems group of Pearson (Correct answer)
- Educational Testing Service (ETS)
- ACT, Inc.
- College Board
Correct answer: Evaluation Systems group of Pearson
The NES exams are developed and administered by the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson on behalf of participating states.
Question 2: On a NES exam, what does a scaled score represent?
- A converted score that accounts for slight differences in difficulty across test forms (Correct answer)
- The raw number of questions answered correctly
- A percentile rank compared to other test-takers
- A grade equivalent score
Correct answer: A converted score that accounts for slight differences in difficulty across test forms
Scaled scores are derived through a statistical process called equating, ensuring comparability across different versions of the same exam.
Question 3: A candidate fails a NES exam. What is the standard waiting period before the candidate can retake the exam?
- There is typically a waiting period between attempts as set by the state or program (Correct answer)
- No waiting period; candidates may retake immediately
- Candidates must wait exactly one full calendar year
- Candidates may never retake a failed NES exam
Correct answer: There is typically a waiting period between attempts as set by the state or program
Retake policies vary by state and testing program, and most require a waiting period between exam attempts.
Question 4: Which content area is NOT typically covered in the NES Elementary Education subtest on Mathematics?
- Calculus and differential equations (Correct answer)
- Number sense and operations
- Algebra and functions
- Geometry and measurement
Correct answer: Calculus and differential equations
Elementary Education math subtests focus on foundational math concepts; advanced calculus is not part of the elementary curriculum or teacher assessment.
Question 5: What accommodation must a candidate request in advance for a NES exam?
- Testing accommodations for disabilities under the ADA (Correct answer)
- A specific testing room location
- A particular test administrator
- An earlier score release date
Correct answer: Testing accommodations for disabilities under the ADA
Candidates requiring accommodations due to disabilities must submit documentation and request accommodations prior to registering for the exam.
Question 6: In the NES Writing subtest, which skill is assessed by asking candidates to analyze an argument?
- Critical thinking and the ability to evaluate reasoning and evidence (Correct answer)
- Creative storytelling and narrative structure
- Summarizing and paraphrasing passages
- Vocabulary and word choice in formal writing
Correct answer: Critical thinking and the ability to evaluate reasoning and evidence
The argument analysis task requires candidates to critically evaluate the logic, evidence, and assumptions of a presented argument.
Question 7: Which of the following NES exams would a candidate for a school counseling position most likely need?
- NES School Counselor (Correct answer)
- NES Elementary Education
- NES Professional Knowledge: Elementary
- NES Student Development
Correct answer: NES School Counselor
The NES School Counselor exam assesses the knowledge and competencies required for licensure as a school counselor.
NES National Evaluation Series 3
Which organization develops and administers the NES exams?