Basic Skills & Content Area Testing
Candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree are required to submit scores from an approved a basic skills exam and demonstrate proficiency in at least one content area by passing a corresponding WEST or NES subject exam.
While no state-mandated passing score is set for basic skills, applicants must submit individual scores in reading, writing, and mathematics for admission to a teacher preparation program. All applicants may use scores from SAT, ACT, and WEST-B. Out-of-state applicants may also use scores from an approved alternative exam.
Content area exams set varying pass scores depending on subject and test format. Please refer to score requirements provided when registering for exams. Candidates may apply for admission prior to testing but will be required to submit basic skill's scores and passing content area scores prior to fall enrollment.
| Basic Skills Testing | Content Area Testing | |
|---|---|---|
| ELEMENTARY | TEST: WEST–B* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: NES 102 & 103 Passing Scores: |
| BIOLOGY | TEST: WEST–B* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: NES 305 Biology Passing Score – 220 |
| CHEMISTRY | TEST: WEST–B* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: NES 306 Chemistry Passing Score – 220 |
| ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS | TEST: WEST–B* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: NES 301 English Language Arts Passing Score – 220 |
| HISTORY | TEST: WEST–B* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: WEST–E 027 History Passing Score – 240 |
| SOCIAL STUDIES | TEST: WEST–B* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: WEST–E 028 Social Studies Passing Score – 240 |
| MATH | TEST: WEST–B* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: NES 304 Mathematics Passing Score – 220 |
| MUSIC | TEST: WEST–B* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: NES 504 Music candidates must also take at least one (1) of the following tests. TEST: WEST–E 056 TEST: WEST–E 057 |
*Alternatives to the WEST–B Test
Scores from the SAT or ACT taken after 2005 may be used to meet the basic skills requirement. Official scores should be sent directly from College Board to the University. Out-of-state applicants may also substitute either the PRAXIS I or CBEST for the WEST–B. Additionally, results from a combination of tests may be used to meet the requirement (e.g. ACT math + WEST-B reading + SAT reading). There is no minimum score required.