NES Chemistry Practice Test

Free NES Chemistry Practice Test (updated 2026)

The NES Chemistry exam is used to assess the readiness of prospective teachers who wish to teach chemistry in schools that follow the NES standards.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free NES Chemistry practice test, and check out our premium-quality NES test prep resources by clicking the links below!

NES Chemistry Exam Outline

The NES Chemistry (821) exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response questions, and you will be given a 4-hour time limit.

The exam is split into six content subareas.

I. Matter and Its Interactions: Periodic Properties (12%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

• Atomic and subatomic structure
• Principles of quantum theory
• Periodic properties
• Periodic table organization

II. Matter and Its Interactions: Chemical Structure and Reactions (22%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

• Nomenclature and structure of organic and inorganic compounds
• The cell cycle
• Chemical bonding
• Chemical and physical properties and changes
• Types and characteristics of chemical reactions
• Quantitative relationships expressed in chemical equations

III. Matter and Its Interactions: Substances, Mixtures, and Solutions (12%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

• Mass relationships in chemical substances
• Properties of solutions

IV. Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions (15%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

• Kinetic molecular theory
• The nature of phase changes
• The gas laws
• The connection between molecular structure and forces between particles
• Principles of chemical equilibrium

V. Energy in Chemical Systems (19%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

• Factors that affect reaction rates and methods of measuring reaction rates
• Principles of thermodynamics and calorimetry
• Energy relationships in chemical bonding and chemical reactions
• Oxidation-reduction reactions to electrochemistry

VI. Integration of Knowledge and Understanding (20%)

The questions in this subarea are the constructed-response questions. You’ll be asked to write two developed analyses, each covering of a key topic in chemistry. One analysis will cover periodic properties or motion and stability, while the other will cover matter or energy.

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Exam Registration

To register for the NES Chemistry exam, you must first create an online account on the NES website. You may then register for your examination appointment with Pearson VUE.

The testing fee for this exam is $139.

Test Day

On test day, you should arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center about 30 minutes before the exam is scheduled to begin. This will give you enough time to complete the check-in process. Once you arrive, you must sign in and present your photo ID to the proctor. You will be photographed and asked to sign a roster and other rule forms.

Personal items are not allowed in the testing room, so they should be left at home or in your car. This includes your phone, bags, wallet, keys, and any accessories.

Just before the exam starts, you will be given a brief tutorial on the testing system. You will also be given everything you need to work out any calculations by hand (no calculator will be provided).

How the Exam is Scored

Your NES Chemistry score is determined using a scaled scoring method. This method takes your raw score, which is the number of questions you answered correctly, and converts it to a numerical score on a scale of 100 to 300. To pass, your final score must be at least 240.

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By Eric Richter

Eric is the Product Development Manager responsible for developing and updating the Mometrix Teacher Certification and K-12 products. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s of education in Teaching ESOL.

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