MN NES Essential Academic Skills Exam
What is it?
The MN NES Essential Academic Skills Exam (EAS) is a computer based exam that tests on the essential academic skills (reading, writing, and math). This is one of the testing options that the MN Professional Educators and Licensing and Standards Board has established to meet the Basic Skills licensure requirement. If you do not meet the required minimum scores for the ACT PLUS Writing, SAT, or GRE students will take the MN NES Essential Academic Skills exam. Learn more on the MN NES website.
Cost
- $54 for one Essential Academic Skills subtest
- $79 for two Essential Academic Skills subtests
- $109 for three Essential Academic Skills subtests
Or $54 each if taken in separate testing settings
Where can I take the exams
Duluth Area:
Suite 100
North Shore Bank Place
Hermantown, Minnesota 55811
United States
Superior, Wisconsin 54880
United States
Find another testing center in Minnesota or Wisconsin:
Locate a Testing Center, select "Exam Name your are taking", Scroll down to "Testing Sites," Search for your exam and follow the prompts.
Extended Computer Based Testing Sessions
The MN Professional Educator Licensing & Standards Board and the Pearson Testing Center has extending testing sessions available for ANY student. Standard MTLE test sessions are designed to allow sufficient time to complete the test. Examinees may find the allotted testing time to be more than enough to complete the test, even if they have needed extra time on other tests they have taken in the past.
Extended testing sessions are also available for all tests in the MTLE program. Candidates may choose to register for these extended testing sessions with testing times equal to the following amounts:
- MN NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) test
- Reading subtest: 120 minutes
- Writing subtest: 180 minutes
- Mathematics subtest: 135 minutes
Learn more about how to register for extended testing sessions.
Requesting Alternative Testing Arrangements
Alternative testing arrangements that are reasonable in the context of this licensing test and supported by documentation may be provided for
- examinees with disabilities who would not be able to take the test under standard conditions,
- nursing mothers, and
- individuals for whom the allotted testing time is not enough for completing the test.
Learn more about the process for requesting accommodations based on individual circumstances.
How do I register?
Exam Registration Guide
Register online and choose the MN NES Essential Academic Skills (Reading, Writing, and Math)
- Be sure to register a few weeks in advance of the testing window to ensure a seat is available for you. Your test date and time will be given to you at the end of the registration process.
Score Release Information
A scaled score is provided immediately after testing for the EAS Reading and EAS Math exams, EAS writing will release with the score release date due to the writing prompt scoring process. Your official score report will be emailed to you, if you requested this service when you registered, according to the schedule on the below link. Score reports are also posted to your account for 2 years as PDF documents, which you may view, print, and save for your records. Learn more on the MN NES Scores webpage.
Score Report
Learn more about how to understand your testing results.
It is very important that you keep a copy of your official score report for your records (save it to your Google Drive, in your email, or print a copy, etc.) This will be required when you apply for admission to the blocks.
- Be sure to also choose UMD as a recipient of your scores.
NES Essential Academic Skills Exam Passing Scores
- Reading: 520 or higher
- Writing: 520 or higher
- Math: 520 or higher
Exam Retakes
Teacher candidates who do not pass an exam must wait a minimum of 30 days prior to retaking an exam. Teacher candidates can schedule ahead 30 days out from the failed exam date. If a teacher candidate fails an exam two or more times they may be eligible for a retake fee voucher. Vouchers are emailed within two to four weeks of the score report date.
Exam Retake Voucher
Beginning with tests taken on August 23, 2021, examinees who have failed a good-faith attempt on a subtest two or more times may be eligible for a fee voucher for subsequent attempts. You will receive your voucher via email within two to four weeks of the score report date.
Military Financial Assistance Voucher
PELSB has a limited amount of financial assistance vouchers available to examinees who are in the military. Please email PELSB directly to request a military financial assistance voucher, [email protected]
Prepare for the Exam
It is very important to spend time reviewing materials for the NES Essential Academic Skills subtests (reading, writing, and math). Learn more about preparation materials.
Basic Skills (Reading, Writing & Math) Exam Options Handout
NES EAS Exam Information Handout