A high school opens its advanced robotics elective to boys only. Which federal law does this violate?20 U.S.C. 1681, Sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), Legal Information Institute. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0003 (student diversity).
A junior has a disability but does not need special education. Under the Section 504 regulation, what may an appropriate education for her consist of?34 CFR 104.33, Free appropriate public education (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0003 (student diversity).
A newcomer chats easily in English at lunch but struggles with the history textbook. What does this most likely show?Myths and Misconceptions about Second Language Learning, ERIC Digest ED350885 (1992), Myth 4. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0003 (student diversity).
A ninth grader plans poorly and has trouble putting tasks in order. Which part of the brain, responsible for those skills, is one of the last to mature?The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know (National Institute of Mental Health), point 1. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0001 (human development).
Show all 70 questions (66 more)
Student development and learning, continued
A ninth grader says, "I failed because I am just bad at math." Under attribution theory, which belief would make her more likely to keep trying?Motivation and Middle School Students, ERIC Digest ED421281 (1998), Attribution Theory. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0002 (learning processes).
A sophomore's family lost its home and now shares a relative's apartment. Under the McKinney-Vento Act's definition, what is the student?42 U.S.C. 11434a, Definitions (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act), Legal Information Institute. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0003 (student diversity).
A teacher calls less often on students in a lower-level class and asks them easier questions. What does research say about teacher expectations of this kind?Expectations for Students, ERIC Digest ED409609 (1997), What can teachers do to maintain high expectations for all students? Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0002 (learning processes).
A teacher introduces a note-taking strategy to struggling tenth graders. In the usual order of teaching a strategy, what comes first?Strategy Instruction, ERIC Digest ED474302 (2002), What are the basic steps in teaching strategy use? Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0002 (learning processes).
A tenth grader explains how she reached an answer and which way of studying works best for her. What is this skill called?Adolescent Development Explained: Cognitive Development (HHS Office of Population Affairs), General Cognitive Changes. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0001 (human development).
As students move from middle school into high school, what do many of them experience?Helping Middle School Students Make the Transition into High School, ERIC Digest ED432411 (1999). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0002 (learning processes).
By which point must a student's IEP include postsecondary goals and transition services, unless the IEP team decides to begin earlier?34 CFR 300.320(b), Definition of individualized education program: transition services (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0003 (student diversity).
IDEA rules allow a student to be removed from regular classes only if education there cannot be achieved satisfactorily even with what?34 CFR 300.114, LRE requirements (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0003 (student diversity).
In a mixed-ability eighth grade class, which description fits a differentiated classroom?Differentiating Instruction for Advanced Learners in the Mixed-Ability Middle School Classroom, ERIC Digest ED389141 (1995), What differentiation is and is not. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0003 (student diversity).
In early adolescence, why does the peer group gain so much importance?Bullying in Early Adolescence: The Role of the Peer Group, ERIC Digest ED471912 (2002), Peer Acceptance and Status. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0001 (human development).
Ninth graders cannot make sense of their biology textbook. Which kind of teaching does the IES adolescent literacy guide recommend?Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2008-4027), Recommendation 2. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0002 (learning processes).
Over one year an eighth grader tries out new friends, clubs and opinions. How should a teacher read this?Adolescent Development Explained: Emotional Development (HHS Office of Population Affairs), Unique Issues in Emotional Development. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0001 (human development).
Seventh graders begin to argue about whether a rule in an imaginary society is "just." Which change in adolescent thinking does this show?Adolescent Development Explained: Cognitive Development (HHS Office of Population Affairs), General Cognitive Changes. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0001 (human development).
Two eighth graders of the same age differ greatly in height and physical maturity. What should their teacher conclude?Adolescent Development Explained: Physical Development (HHS Office of Population Affairs). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0001 (human development).
What did the Carnegie Council's Turning Points report (1989) recommend about tracking young adolescents into classes by ability?Grouping Students for Instruction in Middle Schools, ERIC Digest ED419631 (1998). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0002 (learning processes).
What is a learning strategy?Learning Strategies, ERIC/OSEP Digest E577, ED433669 (1999). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0002 (learning processes).
Why might a high school student ask for the reason behind a class rule that a younger child would simply accept?Adolescent Development Explained: Moral Development (HHS Office of Population Affairs), Understanding the reasons behind rules. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0001 (human development).
Assessment, instruction and the learning environment 35
A chemistry test is made of long word problems and ends up measuring reading speed more than chemistry. Which quality does the test lack?A Glossary of Measurement Terms, ERIC Digest ED315430 (1989), Validity. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0004 (assessment).
A civics teacher has students argue a mock court case instead of taking a multiple-choice test. Why is this called authentic assessment?The Case for Authentic Assessment, ERIC Digest ED328611 (1990), What is authentic assessment? Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0004 (assessment).
A high school moves to block scheduling, with class periods longer than an hour. What do the larger blocks of time allow?Block Scheduling, ERIC Digest Number 104, ED393156 (1996), What are the advantages of block scheduling? Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0005 (instructional planning).
A score report gives a stanine of 8. How should a teacher explain it to a parent?Explaining Test Results to Parents, ERIC Digest Number 102, ED302559 (1988), What are stanine scores? Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0004 (assessment).
A social studies teacher plans a unit on persuasive writing. Which plan follows the secondary writing guide's advice to integrate writing and reading?Teaching Secondary Students to Write Effectively (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2017-4002), Recommendation 2, Example 2.6. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0005 (instructional planning).
A student with an IEP faces a disciplinary change of placement. What must the school, the parent and relevant IEP team members determine?34 CFR 300.530(e), Authority of school personnel: manifestation determination (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0008 (classroom management).
A teacher asks, "What might have happened if the treaty had failed?" and accepts many different answers. Which questioning goal named in the framework does this serve?Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary, Test Framework (Evaluation Systems, Pearson), competency 0007. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0007 (motivation and communication).
A teacher gives a short pretest before a unit on linear equations and finds that many students cannot plot points. Which planning factor named in the framework has she checked?Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary, Test Framework (Evaluation Systems, Pearson), competency 0005. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0005 (instructional planning).
A teacher models a revision strategy for the class. In the secondary writing guide's instructional cycle, what comes next?Teaching Secondary Students to Write Effectively (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2017-4002), Recommendation 1b. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0006 (instructional approaches).
A teacher posts a routine for handing in lab reports so class time is not lost. Which management aim in the framework does this serve?Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary, Test Framework (Evaluation Systems, Pearson), competency 0008. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0008 (classroom management).
A teacher praises students for improving on their own earlier drafts, not for outscoring classmates. Which goal orientation does this foster?Motivation and Middle School Students, ERIC Digest ED421281 (1998), Goal Theory. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0007 (motivation and communication).
According to the IES adolescent literacy guide, what effect does allowing students some choice of books and activities have?Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2008-4027), Recommendation 4. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0007 (motivation and communication).
According to the test framework, which of these is a procedure of curricular planning?Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary, Test Framework (Evaluation Systems, Pearson), competency 0005. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0005 (instructional planning).
After a class reads a primary source, which activity fits the third recommendation of the IES adolescent literacy guide?Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2008-4027), Recommendation 3. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0006 (instructional approaches).
After reading a first set of lab reports, a science teacher groups the common weaknesses and plans short lessons on them. Which use of assessment is this?Teaching Secondary Students to Write Effectively (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2017-4002), Recommendation 3. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0004 (assessment).
Before a unit begins, what must a regular education teacher of a student with an IEP be told?34 CFR 300.323(d), Accessibility of child's IEP to teachers and others (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0005 (instructional planning).
Besides rules and consequences, what do school-wide behavior management systems commonly include for students?School-Wide Behavioral Management Systems, ERIC/OSEP Digest E563, ED417515 (1998), Common features. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0008 (classroom management).
By which grade should students understand what makes up a college-ready curriculum, according to the IES guide on the path to college?Helping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can Do (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2009-4066), Recommendation 1. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0005 (instructional planning).
Coaching students only until they can perform an intellectual task on their own is known as what?Learning To Learn: Preparing Teachers and Students for Problem-Based Learning, ERIC Digest ED457524 (2001), Scaffolding for PBL success. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0006 (instructional approaches).
Compared with ability goals, task goals are associated with which pattern of learning?Motivation and Middle School Students, ERIC Digest ED421281 (1998), Goal Theory. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0007 (motivation and communication).
For schools with many at-risk students, what does the IES dropout prevention guide recommend creating?Preventing Dropout in Secondary Schools (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2017-4028), Recommendation 4. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0008 (classroom management).
How does an inquiry-based discussion task differ from a guided discussion task?Learning through Discussion: Designing Tasks for Critical Inquiry and Reflective Learning, ERIC Digest ED477611 (2003), Inquiry-based discussion task. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0006 (instructional approaches).
In a guided discussion task, what does the teacher provide along with the opening question?Learning through Discussion: Designing Tasks for Critical Inquiry and Reflective Learning, ERIC Digest ED477611 (2003), Guided discussion task. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0006 (instructional approaches).
In classroom assessment, what is a portfolio?Portfolios for Assessment and Instruction, ERIC Digest ED388890 (1995). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0004 (assessment).
In early adolescence, how can the peer group help bullying continue?Bullying in Early Adolescence: The Role of the Peer Group, ERIC Digest ED471912 (2002). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0008 (classroom management).
In planning a physics unit, how should new terms such as "momentum" be handled, according to the IES adolescent literacy guide?Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2008-4027), Recommendation 1. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0005 (instructional planning).
In problem-based learning, what is the teacher's main work during a unit?Learning To Learn: Preparing Teachers and Students for Problem-Based Learning, ERIC Digest ED457524 (2001), Challenges in PBL implementation. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0006 (instructional approaches).
In the middle of a unit, a teacher reads exit tickets and changes the next lesson. What is this use of assessment called?The Concept of Formative Assessment, ERIC Digest ED470206 (2002). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0004 (assessment).
Motivation often drops when students enter middle school. Research finds that the change depends on what?Motivation and Middle School Students, ERIC Digest ED421281 (1998). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0007 (motivation and communication).
Two juniors agree to settle a dispute with the help of a trained, neutral classmate. What is this process called?Mediation in the Schools, ERIC Digest ED378108 (1994). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0008 (classroom management).
Whatever method a science teacher uses, what does a focus on inquiry always involve?Teaching Science through Inquiry, ERIC/CSMEE Digest ED359048 (1993). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0006 (instructional approaches).
Which approach to engaging students does the IES dropout prevention guide recommend?Preventing Dropout in Secondary Schools (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2017-4028), Recommendation 3. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0007 (motivation and communication).
Which is a common feature of school-wide behavior management systems?School-Wide Behavioral Management Systems, ERIC/OSEP Digest E563, ED417515 (1998), Common features. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0008 (classroom management).
Which step does the IES adolescent literacy guide suggest to raise engagement in a content class?Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2008-4027), Recommendation 4. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0007 (motivation and communication).
Why does the IES guide on the path to college recommend using assessment measures throughout high school?Helping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can Do (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2009-4066), Recommendation 2. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0004 (assessment).
The professional environment 14
A principal removes two pages from a school-sponsored newspaper produced in a journalism class. Which Supreme Court ruling supports the school's authority?Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Podcast (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts), Decision. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0010 (professional roles, law and ethics).
A public high school lets student clubs unrelated to the curriculum meet after class. A student religious group asks for the same access. Which federal law applies?20 U.S.C. 4071, Denial of equal access prohibited (Equal Access Act), Legal Information Institute. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0010 (professional roles, law and ethics).
A teacher notices a sophomore's absences rising and tells the counselor and the grade-level team. Which IES dropout prevention recommendation does this follow?Preventing Dropout in Secondary Schools (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2017-4028), Recommendation 1. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0009 (family and community partnerships).
At its next meeting a junior's IEP team will discuss her goals for life after high school. Under IDEA rules, who has to be invited?34 CFR 300.321(b), IEP Team: transition services participants (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0010 (professional roles, law and ethics).
How should eighth graders be prepared to lead their own conferences with their parents?Student-Led Conferences at the Middle Level, ERIC Digest ED407171 (1997), Preparation. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0009 (family and community partnerships).
In a student-led conference, what is the teacher's role?Student-Led Conferences at the Middle Level, ERIC Digest ED407171 (1997), Student-led conference model. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0009 (family and community partnerships).
In writing on ethics in teacher education, what is named as a teacher's first moral obligation?Moral and Ethical Issues in Teacher Education, ERIC Digest ED482699 (2003). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0010 (professional roles, law and ethics).
Under IDEA rules, what may a state provide when a student with a disability reaches the age of majority?34 CFR 300.520, Transfer of parental rights at age of majority (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations). Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0010 (professional roles, law and ethics).
Under Title I, what does a school-parent compact outline?20 U.S.C. 6318(d), Parent and family engagement: shared responsibilities for high student academic achievement, Legal Information Institute. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0009 (family and community partnerships).
What did New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985) decide about a school administrator's search of a student's purse?New Jersey v. T.L.O. Podcast (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts), Decision. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0010 (professional roles, law and ethics).
Which benefits are reported for induction programs for beginning teachers?Beginning Teacher Induction, ERIC Digest ED436487 (1999), Teacher induction programs: current design. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0010 (professional roles, law and ethics).
Which is an example of a partnership between a middle school and its community?Parent, Family, and Community Involvement in the Middle Grades, ERIC Digest ED387273 (1995), Lesson 1. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0009 (family and community partnerships).
Which practice does the IES guide on the path to college recommend for building students' college-going aspirations?Helping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can Do (Institute of Education Sciences, NCEE 2009-4066), Recommendation 3. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0009 (family and community partnerships).
Why should a school involve parents when students move up to high school?Helping Middle School Students Make the Transition into High School, ERIC Digest ED432411 (1999), Parent involvement. Outline: NES 052 framework, competency 0009 (family and community partnerships).
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the test framework for NES test 052, Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary, read 2026-10-08 on the National Evaluation Series site (https://www.nestest.com/static/docs/NES_Framework_052.pdf; test page https://www.nestest.com/test/052): Student Development and Learning (competencies 0001 to 0003), Assessment, Instruction, and the Learning Environment (0004 to 0008) and The Professional Environment (0009 to 0010). The bank holds 7 questions for each of the ten competencies. Every fact was read on 2026-10-08 in the public document the question names: practice guides of the Institute of Education Sciences (ies.ed.gov), ERIC digests (files.eric.ed.gov), the federal regulations for IDEA and Section 504 (ecfr.gov, 34 CFR parts 300 and 104), the U.S. Code (law.cornell.edu), case summaries of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (uscourts.gov), and pages on adolescent development of the HHS Office of Population Affairs and the National Institute of Mental Health. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
This free practice test for the Assessment of Professional Knowledge Secondary has 70 questions of our own. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Pearson, which owns the National Evaluation Series.
Read the full guide
What test 052 asks
By the framework read October 8, 2026, the multiple-choice questions of NES test 052 carry 80% of the score: development and learning 24%, assessment and instruction 40%, the professional environment 16%. Two written assignments carry the other 20%.
What this page practices
Seven questions for each of the framework's ten competencies, so the three domains keep those proportions. Exam mode asks all 70 with no clock. The case study and the work product are not imitated.
Where the answers come from
Adolescent development questions cite federal health agencies. Teaching questions cite federal practice guides and ERIC digests. Law questions cite the IDEA and Section 504 rules, Title IX, the Equal Access Act and court summaries by section.
The test page lists no reference materials, so learn the numbers the rules name, such as transition services in the IEP by age 16.
Score reports come within four weeks of testing, so count back from your certification deadline.
Questions and answers
Is this Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary practice test the real exam?
No. Every one of the 70 questions is our own, written from the published framework and the public document its explanation names. Nothing is taken or reworded from the real test, its sample questions or the paid practice test.
How many questions are on the Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary?
100 multiple-choice questions, one case study written assignment and one work product written assignment. The appointment lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes, of which 15 minutes are a tutorial and nondisclosure agreement.
What is the passing score for NES 052?
The test page gives a national benchmark of 220 on a scaled score and links to the passing scores of Arizona and California. A count of right answers here cannot stand in for a scaled score.
Is NES test 054 the same as test 052?
No. Test 054 is the redeveloped version, first given October 28, 2024, on a May 2023 framework with nine competencies where 052 has ten; the domain weights match. The older 052 remains available. This page follows 052, so check which code your state requires.