Here's how to determine that:

* Electron Configuration: Nitrogen's electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p³.

* Valence Electrons: Valence electrons are those in the outermost shell (highest energy level). In nitrogen's case, the outermost shell is the 2nd shell, which contains 2s² and 2p³ electrons.

* Total Valence Electrons: 2 + 3 = 5 valence electrons.