When researching about the
differences and advantages of taking the NES as opposed to the WEST-E, I found
a lot of information that makes the NES look like the easier and better option
to take for teacher certification. All
of the research listed below shows the advantages to taking the NES, which are:
(1) it is 100% computer based testing, (2) Portable results that can compare
students’ scores to those of other stats and provide national customer support,
(3) immediate test score results for multiple choice, (4) two Spokane Valley
locations and greater testing time availability offered year round, (5) and
unlike the WEST-E, the NES is applicable in all states. The information below is an expansion of the
five advantages of taking the NES.
Before
reading about the NES, I didn’t have an opinion about taking either. Since I have taken the WEST-B and know how
the WEST-E will be done, I cringe having to do that again. As others in this class know, the test took
up almost all five hours that were allotted and it was a lot of writing. It was not a fun experience, and having to
sign up months in advance and then drive to Mead High only to wait months for
your test results were not fun. What is
worse is that this test only certifies the taker in the state of Washington. Being so close to Idaho makes it a less desirable
option since the test is not accepted there for teacher certification. The NES fixes all of those problems, bringing
all aspects of the test into the present with technology and national usability. Mass paper testing is outmoded and a waste of
money for something that can be done on a computer. While I have not taken either the WEST or the
NES exit tests, I find that the NES just sounds like the better option because
of the testing methods and the usability nationwide.
This is
important information because it not only makes testing easier, it makes the
test so that we as students can take it whenever we need and can pick our own
test date rather than schedule one months in advance. The NES will allow teachers who take it to be
certified in multiple states rather than just in Washington. With teaching jobs being scarce in Spokane,
it makes sense for the students who will be moving away to other places to find
jobs. Lastly, the NES and the WEST-E do
have much to do with prospective teachers, but it means nothing for future
students and will not affect instruction.
Here is some of the important information that I pulled from
the NES and WEST websites that I thought would be pertinent for those who will
have to decide on which test to take.
NES Testing Information
100% Computer-Based Testing
A computer-based test design means access to tests in all
fields by appointment, year round—no waiting for an assigned date before
registering to test in a specific field—and immediate score reporting for most
results. A nationwide network of
conveniently located secure, professional testing centers allows both in-state
and out-of-state applicants to complete the testing required for certification.
**Can I take the test on computer? WEST-E tests are
available only in paper-pencil format.
Portable Results
The NES is optimized for a mobile educator workforce. This
gives both states and candidates a national reach through computer-based
testing at test centers throughout the United States, easy access to
registration and comprehensive preparation materials on the Internet, and
national customer support. Detailed
feedback on candidate performance—and data reports that include national and
state benchmark information—aid in simplifying comparability of candidates from
state to state and portability in test scores.
When do candidates receive their scores?
The NES offers immediate scores for most tests as a result
of the 100% computer-based testing program design. Certification candidates
receive more detailed results reports shortly after the test date.
2. Select up to four (4)
test centers to search for appointment dates and times. Once you choose a test
center, its name will be displayed in the Selected Test Center list below. When
you have completed your selection(s), click Next.
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Information
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Map
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6.7
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Spokane
Valley
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Washington
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United
States
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9.3
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Spokane
Valley
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Washington
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United
States
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19.3
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Post
Falls
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Idaho
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United
States
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85.7
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Lewiston
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Idaho
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United
States
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114.5
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Walla
Walla
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Washington
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United
States
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NES Test Information
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Format
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Computer-based test (CBT); 150
multiple-choice questions
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Time
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Three hours
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Test Dates
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By appointment, year round. Test
appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check seat availability.
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Test Sites
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CBT sites are located
nationwide. Locate a test center
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Passing Score
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Reference Materials Provided for
this Test
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None.
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Test Fee
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Score Reporting
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A scaled score is provided
immediately after testing; score reports are released within two weeks of
testing.
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Testing Policies
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When you register, you must agree
to abide by all testing rules and policies. Read them now.
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Prepare
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Tests may include test questions that are being evaluated
for future administrations and that do not affect a candidate's score.
Test Results
Test Results. In this section, you will find your total test
score for the test and date listed. This score is based on the number of items
you answered correctly and is converted to a scale that ranges from 100 to 300.
For those tests that include both multiple-choice and constructed-response
sections, you can find each section’s contribution to your total test score in
the “Diagnostic Information” section of your score report.
National Benchmark. A score of 220 represents the National
Benchmark for all NES tests. This score does not determine your passing status.
Passing status is determined by the teacher certification agency in the state
in which you are seeking certification. State-specific passing standards are
available at www.nestest.com.
Score Reporting. In this section of your score
report, you will find information about where your scores have been sent. The
states and institutions listed on your score report are the selections you made
during test registration.
NES--http://www.nestest.com/Home.aspx
West--http://www.west.nesinc.com/
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