The NES math exam is Pearson’s National Evaluation Series content test for math teachers. Most candidates take Middle Grades Mathematics (203) or Mathematics (304): 150 multiple-choice questions, 5 hours of testing, a $119 fee and a passing score of 220. As of October 2026, Pearson lists eight states that use at least one NES math test.
If your state uses the National Evaluation Series instead of Praxis, your math content exam is one of four NES tests, and the grade band you want to teach decides which one. Every figure here was checked on Pearson’s NES test pages in October 2026.
Which States Use the NES Math Exam
As of October 2026, Pearson lists eight states for its NES math tests. States not listed here may use Praxis, a different educator assessment, or another way to show subject knowledge, so check your state’s current rules. Our guide to math teacher certification requirements shows where your state starts.
| State | NES Math Tests Used | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 326 | Pearson lists Alaska for test 326. Alaska’s own posted content exam list still names Praxis tests, so confirm with the Teacher Certification office before you register. |
| Arizona | 203, 304, 105 | NES tests meet Arizona’s subject knowledge requirement, and the State Board uses the 220 benchmark as the passing score. |
| New Hampshire | 203 | Used for the middle level math endorsement. Upper level math uses a different test, Mathematics (Secondary) (806), with a passing score of 240. |
| Oklahoma | 203 | Offered through a pilot that began in summer 2025, alongside Oklahoma’s own OSAT Middle Level/Intermediate Mathematics exam, which stays available. Check current OEQA rules before you choose. |
| Oregon | 203, 304, 326 | Registered through ORELA, Oregon’s Pearson-run licensure testing program. ORELA lists 304 for testing through August 31, 2027, alongside 326. |
| Tennessee | 203, 304, 326, 105 | An option alongside Praxis for math 6-8 and 6-12. The math 6-10 endorsement uses NES 105. |
| Washington | 203, 304 | Registered through the WEST program. 203 covers the middle level math endorsement and 304 the secondary math endorsement. |
| Wisconsin | 304 | Only for educators who already hold a Wisconsin Professional Educator, Master Educator or Life License in a related subject and want to add a license. It isn’t an initial licensure test. Passing score 220. |
Tennessee is the newest addition. Its State Board voted on February 27, 2026, to let candidates choose between Praxis and NES tests, effective March 10, 2026 (Pearson announcement). If you register for a Tennessee-adopted NES test by February 12, 2027, your first attempt is free, and retakes cost $99 (NES Tennessee page). The Tennessee Department of Education lists which math endorsements accept which test. If you’re weighing the two, our Praxis Mathematics exam guide covers the ETS side.
NES Math Tests at a Glance
All four tests are computer-based, offered year round by appointment at Pearson test centers, and scored on a 100 to 300 scale. Pearson sets a national benchmark for each NES test, and it’s 220 for all four math tests here (some other NES tests use 240). Your state sets the official passing score, so confirm it on your state’s NES page before you register.
| Test | Questions | Testing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Grades Mathematics (203) | 150 multiple-choice | 5 hours (5 hours 15 minutes with tutorial) | $119 |
| Mathematics (304) | 150 multiple-choice | 5 hours (5 hours 15 minutes with tutorial) | $119 |
| Mathematics (326) | 100 multiple-choice | 3 hours 15 minutes (3 hours 30 minutes with tutorial) | $119 |
| Mathematics (Middle Grades and Early Secondary) (105) | 120 multiple-choice | 4 hours 15 minutes (4 hours 30 minutes with tutorial) | $119 |
On 203, 304 and 105, you see a scaled score as soon as you finish, and the official report follows within two weeks (203 and 304 also offer expedited reports in three business days). Test 326 doesn’t show a score at the test center: you get a receipt of completion, and scores post on Pearson’s published release dates. Every test provides an on-screen scientific calculator and a formulas page.
Middle Grades Mathematics (203): What It Covers
The 203 test has four content domains. Algebra and Functions alone is a third of your score, so it’s where extra study hours pay off most.
Number Sense and Operations (17%)
Two competencies: understanding numbers and understanding operations. Expect questions on the relationships among subsets of the real numbers, estimation, translating between representations of numbers, and word problems with integers, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions and percents.
Algebra and Functions (33%)
Four competencies: patterns, relations and functions, algebraic techniques, linear relations, and nonlinear relations with introductory calculus concepts. You’ll solve linear and nonlinear equations and inequalities, manipulate expressions, and analyze direct and inverse proportional relationships.
Measurement and Geometry (25%)
Three competencies: measurement principles, Euclidean geometry in two and three dimensions, and coordinate and transformational geometry. The Pythagorean theorem and its converse, similarity and congruence, and lengths, areas and volumes all come up.
Statistics, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics (25%)
Three competencies: statistics, probability and discrete mathematics. Expect data displays, counting principles applied to probability, bias and sampling, set theory, and permutations and combinations.
Mathematics (304): What It Covers
The 304 test is the secondary version, with five content domains and calculus on the test.
Mathematical Processes and Number Sense (19%)
Problem solving, mathematical communication and reasoning, and number theory. You’ll analyze the properties of real numbers and operations and solve problems with integers, decimals, percents and fractions.
Patterns, Algebra, and Functions (24%)
Four competencies: relations and functions, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and rational, radical, absolute value and piecewise functions. Compositions and inverses, systems of equations and inequalities, and the laws of exponents and logarithms are all fair game.
Measurement and Geometry (19%)
Measurement principles, Euclidean geometry, and coordinate and transformational geometry. Expect polygon and circle problems, figures on a coordinate system, and questions on precision, error and rounding.
Trigonometry and Calculus (19%)
Trigonometric functions, differential calculus and integral calculus. You’ll evaluate limits, judge continuity, take derivatives and integrals, and use the unit circle to solve distance and angle problems.
Statistics, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics (19%)
Set theory, uniform, binomial and normal distributions, matrix and vector operations, and the effects of bias and sampling on a study.
Mathematics (326) and Mathematics (105)
Mathematics (326) is the newer secondary test, listed for Alaska, Oregon and Tennessee (where it counts for the 6-12 endorsement). It’s shorter than 304: 100 questions across five subareas. Functions and Relations carries 30%, Number Sense and Algebraic Reasoning and Measurement and Geometry 20% each, Statistics and Probability 15%, and Trigonometry and Calculus the remaining 15%. If your 326 score lands just below passing and you meet your state’s eligibility rules, you can submit a written Series FLEX Mathematics (912) assessment for $69 instead of retaking the full test.
Mathematics (Middle Grades and Early Secondary) (105) is the test for Tennessee’s math 6-10 endorsement, and Arizona lists it too. It has 120 questions, with Patterns, Algebra, and Functions as the largest domain at 28%.
How to Prepare for the NES Math Exam
Start with Pearson’s preparation materials for your test. Each one lists every competency, explains it, and gives a sample question:
- Middle Grades Mathematics (203) preparation materials
- Mathematics (304) test page, with links to its tutorials and prep materials
- Mathematics (326) preparation materials
- Mathematics (Middle Grades and Early Secondary) (105) preparation materials
Use the domain weights to split your study time. On 203, give Algebra and Functions about a third of your hours. On 304, budget real time for calculus if your last course was years ago, since it’s a fifth of the test. Pearson’s paid Right Start interactive course costs $35 for 30 days or $70 for 90 days. Where Pearson has a practice test for your exam, registration includes it free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a passing score on the NES math exam?
For all four NES math tests, the national benchmark is 220 on a 100 to 300 scale. Arizona, Oregon, Tennessee and Wisconsin use 220, as does New Hampshire for test 203. Your state sets the official score, so check its NES page before you test.
How long is the NES math exam?
Tests 203 and 304 give you 5 hours of testing time, plus 15 minutes for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement. Test 326 runs 3 hours 15 minutes and test 105 runs 4 hours 15 minutes. Restroom breaks count against your testing time.
How much does the NES math exam cost?
As of October 2026, all four tests (203, 304, 326 and 105) cost $119. In Tennessee, your first attempt at an adopted NES test is free if you register by February 12, 2027, and retakes cost $99.
Can I use a calculator on the NES math exam?
Yes. All four tests provide an on-screen scientific calculator and a formulas page.
Can I take the NES instead of Praxis?
Only if your state accepts it. Tennessee lets you choose either one for math 6-8 and 6-12, and Oklahoma’s pilot lets middle grades math candidates take NES 203 instead of the OSAT. In Arizona, Oregon and Washington, the NES test is the state’s own content exam, so it isn’t a substitute for anything.
- Two main tests: Middle Grades Mathematics (203) and Mathematics (304) each have 150 questions and 5 hours of testing, and all four NES math tests cost $119.
- Eight states: As of October 2026, Pearson lists Alaska, Arizona, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin for at least one NES math test.
- Passing score: The national benchmark for all four math tests is 220, but your state sets the official score.
- Tennessee deal: Register for an adopted NES test by February 12, 2027, and your first attempt is free.
- Where to study: Pearson’s free preparation materials list every competency with a sample question.
The NES frameworks assume you’ve finished college-level algebra, geometry and, for 304, calculus. If you still need that coursework, the math education programs listed here show which grade band each one prepares you for and whether you can complete it online.