Welcome to Mometrix Academy’s WEST test review page. We’ve created this resource so that you’ll be able to find all the information you need about the exam in one place, without having to skip from one website to another. We’ve also provided links to our extensive library of free WEST practice tests to help you prepare for this crucial test. We think you’ll find that utilizing these practice tests as a key part of your WEST test prep will enable you to get the very best score that you’re capable of. If you already have most of the information you need about the WEST, you can find the links below to start watching the videos right away. If you need more information about the exam, just keep reading, and you should find everything you need to know right in this article. After you’ve finished reading, don’t forget to come back and check out the WEST test prep videos!
Free WEST Practice Tests
What is the WEST?
The WEST, or Washington Educator Skills Tests, is a series of computer-based exams that contain questions designed to test a candidate’s knowledge for certain disciplines in the state of Washington. In 2000, the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) was created in order to determine a way to ensure educator quality standards. From there, the PESB developed the WEST-B test to ensure that prospective students looking to become teachers have certain basic skills. Years later, the WEST-E test was created to certify potential teachers in their specific discipline of study. Starting in March 2013, the PESB started transitioning the WEST-E content examinations to the National Evaluation Series (NES) tests and will continue to do so until 2021.
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WEST Exam Subjects
The WEST exam series covers numerous subjects that span the entire academic spectrum. Each test format may differ slightly, but most NES tests and WEST tests only use multiple-choice test questions. In general, this is the format that most tests contain and focus on. However, some WEST-B and WEST-E tests contain constructed-response questions. There will be more on this below. Each individual NES test and WEST series test has a different time period in which to take the exam. To find out the exact time limit for your exam, check here. Scoring for each of the tests is based on a score ranging from 100 to 300. For the NES tests, a minimum score of 220 is required in order to pass the test. For the remaining tests offered, a minimum score of 240 is required in order to pass the exam.
WEST Study Guide
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What’s on the WEST?
Test Format
As mentioned before, the WEST test questions, in general, consist of multiple-choice questions with some tests using constructed-responses as well. For multiple-choice questions, the test taker is shown a question and then given many choices to choose from, with one of the choices being correct, and all other choices being incorrect. A simple positive about multiple-choice tests is that even if you do not know the correct answer, you can still guess what you think to most-likely be the answer.
However, the constructed response questions will require the test taker to come up with an answer on their own with no guidance other than the prompt and/or directions. Some prompts will ask you to write short responses or essays on facts and opinions provided. Here is an example of a persuasive prompt you could see: “What makes someone family? Some people believe that family is something that you are born into without your choice, while others believe that your family isn’t limited by who you are related to but rather the people you choose to surround yourself with. In an essay to be read by an audience of educated adults, express your opinion on the matter. Use examples and arguments to defend your opinion.” You could also receive an expository prompt, such as this: “What makes a good friend? In an essay to be read by an audience of educated adults, express your ideas on the prompt.”
Registration and Scores
Registration for the Washington Educator Skills tests (for both WEST tests and NES tests) is online. In order to register, you must choose from a nation-wide selection of testing centers and set up an appointment to take your test at that location. Once you have selected an appropriate location with a set time and date, you may want to review the test policies for what is allowed and the necessary identification you will need to enter the testing location.
Score Availability
As of the time that this was written, most of the results for the multiple-choice tests are available at your testing center immediately after the test. However, a select few tests require you to wait for 2 to 6 weeks to receive your results, so test takers should check at time of registration to see when their results will be available to them. Score reports for all WEST tests are available 2 to 6 weeks after the test on your account that you registered with.
WEST Test Prep
The WEST tests have a severe impact on your certification as a teacher and your career path as a whole. Not taking the WEST seriously and limiting your preparation is a major mistake that may have profound impact. For many, passing or failing a WEST test can be the difference between a test taker achieving their dreams of teaching a subject they love and delaying the beginning of their teaching career to prepare for their test once again.
The Importance of Preparation
Being well-prepared for the WEST is one of the most important things you can do for your future. Taking a few weeks to review with a good Washington Educator Skills Test study guide is key to a successful outcome on your exam. You’ll want to take your time and not rush things. Also, starting early and working methodically on your test prep will give you plenty of time to take a WEST-E/WEST-B practice test (or two) and look over WEST test taking strategies. If you don’t do well on your WEST practice test, you’ll still have time to go back and review some more, to make sure you’re ready on test day. If you’re looking for WEST-E test prep help or WEST-B test prep help, be sure to click on the links at the top of this page. You’ll find an abundance of free practice tests to help you prepare for the WEST.