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Exam Overview
The Essential Academic Skills subtests are computer-based. You can test at Pearson VUE test centers year-round by appointment, or by online proctoring during one-week testing windows each month. At a test center you may take one, two or all three subtests in a single appointment; online, each subtest is its own session.
Key Facts About the NES Essential Academic Skills Test
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) |
| Subtests | I Reading, II Writing, III Mathematics, each scored separately |
| Current test codes | Reading 005, Writing 006, Mathematics 007 |
| Earlier test codes | Reading 001, Writing 002, Mathematics 003 (still used by some programs) |
| Answer choices | Four (A to D) on every multiple-choice question |
| Passing score | 220 on each subtest |
| Delivery | Test center (computer-based) or online proctoring |
| Extra time | A 15-minute tutorial and nondisclosure agreement at each appointment |
| Reference materials | None provided |
The Three Subtests
Subtest Format
| Subtest | Questions | Testing Time |
|---|---|---|
| I Reading | About 44 multiple-choice (about 45 on version 001) | 1 hour 15 minutes (1 hour on version 001) |
| II Writing | About 36 multiple-choice (75% of the score) and 1 written assignment (25%) | 1 hour 30 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes on version 002) |
| III Mathematics | About 45 multiple-choice | Up to 1 hour |
The current and earlier versions test the same core skills, so this guide prepares you for either. Massachusetts has moved its Reading and Writing subtests to the current codes 005 and 006 and is retiring 001 and 002, while the Arizona program site still lists 001, 002 and 003. Your registration page shows which version you will take.
How the Subtests Are Scored
Each subtest is scored on its own, and you need a scaled score of 220 to pass each one. Multiple-choice scores are based on the number of questions you answer correctly, with no penalty for a wrong answer, so answer every question. A few questions on any form may be unscored trial items, and you will not know which ones they are.
The written assignment is scored on a four-point scale that looks at six qualities: how well you address the topic with language suited to the audience and purpose, your thesis, the development of your ideas, organization, word choice and sentence structure, and mechanics. An essay that is off topic, unreadable, not your own work or too short can be marked unscorable, and a blank response earns no credit.
Fees
Fees depend on the program site where you register. The following table shows the fees published on two program sites.
Published Fees
| Program Site | Fees |
|---|---|
| Arizona (versions 001, 002, 003), test center | Reading $50, Writing $50, Mathematics $70; any two $75; all three $120 |
| Arizona, online proctoring | Reading or Writing $50, Mathematics $70, paid per subtest |
| Massachusetts (versions 005, 006) | $70 per subtest; both at one test-center appointment $112 |
What Kinds of Questions to Expect
- Reading questions on passages of fiction, classic and contemporary literature, history, science, social studies and current issues, plus outlines, graphic organizers, charts and tables
- Writing questions on drafts with numbered sentences, asking which sentence contains an error, which revision is best, which detail is irrelevant or which transition fits
- One written assignment asking for a developed essay on a given topic for a stated audience and purpose
- Mathematics word problems built on tables, graphs, diagrams and real situations, covering numbers, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics and probability
Score Reports
- Reading and Mathematics: at a test center you see an unofficial result when you finish, and the official score report follows within about two weeks.
- Writing: the score report follows within about four weeks, because the essay is scored by trained readers.
- Your report shows whether you passed and how you did on each competency, so you can target your study if you need to retest.
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