ORELA Chemistry (NT321)
ORELA Chemistry (NT321)
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreKey terms
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ExploreCommon mistakes
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ExploreAbout this exam
The ORELA Chemistry assessment (test code NT321) is a National Evaluation Series™ educator licensure test offered through the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments program. It is intended for prospective Oregon teachers who need to demonstrate chemistry content knowledge for licensure, and it is delivered as a computer-based test (CBT) at test centers in Oregon and nationwide, or as an online-proctored test taken remotely, including from home. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions organized into five subareas, and you have 2 hours and 30 minutes of testing time within a 2 hour and 45 minute total appointment that includes a 15-minute tutorial and nondisclosure agreement. The passing score is 220, the test fee is $119, and a scaled score is provided immediately after computer-based testing, with score reports released within two weeks. An on-screen scientific calculator, formulas and constants pages, and a periodic table are provided on-screen as part of the test. To prepare, review the tutorials and preparation materials on the program website, work through the provided reference materials so you are fluent with them, and take a full-length practice test to build pacing across all five subareas. Note that this exam was retired for ORELA candidates after August 31, 2025, and registration closed on or before August 28, 2025; candidates should look into the equivalent new exam described on the program website.
What you'll study
About ORELA Chemistry (NT321) preparation
What is the format of the ORELA Chemistry test?
It is a computer-based test (CBT) and an online-proctored test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. CBT appointments are available year round by appointment, first-come, first-served, at sites in Oregon and nationwide. Online proctoring lets you test remotely, including from home, during one-week testing windows each month.
How long is the test, and are there breaks?
Total appointment time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, including 15 minutes for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement and 2 hours and 30 minutes of testing time. In CBT you may take restroom breaks, but that time counts against your testing time. In online-proctored testing no breaks are allowed during the test itself.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing score is 220 on the scaled score scale. For computer-based testing, a scaled score is provided immediately after testing, and score reports are released within two weeks. Online-proctored candidates do not receive preliminary results when the test ends; their score reports are released within two weeks of testing.
How much does the test cost?
The test fee is $119. Review the payment information on the program website before registering, since payment must be completed as part of the registration process. Vouchers are sometimes available through state education agencies and educator preparation programs to provide full or partial credit toward registration fees.
What reference materials are provided during the test?
An on-screen scientific calculator, formulas and constants pages, and a periodic table are provided on-screen as part of your test. Because these are built into the testing interface, practice locating and using them before test day so you do not lose time during the appointment.
Can I retake the test if I do not pass?
The program website directs candidates to the ORELA testing, registration, and score reporting policies for rules governing retakes and registration changes. Review those policies before scheduling another attempt, and check whether any waiting period or registration restriction applies to your situation.
How should I organize my study time?
Start with the preparation materials and tutorials on the program website, then take a full-length practice test to identify weak areas. Study the formulas, constants, and periodic table so you can navigate them quickly, and practice pacing so you can move steadily through 100 questions in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
What are common mistakes candidates make?
Underestimating pacing is the biggest one: 100 questions in 2 hours and 30 minutes leaves little room for slow starts. Others include neglecting the provided reference materials, skipping the tutorial so the interface is unfamiliar, and failing to confirm whether their appointment is CBT or online-proctored, which have different break rules.
Is this test still available?
This exam was retired for ORELA candidates after August 31, 2025, and registration closed on or before August 28, 2025. If you are seeking Oregon chemistry licensure now, review the equivalent new exam information on the program website before you register or prepare.