Content Test Resource Site
Washington State Content Tests: WEST-E, NES, ACTFL
Washington State requires teacher candidates and teachers adding endorsements to pass a content test(s)
for each endorsement to be earned. The content tests are:
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Washington Educator Skills Test (WEST-E)*
National Evaluation Series (NES) tests*
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) oral and written proficiency
tests for candidates seeking a foreign language or bilingual endorsement.
* Note: Some WEST-E tests were replaced by an NES test beginning September 2014. If you tested before
9/1/2014 your WEST-E passing test score will be valid for endorsement and certification. If you have passed
only one subtest of the Elementary Education WEST-E, and have questions regarding registration for the
corresponding NES test, contact the Certification Office for advising.
EWU Department of Education Testing Policy
Teacher candidates must pass the content test(s) for each endorsement to be earned (ALL endorsable
Majors and Minors) with a teacher certificate, prior to entering the student teaching internship. Candidates
will not receive a passing grade in EDUC 420, Professional Admissions, until all content tests have been
passed. Choose a test date(s) so that scores will be available before the completion of EDUC 420.
Content Knowledge Test Resources
When registering for a content knowledge test you must designate EWU as a score recipient. Visit the
Washington Educator Skills Tests (WEST) website for WEST-E and Washington State NES test
preparation materials and registration information:
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WEST website
Content Knowledge Test Listings
Test Name
Testing Time
(Minutes)
WEST-E: Biology (022)
150
WEST-E: Chemistry (023)
150
NES: Early Childhood Education (101)
180
WEST-E: Early Childhood Special Education (071)
135
WEST-E: Earth and Space Science (024)
150
NES: Elementary Education Subtest 1: Reading, English, Social Studies (102)
90
NES: Elementary Education Subtest 2: Math, Science, The Arts, Health, Fitness (103)
90
NES: English Language Arts (301)
180
WEST-E: English Language Learners (051)
135
WEST-E: Health/Fitness (029)
150
WEST-E: History (027) -
135
NES: Mathematics (304)
255
NES: Middle Grades Mathematics (203) -
255
WEST-E: Middle Level Science (013)
150
WEST-E: Music: Choral (035)
135
WEST-E: Music: General (034)
135
WEST-E: Music: Instrumental (036)
135
WEST-E: Physics (025)
225
NES: Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction (104) (For Literacy Majors)
180
WEST-E: Science (021)
150
WEST-E: Social Studies (028)
150
WEST-E: Special Education (070)
135
WEST-E: Theatre Arts (032)
135
WEST-E: Visual Arts (033)
135
WEST-E: World Languages (100) Must also take ACTFL tests, see below
75
American Council on The Teaching of Foreign Languages
(ACTFL) Proficiency Test Resources
French, German, or Spanish Endorsements: Candidates must take the World Languages WEST-E test and
pass the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview and ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test at the Advanced Lowlevel or higher.
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ACTFL Testing Flyer
ACTFL Test Preparation and Content Remediation: Access Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), Oral
Proficiency Interview by Computer (OPIc), and Writing Proficiency Interview (WPT) test preparation
materials through the Test Vendor's website.
Test Vouchers and Fee Waivers
You must be currently receiving financial aid and meet certain eligibility income guidelines to qualify for
a voucher or fee waiver.
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WEST Voucher applications can be picked up from the Certification Office.
Applications for a fee waiver for a NES test are available online
at:www.nestest.com/Content/Docs/NES_FeeWaiverRequestForm.pdf
No vouchers or waivers are offered for ACTFL tests.
WEST-E or NES tests may also be used to meet the Federal Highly Qualified Teacher definition.
Please seek advising from the Certification office as needed.