NES Exam Resources

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and Rio Salado College (RSC) require prospective teachers to pass specific National Evaluation Series (NES) exams as part of the certification process. Most candidates must pass both a Subject Knowledge exam and a Professional Knowledge exam. (See below for details on specific exam requirements.)

Subject Knowledge Exam - The subject knowledge evaluates a candidate's understanding of the subject itself; it also assesses a candidate's ability to explain material effectively.

NOTE: RSC will not accept a bachelor's degree in the content area to meet the NES Subject Knowledge exam requirement. Additionally, RSC will not accept a comparable out-of-state exam score. Only the NES Subject Knowledge exam is accepted for the Traditional Post-Baccalaureate Program, Teacher in Residence Post-Baccalaureate Program, and the Bachelor's Degree Pathway.

NES Subject Knowledge Exam Deadlines for RSC: (Not required for Special Education)

  • Traditional Post Baccalaureate: Requires passage of the NES Subject Knowledge exam prior to submitting the Level II/Student Teaching Application.
  • Teacher in Residence (TIR) Post Baccalaureate: Requires passage of the NES Subject Knowledge exam prior to submission of the formal application and the exam must match the approved area listed on the teaching contract.
  • Bachelor’s in Elementary Education/Special Education: Before applying to enroll in upper division coursework candidates are required to take the NES Elementary Education Subtest I and II Subject Knowledge or provide verification of a lower division program GPA above 3.0 (contact [email protected] for documentation).  Individuals who do not pass any portion of the NES exam may be conditionally admitted with a 'No Passing' score but must submit a passing NES Subject Knowledge exam score prior to beginning student teaching.

Professional Knowledge Exam - The professional knowledge exam measures pedagogical knowledge and skill and is required before applying for a teaching certificate. To learn more about this certification requirement, please review the Arizona Department of Education’s (ADE) Required Exams section for your certification area.

***NOTE: ADE will accept verification of teaching experience to meet the Professional Knowledge exam requirement. Candidates who do not have the years of teaching experience must take the Professional Knowledge exam that corresponds to their area of certification:

Professional Knowledge Exams for:

Traditional Post Baccalaureate and Teacher in Residence:

  • Elementary: AEPA/NES Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary Education (NT051).

  • Secondary: AEPA/NES Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary Education (NT 052) exam.

  • Special Education: AEPA/NES Special Education (NT 601) exam.

Bachelor’s Degree (Both are required)

  • AEPA/NES Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary Education (NT051) 

AND

  • AEPA/NES Special Education (NT 601) exams.

Testing Tips and Strategies

  1. Identify the required exam needed for the certification area you are seeking. If you are uncertain of which exam to take, please contact [email protected]  
  2. Review the test framework. Each NES exam has a test framework that serves as the basis for the test content. The test framework provides a breakdown of the subject into content domains where the candidate is to apply and demonstrate their knowledge of the given subject area.
  3. Understand how NES exams are scored.
  4. Develop a study plan. A study plan can assist you in identifying which areas you will need further strengthening. Examine how well you know the content, list what resources you have and/or need that cover the content and establish dates you will study the content.
  5. Watch the testing tutorials and demonstrations for the NES exams.
  6. Review past AEPA Study Guides. Although the NES replaced the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) the objectives and content is still similar.
  7. Optional: The NES has study guides and practice exams for purchase.

Rio Salado College Resources

It is important to recognize that the resources provided may not directly align with the NES exam content. The following resources are offered to aid in the development and understanding of basic concepts and terms.

  • Student Learning Resources - Outcomes Work Lab (OWL): OWL serves as a great resource for candidates who are struggling with writing mechanics, reading, and critical thinking.
  • Rio Salado College Tutoring Center: Free virtual face-to-face tutoring. Before scheduling a session, it is recommended that students come prepared with the NES Diagnostic Report (if you have taken the exam) and have a basic understanding of gaps in knowledge.
  • Brainfuse: Provides additional online tutoring in several discipline areas. Click on "Academic Tools" and "Skill Surfer" to also see a listing of discipline areas covered.
  • Secondary Content Areas: RSC provides course offerings for secondary content areas.
    • Note: Completion of the optional courses are not required for teacher certification and are not covered by Financial Aid.

Additional Resources

  • 240 Tutoring: Offers comprehensive, test-aligned digital study guides made by teachers to help teachers pass NES exams. Students can take the practice exams as many times as they want within a month, and can cancel their subscription at any time. Additionally, 240 Tutoring provides a guarantee: if a user scores 90% on the Practice Test at the end of the study guide but fails the exam, they are eligible for a money-back refund of up to two months of their subscription.
  • NES Fee Waiver Request Form: Teacher candidates receiving financial aid may be eligible for a fee waiver through the NES. To request the required form, email [email protected].
  • NES and Course Resources
  • RSC Counseling and Career Services: Learn strategies to help you study and be at your best. RSC's Counseling Department can provide you with study skills, test-taking resources and tips on conquering your test-taking fears.

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