Test Content
The Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills tests consists of three subtests: reading, writing, and mathematics.
Test Format
Tests are computer-based
- The reading test has 45 multiple-choice questions.
- The writing test has 36 multiple-choice questions and 1 written assignment.
- The mathematics test has 45 multiple-choice questions.
Time
Time allotment for each of Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills subtests:
- Reading: 75 minutes
- Writing: 90 minutes
- Mathematics: 75 minutes
Passing Score
Candidates must receive a passing score on each Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills subtest to meet the Basic Skills Requirement. Test scores range from 400 – 600 points.
Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills Passing Scores:
- Reading: 520 or higher
- Writing: 520 or higher
- Mathematics: 520 or higher
Alternatively, candidates may meet the Basic Skills Requirement by achieving minimum passing scores on one of the following tests per the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. However, the scores of different types of tests cannot be combined to meet the Basic Skills Requirement. All subtests of one type of test must be passed.
ACT Plus Writing (was first offered in 2005)
- Composite Score ≥ 22 and Combined English/Writing or ELA ≥ 21
1600 SAT (2005-present)
- Reading + Writing: ≥ 550
- Math: ≥ 570
2400 SAT (2005 and older)
- Reading: ≥ 510
- Writing: ≥ 510
- Math: ≥ 520
GRE General Test (after 8/1/2011)
- Verbal Reasoning ≥ 150
- Analytical Writing ≥ 3
- Quantitative Reasoning ≥ 14
The GRE Test (prior to 8/1/2011)
- Verbal Reasoning ≥ 450
- Analytical Writing ≥ 3
- Quantitative Reasoning ≥ 540
Multi-State NES Essential Academic Skills test (was only available from June 7, 2016-August 28, 2016
- Reading ≥ 205
- Writing ≥ 214
- Mathematics ≥ 213
While the MTLE Basic Skills test was discontinued on June 8, 2016, passing scores (240 or better on the Reading, Writing, and Math subtests) are still accepted for meeting the Minnesota Basic Skills Requirement. See the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board website for further details.