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100+ Free NYSTCE Chemistry Practice Questions

Pass your NYSTCE Chemistry Content Specialty Test (161) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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In a Bronsted-Lowry acid-base reaction, an acid is defined as a:

A
B
C
D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NYSTCE Chemistry Exam

90 + 1

Selected-Response + Constructed Response

NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test page

3h 15m

Testing Time

NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test page

520

Scaled Passing Score

NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test page

$122

Current Exam Fee

NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test page

20% each

Weight of Each of Five Competencies

NYSTCE Field 161 framework

Aug 6, 2026

Last Day to Register Before NES 821 Replaces It

NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test page

The official NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test page lists 90 selected-response items and 1 constructed-response item, 3 hours 15 minutes of testing time within a 3 hour 30 minute appointment, a 520 scaled passing score, and a $122 fee. The framework divides the exam evenly into five competencies, each worth 20% of the score: Structure of Matter, Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Energy, and Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Important: the Chemistry (161) test is being retired and replaced by the National Evaluation Series Chemistry (821) test, with the last registration date of August 6, 2026.

Sample NYSTCE Chemistry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NYSTCE Chemistry exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which subatomic particle determines the identity of a chemical element?
A.The number of protons
B.The number of neutrons
C.The number of electrons
D.The number of valence shells
Explanation: An element's identity is defined by its atomic number, which equals the number of protons in the nucleus. Changing the proton count changes the element. Neutrons affect isotopes and electrons affect charge, but neither changes elemental identity.
2An atom has 17 protons, 18 neutrons, and 17 electrons. What is its mass number?
A.17
B.34
C.35
D.52
Explanation: Mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Here 17 protons + 18 neutrons = 35. Electrons have negligible mass and are not counted in the mass number.
3What is the correct ground-state electron configuration of a neutral oxygen atom (Z = 8)?
A.1s2 2s2 2p4
B.1s2 2s2 2p6
C.1s2 2s4 2p2
D.1s2 2s2 2p2 3s2
Explanation: Oxygen has 8 electrons, filling 1s2 (2), 2s2 (2), and 2p4 (4) for a total of 8. The 2p subshell holds up to 6 electrons but only receives 4 here.
4As you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table, atomic radius generally:
A.Increases
B.Decreases
C.Stays constant
D.Increases then sharply decreases
Explanation: Across a period, the nuclear charge increases while electrons are added to the same principal energy level. The stronger nuclear pull draws electrons closer, decreasing atomic radius from left to right.
5Which element has the highest first ionization energy?
A.Sodium
B.Cesium
C.Fluorine
D.Aluminum
Explanation: First ionization energy increases across a period and decreases down a group. Fluorine sits in the upper right area of the periodic table (excluding noble gases) and holds its electrons tightly, giving it the highest ionization energy among these choices.
6Two atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons are called:
A.Isotopes
B.Isomers
C.Ions
D.Allotropes
Explanation: Isotopes are atoms of the same element (same proton number) that differ in neutron number, and therefore in mass number. Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are common examples.
7Chlorine has two main isotopes: Cl-35 (75.8%) and Cl-37 (24.2%). Which value best represents its average atomic mass?
A.35.0 amu
B.35.5 amu
C.36.0 amu
D.37.0 amu
Explanation: Average atomic mass is a weighted average: (35)(0.758) + (37)(0.242) is approximately 35.5 amu. Because Cl-35 is far more abundant, the average lies closer to 35 than to 37.
8Which set of quantum numbers describes the principal energy level and overall size of an electron's orbital?
A.Principal quantum number (n)
B.Angular momentum quantum number (l)
C.Magnetic quantum number (ml)
D.Spin quantum number (ms)
Explanation: The principal quantum number (n) indicates the main energy level and is the primary factor determining an orbital's size and average distance from the nucleus. Higher n means a larger, higher-energy orbital.
9According to the Pauli exclusion principle, a single atomic orbital can hold a maximum of how many electrons?
A.1
B.2
C.6
D.8
Explanation: The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same four quantum numbers. Therefore a single orbital holds at most two electrons, and they must have opposite spins.
10Elements in the same group (vertical column) of the periodic table generally have the same number of:
A.Valence electrons
B.Total electrons
C.Neutrons
D.Energy levels
Explanation: Elements in the same group share the same number of valence electrons, which gives them similar chemical properties. For example, all Group 1 elements have one valence electron.

About the NYSTCE Chemistry Exam

The NYSTCE Chemistry Content Specialty Test (161) is the New York subject-area exam for candidates seeking chemistry teacher certification in grades 7-12. The exam measures chemistry content knowledge across structure of matter, properties of matter, chemical reactions, and energy, plus pedagogical content knowledge for teaching chemistry. It combines selected-response questions with one constructed-response item.

Questions

91 scored questions

Time Limit

3h 30m appointment (3h 15m testing)

Passing Score

520 (scaled)

Exam Fee

$122 (New York State Education Department / Pearson Evaluation Systems)

NYSTCE Chemistry Exam Content Outline

20% of total score

Structure of Matter

Atomic structure and subatomic particles, isotopes, electron configuration and quantum numbers, periodic table organization and trends, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, and inorganic and organic nomenclature.

20% of total score

Properties of Matter

Physical and chemical properties and changes, classification of matter and mixtures, states of matter and phase changes, gas laws, kinetic molecular theory, density, solutions, and colligative properties.

20% of total score

Chemical Reactions

Reaction types, balancing equations, the mole concept and stoichiometry, limiting reactants, equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, reaction rates, and safe reaction design.

20% of total score

Energy

Thermochemistry, enthalpy and specific heat, bond energy, entropy, Gibbs free energy and spontaneity, activation energy and catalysts, potential energy diagrams, Hess's law, and energy in phase changes.

20% of total score

Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Teaching chemistry through models and inquiry, identifying and correcting student misconceptions, differentiation for diverse learners and English language learners, formative and summative assessment, and laboratory safety practices.

How to Pass the NYSTCE Chemistry Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 520 (scaled)
  • Exam length: 91 questions
  • Time limit: 3h 30m appointment (3h 15m testing)
  • Exam fee: $122

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NYSTCE Chemistry Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practice stoichiometry, gas-law, and thermochemistry calculations repeatedly until the setup is automatic, since many selected-response items are quantitative
2Learn periodic trends (atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity) as patterns you can reason through rather than facts to memorize
3For energy questions, master the signs of delta H, delta S, and delta G and how they combine to predict spontaneity at different temperatures
4Review the pedagogy competency specifically: inquiry instruction, common chemistry misconceptions, differentiation for ELLs, and formative versus summative assessment
5Memorize core lab-safety rules, such as adding acid to water and using a fume hood, because safety appears in both content and pedagogy items
6Practice writing one clear, organized constructed response that explains chemistry content and connects it to sound instructional reasoning

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test?

The current NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test page lists 90 selected-response items and 1 constructed-response item. You have 3 hours 15 minutes of testing time within a 3 hour 30 minute appointment that includes tutorial and administrative steps.

What passing score do I need for the NYSTCE Chemistry CST?

You need a scaled score of 520 to pass the NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test. Focus on steady performance across all five competencies rather than estimating a raw-score cutoff, since the constructed response also contributes to your score.

How much does the NYSTCE Chemistry (161) exam cost?

The official fee for the NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test is $122. Always confirm the current fee in your NYSTCE account at registration in case the testing program updates pricing.

Is the NYSTCE Chemistry (161) test being retired?

Yes. The Chemistry (161) test is being replaced by the National Evaluation Series (NES) Chemistry (821) test. The last day to register for the Chemistry (161) test is August 6, 2026, so plan your testing timeline accordingly.

Which competencies are most important on the NYSTCE Chemistry exam?

All five competencies carry equal weight at 20% each: Structure of Matter, Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Energy, and Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Because the weighting is balanced, you should prepare across content and chemistry teaching strategies equally.

How should I study for the NYSTCE Chemistry CST effectively?

Mix conceptual review with frequent calculation practice in stoichiometry, gas laws, and thermochemistry. Also review chemistry pedagogy and lab safety, since one full competency covers teaching strategies, misconceptions, and assessment.