A New York State Education Department (NYSED) Regents examination assessing high school students' understanding of earth and space science, typically taken after completing an Earth Science course. Passing a Regents exam is generally required as part of New York State's high school graduation requirements.
Who it's for
New York State high school students enrolled in an Earth Science course, typically taken in ninth or tenth grade, who need to pass the Regents exam to help satisfy their science graduation requirement.
What's covered
- Earth's Structure & Geologic Processes — rock types and the rock cycle, plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, and relative dating of rock layers
- Weather, Climate & Atmosphere — atmospheric layers, air pressure, fronts, the water cycle, and factors driving wind and weather patterns
- Astronomy & Space Science — Earth's rotation and revolution, the causes of seasons and moon phases, eclipses, and the broader solar system
What to expect
The exam includes multiple-choice and constructed-response questions covering the full scope of a typical high school Earth Science curriculum. Many versions of the exam also include a lab-based practical component and reference materials (such as an Earth Science reference table) that students are expected to know how to use during the test.
How to prepare
Because Earth Science spans several distinct subfields — geology, meteorology, and astronomy — building comfort across all three areas matters more than specializing in one. Since many questions test the ability to apply a concept (like the principle of superposition or the causes of seasonal change) to a specific scenario or diagram, practicing with applied questions rather than just memorizing definitions tends to be the most effective preparation strategy.
Certification details
- Administering body: New York State Education Department (NYSED).
- Who takes it: New York State high school students who have completed an Earth Science course, most commonly in ninth or tenth grade.
- Exam format: Multiple-choice and constructed-response questions, often accompanied by a lab practical component and standard reference materials.
- Purpose: Passing a Regents Science exam (such as Earth Science) is generally one of the science credit options that can satisfy New York State's high school graduation requirements.