NES Earth and Space Science Practice Test

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Free NES Earth and Space Science Practice Test (updated 2026)

The NES Earth and Space Science exam is used to assess the readiness of prospective teachers who wish to teach Earth and space science in schools that follow the NES standards.

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

NES Earth and Space Science Exam Outline

The NES Earth and Space Science (825) 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. Earth’s Place in the Universe (10%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

  • The structure of the universe
  • The solar system and the interactions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun

II. Earth’s Systems: Geosphere (20%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

  • The geologic history of Earth
  • Plate tectonics
  • Earth materials

III. Earth’s Systems: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate (30%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

  • The hydrologic cycle and water systems
  • The atmosphere and atmospheric processes
  • Weather and climate, including regional phenomena

IV. Earth and Human Activity (20%)

The questions in this domain cover the following:

  • Geochemical cycles, natural resources, and sources of energy
  • Types of natural and human-influenced hazards and their impacts on human populations
  • The effects of human activities on Earth systems

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. One analysis will cover Earth’s place in the universe or Earth’s systems, while the other will cover Earth’s systems or human activity.

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Exam Registration

To register for the NES Earth and Space Science 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 Earth and Space Science 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 Earth and Space Science (825) exam?

A

There are 100 multiple-choice questions and two open-response questions on the exam.

Q

How long is the NES Earth and Space Science (825) exam?

A

The time limit for the exam is 4 hours.

Q

What is the passing score for the NES Earth and Space Science (825) exam?

A

To pass the exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 240.

Q

How much does the NES Earth and Space Science (825) exam cost?

A

The examination fee is $139.

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Edited by Aaron Lanni

Aaron is the content manager and lead editor for Mometrix Academy. He regularly produces, updates, proofreads, and edits content to ensure it meets Mometrix’s quality and accessibility standards.

NES and National Evaluation Series are trademarks of Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). This page was developed by Mometrix Test Preparation. It was not developed in connection with Pearson Education, Inc., nor was it reviewed, approved or endorsed by these agencies.

 

by Mometrix Test Preparation | Last Updated: March 7, 2026