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Exam Review

Key Facts: NES Computer Science (315) Exam

315

Official NES Computer Science test code

WEST tests list and NES Computer Science test page

100

Official multiple-choice questions

Washington NES Computer Science (315) test page

2 hours

Testing time

Washington NES Computer Science (315) test page

220

Passing score

Washington NES Computer Science (315) test page

$119

Official test fee

Washington NES Computer Science (315) test page

28 / 36 / 18 / 18

Official domain percentage split

Washington NES Computer Science (315) profile

Use current official code 315 for Washington Computer Science. The official test has 100 multiple-choice questions, up to 2 hours of testing time within a 2 hour 15 minute appointment, a passing score of 220, no provided reference materials, and a $119 fee. The official profile weights are 28% Computational Thinking and Data Analysis, 36% Programming Concepts, 18% Computing Systems/Networks/Internet, and 18% Impacts of Computing and Learning Environments.

Sample NES Computer Science (315) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NES Computer Science (315) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A teacher asks students to design an app for tracking homework. Which step best demonstrates decomposition?
A.Breaking the app into features such as entering assignments, setting due dates, and marking work complete
B.Choosing a blue color scheme before any functionality is discussed
C.Publishing the finished app to a class website
D.Replacing all written requirements with a single screenshot
Explanation: Decomposition means breaking a larger problem into smaller, more manageable parts. Separating the homework app into features gives students pieces they can design, implement, test, and combine.
2Which pseudocode structure repeats a block of instructions until a condition is no longer true?
A.Selection
B.Iteration
C.Sequencing
D.Assignment
Explanation: Iteration is repetition. Loops such as for loops and while loops execute a block multiple times while a condition or count controls when the repetition stops.
3A map app shows roads and travel time but hides most details about individual pavement markings. This is an example of which computational thinking idea?
A.Encryption
B.Abstraction
C.Compilation
D.Recursion
Explanation: Abstraction emphasizes the important details for a purpose while hiding unnecessary complexity. A navigation app needs roads and travel time more than every physical marking on each road.
4Given the pseudocode x = 3; y = 2; x = x + y; print(x), what is printed?
A.2
B.3
C.5
D.32
Explanation: The variables start as x = 3 and y = 2. The assignment x = x + y replaces x with 3 + 2, so the printed value is 5.
5In a flowchart, which symbol is most commonly used to represent a yes/no decision?
A.A rectangle
B.A diamond
C.A circle used only as decoration
D.A straight line with no arrow
Explanation: A diamond is conventionally used for a decision or branch point in a flowchart. The outgoing paths are often labeled with conditions such as yes/no or true/false.
6Which search method requires the list being searched to already be sorted?
A.Linear search
B.Binary search
C.Random guessing
D.Sequential scan
Explanation: Binary search works by repeatedly eliminating half of the remaining search range. That logic only works when the data are sorted according to the search key.
7Bubble sort primarily works by repeatedly doing which action?
A.Splitting the list into equal halves
B.Swapping adjacent out-of-order items
C.Choosing a random item as the final answer
D.Converting numbers to binary
Explanation: Bubble sort compares adjacent items and swaps them when they are out of order. Repeated passes move larger or smaller values toward their final positions.
8A data set has blank entries where students skipped an optional survey question. What should students usually do before drawing conclusions from that field?
A.Ignore the blanks and pretend they are zeros
B.Delete the entire data set immediately
C.Identify how missing values were produced and choose a consistent handling method
D.Sort the data alphabetically and report the first row
Explanation: Missing data can affect analysis. Students should identify why values are missing and handle them consistently, such as excluding missing responses for that question or documenting an imputation method when appropriate.
9A spreadsheet filter is best used to do which task?
A.Display only rows that meet specified conditions
B.Physically repair a damaged hard drive
C.Encrypt every file on a network
D.Compile source code into machine instructions
Explanation: A filter limits the displayed records to those that satisfy criteria, such as showing only rows where the grade level is 8 or the score is above 80.
10Why might a simulation include random numbers?
A.To model uncertainty or variation in a real-world process
B.To guarantee the same result every time without controlling a seed
C.To eliminate the need to define assumptions
D.To convert every output into a text string
Explanation: Randomness can represent uncertainty, variation, or chance events, such as traffic arrival times or disease spread. The assumptions behind the randomness still need to be defined.

About the NES Computer Science (315) Exam

Washington NES Computer Science (315) is the official content knowledge assessment for candidates seeking the Computer Science endorsement on a Washington teaching certificate. The test is delivered as a computer-based or online-proctored multiple-choice exam and is listed by WEST under current NES code 315.

Exam sponsor: Pearson Evaluation Systems / National Evaluation Series (NES) for Washington WEST. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions; computer-based test and online-proctored test options

Time Limit

2 hours testing time; 2 hours 15 minutes total appointment time

Passing Score

220

Exam / Certification Fees

$119

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

28%

Computational Thinking and Data Analysis

Problem solving and algorithm development; algorithm characteristics, tracing, correctness, efficiency, searching, sorting, data analysis, modeling, and simulation.

36%

Programming Concepts

Programming language characteristics, software development, style, documentation, tools, debugging, data types, strings, arrays, operators, control structures, functions, parameters, classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, and object-oriented design.

18%

Computing Systems, Networks, and the Internet

Binary and hexadecimal representation, computer architecture, memory, storage, operating systems, troubleshooting, network concepts, Internet structure, routing, packet switching, HTTPS, mobile technologies, encryption, malware, and firewalls.

18%

Impacts of Computing and Learning Environments

History and impacts of computing, responsible technology use, privacy, intellectual property, access, accessibility, equity, online safety, digital citizenship, inquiry-based CS curriculum, inclusive instruction, collaboration, and communication.

Preparing for the NES Computer Science (315) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 220
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions; computer-based test and online-proctored test options
  • Time limit: 2 hours testing time; 2 hours 15 minutes total appointment time
  • Exam / certification fees: $119 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NES Computer Science (315): Suggested Study Strategy

1Treat programming concepts as the largest domain: practice tracing code, debugging loops, reasoning about data types, and explaining object-oriented design choices.
2Practice algorithm questions by writing a quick trace table before choosing an answer, especially for loops, recursion, searching, and sorting.
3For data questions, focus on the purpose of each analysis step: cleaning, filtering, transforming, visualizing, modeling, validating, and recognizing bias.
4Review systems and networking vocabulary side by side: RAM vs storage, IP vs MAC, bandwidth vs latency, HTTP vs HTTPS, firewall vs encryption, and virus vs phishing.
5Connect impacts and pedagogy questions to teacher judgment: privacy, accessibility, equity, student safety, inquiry-based learning, formative feedback, and collaboration.
6Use timed mixed practice so that easier terminology items do not consume time needed for tracing and scenario questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current official test code for Washington Computer Science?

The current WEST tests list places Computer Science under NES test code 315. This metadata intentionally uses code 315 rather than an older WEST-E-only code.

How many questions are on NES Computer Science (315)?

The official WEST/NES test page lists 100 multiple-choice questions. This practice bank also contains exactly 100 multiple-choice questions.

How much time do candidates have for the test?

The official test page lists 2 hours of testing time within a 2 hour 15 minute total appointment for both computer-based and online-proctored testing.

What score is needed to pass?

The official Washington NES Computer Science (315) test page lists a passing score of 220.

What content domains are tested?

The official profile lists four domains: Computational Thinking and Data Analysis at 28%, Programming Concepts at 36%, Computing Systems, Networks, and the Internet at 18%, and Impacts of Computing and Learning Environments at 18%.

Are reference materials provided?

The official test page lists no reference materials provided for this test. The profile links to NES Computer Science style conventions as preparation information.