100+ Free Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Practice Questions
Pass your Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Subtests: Reading (188), Writing (189), Mathematics (190) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Read the sentence: "The committee's recommendation was anything but unanimous; in fact, the vote split almost evenly." The phrase "anything but unanimous" most nearly means
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Key Facts: Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Exam
520
Passing Scaled Score (each subtest)
PELSB / MTLE passing standards effective Feb 5, 2024
$52.50
Fee Per Subtest (2026)
MTLE registration information
3 subtests
Reading 188, Writing 189, Math 190
MTLE NES EAS test page
~45 MC
Reading and Math Items Each
MTLE Reading (188) and Math (190) profiles
~36 MC + 1 essay
Writing Subtest Format
MTLE Writing (189) profile
75% / 25%
Writing MC vs. Written Assignment
MTLE Writing (189) profile
1 hr 15 min
Reading and Math Testing Time
MTLE Reading (188) and Math (190) profiles
The Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) test is the basic-skills requirement for Minnesota teacher licensure, administered by Pearson on behalf of PELSB as three subtests: Reading (188), Writing (189), and Mathematics (190). Reading and Mathematics each have about 45 multiple-choice items and 1 hour 15 minutes of testing time, while Writing has about 36 multiple-choice items plus one written assignment and 1 hour 30 minutes. Candidates must earn a scaled score of 520 on each subtest (the standard effective February 5, 2024), and the current fee is $52.50 per subtest. This free 100-question bank distributes items across all three subtests and their competencies so candidates can practice every skill area.
Sample Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Read the sentence: "The scientist's findings, though initially met with skepticism, eventually became the bedrock of modern climate research." As used in this sentence, the word "bedrock" most nearly means
2In a passage about urban planning, the author writes: "The proposal sailed through the council with hardly a ripple of dissent." The phrase "sailed through" is an example of which type of language?
3Read the sentence: "After the merger, the company underwent a radical transformation in its corporate culture." The word "radical" as used here most nearly means
4A passage states: "The diplomat was known for her tact, smoothing over conflicts that others only inflamed." Which word is the closest synonym for "tact" as used here?
5Read the sentence: "Unlike his gregarious sister, Marcus preferred quiet evenings alone with a book." Based on the contrast, the word "gregarious" most likely means
6A passage about coral reefs begins: "Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the sea, support roughly a quarter of all marine species despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor." What is the main idea of this sentence?
7Read the paragraph: "Many people assume that all bats are blind, but this is a myth. While some bats rely heavily on echolocation, most species can see quite well, and some fruit bats have vision sharper than humans." Which sentence best states the implied main idea?
8A passage argues that community gardens improve neighborhoods. Which of the following sentences would function as a supporting detail rather than the main idea?
9Read: "The new policy aims to reduce paper waste. Employees are encouraged to print double-sided, store documents digitally, and reuse scrap paper for notes." The second sentence primarily serves to
10A passage describes a city's recycling program in detail, listing tonnage diverted, cost savings, and resident participation rates. Which statement would best capture the main idea the details collectively support?
About the Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Exam
The Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) test demonstrates basic academic skills for Minnesota teacher licensure. It is delivered by Pearson as three separate computer-based subtests: Reading (Test 188, ~45 multiple-choice items), Writing (Test 189, ~36 multiple-choice items plus one written assignment), and Mathematics (Test 190, ~45 multiple-choice items). Each subtest is scored separately, and candidates must reach a scaled score of 520 on each.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
Reading 1 hr 15 min; Writing 1 hr 30 min; Mathematics 1 hr 15 min (taken as three separate subtests)
Passing Score
520 scaled score on each subtest
Exam Fee
$52.50 per subtest (Minnesota PELSB / Pearson (Evaluation Systems))
Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Exam Content Outline
Reading (Subtest 188)
About 45 multiple-choice items across five competencies: understanding the meaning of words and phrases (vocabulary in context, figurative language, synonyms), understanding main ideas and supporting details, understanding a writer's purpose, audience, and point of view, using critical reasoning to evaluate written material (cause and effect, conclusions, assumptions, fact versus opinion, bias), and understanding the organization of information including charts, diagrams, and graphs.
Writing (Subtest 189)
About 36 multiple-choice items (75 percent of the subtest) covering grammar and usage, sentence structure and construction, mechanics and punctuation, and revision and editing, plus one written assignment (25 percent) requiring a constructed response. This bank's selected-response items build the grammar, usage, and editing skills the writing task also rewards.
Mathematics (Subtest 190)
About 45 multiple-choice items across five competencies: number properties and operations (fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, order of operations), principles of algebra (equations, inequalities, expressions, linear functions), measurement and geometry (area, perimeter, volume, the Pythagorean theorem, angles, unit conversion), probability and statistics (mean, median, mode, simple probability, data interpretation), and problem solving, reasoning, and mathematical communication.
How to Pass the Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 520 scaled score on each subtest
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Reading 1 hr 15 min; Writing 1 hr 30 min; Mathematics 1 hr 15 min (taken as three separate subtests)
- Exam fee: $52.50 per subtest
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) test?
The EAS test demonstrates essential academic skills for Minnesota teacher licensure. It consists of three separately scored subtests delivered by Pearson: Reading (Test 188), Writing (Test 189), and Mathematics (Test 190). It replaced the MTLE Basic Skills Test on August 30, 2016.
How many questions are on each MTLE EAS subtest and what is the format?
The Reading subtest has approximately 45 multiple-choice questions, the Mathematics subtest has approximately 45 multiple-choice questions, and the Writing subtest has approximately 36 multiple-choice questions plus one written (constructed-response) assignment. On the Writing subtest, the multiple-choice items count for 75 percent and the written assignment for 25 percent of the score.
What is the passing score for the MTLE NES Essential Academic Skills subtests?
You must earn a scaled score of 520 on each of the three subtests (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) to pass. This passing standard applies to tests taken on or after February 5, 2024.
How much does the MTLE EAS cost in 2026?
The current registration fee is $52.50 per subtest, so taking all three subtests once costs about $157.50. Always confirm the exact amount in your Pearson registration portal, since fees and any service charges can change.
How long is each MTLE EAS subtest?
The Reading (188) and Mathematics (190) subtests each allow up to 1 hour and 15 minutes of testing time, and the Writing (189) subtest allows up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The three subtests are taken as separate appointments.
Can I use something other than the EAS to meet Minnesota's basic skills requirement?
Yes. Minnesota allows approved alternatives to the EAS, such as qualifying ACT or SAT scores, to satisfy the basic skills requirement for licensure. Check the current PELSB rules to confirm which scores and dates are accepted before relying on an alternative.