Essential Academic Skills
Essential Academic Skills is a National Evaluation Series™ (NES®) test. A passing score on the NES Essential Academic Skills test is not accepted for an Arizona teaching certificate and cannot be applied toward the federal highly qualified teacher requirement. Arizona educator preparation programs may require students to take and pass this test.
Candidates in Arizona educator preparation programs who are required by their preparation institution to take this test must pass 3 subtests:
- Subtest I: Reading
- Subtest II: Writing
- Subtest III: Mathematics
You may register to take one, two, or all three subtests at an administration.
Format |
Computer-based test; multiple-choice questions and a written assignment
- Subtest I: 45 multiple-choice questions
- Subtest II: 36 multiple-choice questions and 1 written assignment
- Subtest III: 45 multiple-choice questions
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Time |
- Subtest I: One hour
- Subtest II: One hour and 15 minutes
- Subtest III: One hour
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Test Dates |
By appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check seat availability . |
Test Sites |
CBT sites are located in Arizona and nationwide. Locate a test center . |
Passing Score |
220 per subtest; examinees must pass subtests I, II, and III to pass the test |
Reference Materials Provided for this Test |
None |
Test Fee |
$50 for one Essential Academic Skills subtest
$75 for any two Essential Academic Skills subtests
$100 for three Essential Academic Skills subtests
Review payment information.
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Score Reporting |
- Subtests I and III: Your test results are provided immediately after testing; your score report is released within two weeks of testing.
- Subtest II: Your score report is released within four weeks of testing.
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Testing Policies |
When you register, you must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies. Read them now. |
Prepare |
View the preparation materials available for this test. |
Tests may include test questions that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect a candidate's score.