ORELA Biology (NT316)

It is a computer-based test of 100 multiple-choice questions, and it is also offered through online proctoring so you can test remotely, including from home. The total appointment time is 2 hours and 15 minutes, which includes 15 minutes for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement and 2 hours of actual testing time.

You have 2 hours of testing time. The remaining 15 minutes of the 2-hour-15-minute appointment are used for the CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement. During computer-based testing you may take restroom breaks, but the time is counted against your available testing time, so plan accordingly.

The passing score is 220. For computer-based testing, a scaled score is provided immediately after testing and score reports are released within two weeks. Candidates who take the online-proctored version do not receive preliminary results at the end of the test; their score reports are released within two weeks.

The test fee is $119. Payment information is available through the ORELA program website. Vouchers purchased by state education agencies and educator preparation programs may provide full or partial credit toward registration fees, so check with your preparation program before paying.

Yes. Online proctoring is available for this assessment, and you may test remotely, including from home. Online-proctored appointments are scheduled by appointment with an online proctor during one-week testing windows each month. Review the system and testing environment requirements before you register, and note that no breaks are allowed during online-proctored testing.

Tests may include questions that are being evaluated for future administrations, and those questions do not affect your score. Answer every question as if it counts, since you cannot identify which items are unscored. Your reported result is a scaled score, not a raw percentage of correct answers.

Begin with the preparation materials and tutorials listed on the ORELA Biology page, then take a full-length practice test to find your weakest areas. Because the test covers the whole breadth of biology, use your practice results to decide how to divide review time among cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology rather than rereading everything equally.

Two common problems are uneven content coverage and poor pacing. Candidates often over-study one favorite area, such as genetics, and neglect ecology or physiology, then lose time on lengthy items and rush the end. Practicing under the 2-hour limit and reviewing every practice-test explanation helps address both issues.

Yes. This exam will be retired for ORELA candidates after August 31, 2025, and registration must be completed on or before August 28, 2025. If you plan to test after those dates, check the ORELA website for the equivalent new exam before registering, so you do not prepare for a test you cannot take.

Computer-based testing is available by appointment year round, with seats offered on a first-come, first-served basis, at test centers in Oregon and nationwide. Online-proctored appointments follow monthly one-week testing windows. Check seat availability early, especially if you have a licensure deadline.