One three-hour test of 45 to 55 one-credit questions, grouped into 9 to 11 clusters that each follow a phenomenon. Six topics, each with a set share of the test.
26 weeks, 104 hours in all
Start with Topic 3
Energy: 28 of your hours. It is 7 of the 24 questions on our timed checks, 29%.
| Topic | Your hours | Share of the checks |
|---|---|---|
| Topic 3: Energy | 28 | 29% |
| Topic 4: Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation | 28 | 29% |
| Topic 2: Forces and Interactions | 24 | 25% |
| Topic 6: Engineering, Technology, and the Applications of Science | 8 | 8% |
| Topic 1: Structure and Properties of Matter | 4 | 4% |
| Topic 5: Earth and Space Systems | 4 | 4% |
| The test | One written test, three hours |
|---|---|
| Questions | 45 to 55, in 9 to 11 clusters |
| Question types | About 60% multiple choice, 40% constructed response, 1 credit each |
| Tools | A scientific calculator, a centimeter ruler, a protractor and the 2025 Reference Tables |
Every question sits in a cluster built around one phenomenon. A cluster opens with an introduction that says how many questions it has, then gives several stimuli: reading passages, data tables, graphs, diagrams or photos, often from real data. Its questions mix multiple choice and constructed response, and each answer adds to an explanation, a model or a design.
Every student has a scientific calculator, a centimeter ruler and a protractor for the whole exam. Graphing calculators are allowed, with their memory cleared. Each student also gets a clean copy of the Reference Tables for Physical Science: Physics (2025 Edition): constants, equations, the electromagnetic spectrum and circuit rules you are expected to find and use rather than memorize.
| Time (s) | Velocity (m/s) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0.5 |
| 1 | 2.1 |
| 2 | 3.7 |
| 3 | 5.3 |
One. Multiple-choice and constructed-response questions are each worth 1 credit.
Yes. Every student must have a scientific calculator, and graphing calculators are allowed if their memory is cleared. Calculators that manipulate symbols are not allowed.
The New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards. Every question draws on science and engineering practices, core ideas and crosscutting concepts together.