The NES Biology exam is used to assess the readiness of prospective teachers who wish to teach biology in schools that follow the NES standards.
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NES Biology Exam Outline
The NES Biology (818) exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions and two open-response questions, and you will be given a 4-hour time limit.
The exam is split into five content subareas.
I. Molecules: Structures and Processes (14%)
The questions in this domain cover the following:
- The chemical components of living systems
- The basic principles of biochemistry
- Processes that generate cellular energy
II. Organisms: Structures and Processes (22%)
The questions in this domain cover the following:
- Cell structure and function
- The cell cycle
- Structures, structural organization, and life processes of unicellular and multicellular organisms
- Human anatomy and physiology
III. Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics (22%)
The questions in this domain cover the following:
- Interactions and dynamics of populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes
- Cycling of materials through an ecosystem
- Transfer of energy through an ecosystem
- The effects of human activity on ecosystems and the environment
IV. Heredity and Biological Evolution (22%)
The questions in this domain cover the following:
- The molecular basis of genetics
- The inheritance and variation of traits
- Theories and mechanisms of evolution
- Biological change
- The diversity of life
V. Integration of Knowledge and Understanding (20%)
The questions in this subarea are the open-response questions. You’ll be asked to write two developed analyses, each covering of a key topic in biology. One analysis will cover molecules or heredity, while the other will cover organisms or ecosystems.
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Exam Registration
To register for the NES Biology 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 Biology 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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FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the NES Biology (818) exam?
A
There are 100 multiple-choice questions and two open-response questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the NES Biology (818) exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 4 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the NES Biology (818) exam?
A
To pass the exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 240.
Q
How much does the NES Biology (818) exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $139.
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