ERB CTP Test
What is the ERB CTP Test?
The ERB CTP (Comprehensive Testing Program) is a yearly assessment that measures student achievement and growth across core academic subjects. Taken by students in grades 1-11, this test helps schools evaluate how well students are mastering grade-level skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and reasoning.
What's on this page:
- 7 detailed sample questions with step-by-step explanations
- Expert tips for each question type
- Key test information and scoring details
- Frequently Asked Questions about the ERB-CTP Test
The CTP 5 (5th edition) is the current version, emphasizing critical thinking and reasoning skills alongside academic knowledge.
Sample Questions with Step-by-Step Explanations
Familiarize yourself with the test's format and question types by reviewing sample questions from key subjects. The reading comprehension questions, aligned with Common Core Standards, evaluate your skills in text analysis, identifying main ideas, making inferences, and determining the author's purpose.
Question 1: Reading Comprehension
Read the passage.
Antarctica is the earth's southernmost continent. On average, it is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on earth. The average temperature during the coldest part of the year there is −81 °F.
Antarctica was first sighted only in 1820 by a Russian expedition, and there is no evidence that it was seen by humans until then. In 1895, the first confirmed landing was conducted by a team of Norwegians. Nowadays, there are only 1000 to 5000 temporary residents in Antarctica throughout the year. These are mainly scientists and tourists.
What is most likely the reason there are only temporary residents in Antarctica throughout the year?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I always tell my students to be "evidence detectives." In my years of teaching, I've noticed students get tricked by extreme answers like "not at all" or weak answers that state facts but don't actually answer the question. I teach them to ask: "What proof from the passage directly supports this answer?" The right answer should feel like it jumps out from the text.!"
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Now that you've tackled reading comprehension, let's move on to another key skill: writing mechanics. This question will check your understanding of proper pronoun usage within a sentence.
Question 2: Writing Mechanics
Read the following sentence on the left and answer the corresponding question on the right:
Some members of my extended family were selected to speak at the party, including _____________.
Which of the following options completes the sentence on the left properly?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Here's my favorite trick that I teach all my students: Remove the other person from the sentence and see if it sounds right. I've watched hundreds of kids get this right once they learn this simple test. "Were selected to speak... including me" sounds natural, but "including I" makes you wince. Trust your ear—it knows more than you think!"
Perfect! Moving on, let's test your skills in mathematics. This next question is aligned with Common Core Mathematics Standards and requires you to analyze a graph to find the solution.
Question 3: Mathematics
Use the graph to answer the question.
A parallelogram is formed by connecting the three points drawn to a missing fourth point.
What are the coordinates of the missing point?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I've taught this concept for years, and here's what works: I tell my students to think of it like a dance move. If you move 4 steps right and 2 steps down from one corner, you need to do the exact same dance move from the opposite corner. I actually have students trace it with their finger—it makes the pattern click instantly. Once they see the "dance," parallelograms become easy!"
If your child is in 3rd grade try these free math resources.
Alright, let's switch gears again. The final question in this section will challenge your verbal reasoning skills. This is a chance to demonstrate your ability to think critically and logically with language—it's all about finding patterns, drawing conclusions, and solving problems using words.
Question 4: Verbal Reasoning
Julietta is told that due to a mild deficiency in iron, she should have a portion of red meat one meal a day. Julietta then discovers that her friend Raquel has a more serious deficiency in iron.
Based on the information provided, what would make the most sense for Julietta to advise Raquel?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I always remind my students: "When in doubt, don't be a hero." I've seen too many bright kids overthink these problems and choose dramatic answers. In my experience, the test rewards careful, conservative thinking over bold guesses. If you know something works safely, recommend that instead of inventing solutions. The test isn't looking for you to be a medical expert—it wants logical thinking."
Question 5: Verbal Reasoning Alternate
Raquel carried four bags of groceries home from the local supermarket, each weighing about the same, and she just barely made it home before she had to put them down and rest her arms. She began lifting weights to make her task easier, and after some time, noticed that she could lift things more easily.
Which of the following is a logical assumption for Raquel to make?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I teach my students what I call the "baby steps rule." After years of watching students miss these questions, I've learned they try to make huge leaps in logic. Instead, I tell them: "If you could barely do something before and now you're stronger, you should definitely be able to do that same thing now." Start with what you absolutely know is true, then make the smallest logical step forward. The test rewards careful reasoning, not bold assumptions."
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Take the next step toward success! Our targeted prep packs for 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, and 5th Grade offer in-depth practice, expert tips, and detailed explanations to ensure your child is fully prepared for the ERB CTP Test. Choose the pack that's right for you and get started now.
Building on those logical skills, let's now turn our attention to quantitative reasoning. This section is all about your ability to use numbers, data, and mathematical concepts to solve problems. Instead of just performing calculations, you'll need to analyze information and apply your reasoning to find a solution.
Question 6: Quantitative Reasoning
Six friends are lined up from left to right in order of tallest to shortest. They are measured to the nearest whole inch and none of them share the same height. Justin is the tallest, Monica is 5’9”, Raj is to the right of Katie, Julio is next to Justin, Raheem is next to Monica, and Katie is three inches shorter than Raheem.
A. Raheem's height
B. 6 feet
Which statement is true?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I've learned that students panic when they see these complex word problems, but here's my secret: I make them draw it out. Seriously! I give them scratch paper and say "make boxes, draw lines, write numbers—whatever helps you see the pattern." In my 15 years of tutoring, the students who draw or list the information systematically almost always get these right, while the ones who try to keep it all in their heads usually struggle. Your brain needs to see the relationships, not just think about them."
Math Communication Questions - NEW on CTP 5!
What Makes Math Communication Questions Special?
Math Communication Questions are different from regular multiple choice questions. To gain maximum points, students need to:
- Show all of their work and calculations clearly
- Provide the correct numerical answer
- Explain their reasoning and problem-solving process thoroughly
- Use drawings, words, or numbers to illustrate their solution, as appropriate
Math Communication Question
Tara is organizing a book drive. She collected 180 books and wants to distribute them equally among 12 local libraries. How many books will each library receive? Explain your reasoning using calculations and words.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I tell my students to "think out loud on paper." After years of grading these, I've noticed the highest scores go to students who write like they're explaining to a friend who missed class. Don't just show the math—tell the story of your thinking. I always say: "Show your work, get your answer, check your work, then explain it like you're teaching someone else." The graders want to see that you understand the 'why' behind the math, not just the 'how."
We are excited to introduce a study guide to help you prepare for Math Communication Questions. We also have included two quizzes for you to practice in our test prep packs.
Want additional FREE practice? Try our 3rd grade interactive sample tests:
ERB CTP Free Sample Test for 3rd Grade
What Is the ERB CTP 5 Testing:What Parents Need to Know?
Two Types of ERB Tests
CTP (Comprehensive Testing Program)
- What it is: A detailed, once-yearly assessment covering multiple subjects
- Purpose: Measures deep knowledge and reasoning skills across the school year
- Coverage: Language arts, mathematics, science, and reasoning skills
Milestones Assessments
- What it is: Shorter tests given several times throughout the year
- Purpose: Provides ongoing feedback on student progress
- Coverage: Mathematics and reading comprehension (grades 3-8 only)
What Subjects Are Tested on CTP 5?
Core Tests (Most Grades)
-
- Reading Comprehension (Grades 1-11)
- Mathematics (Grades 1-11)
- Writing Mechanics (Grades 2-11)
- Writing Concepts and Skills (Grades 3-11)
- Verbal Reasoning (Grades 3-11)
- Vocabulary (Grades 4-11)
- Quantitative Reasoning (Grades 3-11)
- Science (Grades 3-9, online only)
Special Tests (Select Grades)
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- Word Analysis (Grades 1-2)
- Auditory Comprehension (Grades 1-3)
- Algebra 1 (Grades 7-9)
Test Format and Timing
CTP (Comprehensive Testing Program)
- When: Given once per year
- Length: Comprehensive assessment covering full curriculum
- Focus: Deep dive into knowledge and reasoning across multiple subjects
- Alignment: Common Core State Standards for your child's grade level
Milestones Assessments
- When: Given multiple times throughout the school year
- Length: Shorter, focused tests
- Focus: Mathematics and reading comprehension only (grades 3-8)
- Purpose: Ongoing progress monitoring to help teachers adjust instruction
ERB CTP Scores
How Scoring Works
Your child receives three types of scores:
- 1. Raw Score
Simply the number of questions answered correctly
Higher numbers = better performance
- 2. Scale Score
A 3-digit number that adjusts for question difficulty
Allows fair comparison across different tests and subjects
More challenging questions correctly answered = higher scale score
- 3. Percentile and Stanine Rankings
Percentile (0-100%): Shows what percentage of students your child scored higher than
Stanine (1-9): Groups students into 9 performance bands (5 is average)
Compared against classmates, grade level, district, and national groups
- What Makes a "Good" Score?
There's no single "good" score - it depends on context:
Above 75th percentile: Strong performance compared to peers
50th percentile: Average performance
Stanines 7-9: Above average to superior
Stanines 4-6: Average range
Stanines 1-3: Below average
ERB 360 Access Score Reports
Your school provides access to an interactive online platform where you can:
View detailed results for each test
Track progress over time
Compare results to different groups
Identify specific strengths and areas for improvement
Access easy-to-understand explanations
How Do I Study for the ERB CTP 5?
General Preparation Strategy
The most effective preparation focuses on:
Review school material in all tested subjects
Practice with CTP-style questions to become familiar with the format
Build test-taking confidence through repeated practice
Since CTP 5 is designed to complement your child's curriculum, their regular schoolwork is the foundation of preparation. The key is helping them apply their knowledge in the CTP format.
Grade-Specific Preparation Tips
Build strong reading comprehension skills
Master basic arithmetic operations
Practice following multi-step test instructions
Work on attention and focus during longer activities
Develop critical thinking and reasoning skills
Practice multi-step problem solving
Strengthen written response abilities
Build vocabulary through reading
Analyze texts for deeper meaning and inference
Tackle complex mathematical word problems
Practice time management during test-like conditions
Develop more sophisticated writing and explanation skills
Taking practice tests helps students:
Review academic material in a structured way
Become comfortable with question formats
Learn to demonstrate knowledge effectively
Build confidence for test day
Identify areas that need additional review
Get Your ERB-CTP Test PrepPack
Ready to build your child's confidence and skills? Get started today with our comprehensive test prep packs, specifically designed for students in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade. Each pack includes everything you need to master the CTP 5 and achieve a great score.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CTP is typically administered once per year, either in fall or spring, depending on your school's schedule. It's designed as a summative assessment to measure year-long learning.
The best preparation includes:
Reviewing grade-level material in all subjects
Taking practice tests to familiarize with format
Practicing reasoning and critical thinking skills
Ensuring adequate rest before test day
CTP scores are compared to other students nationally. Generally:
Stanine 7-9: Above average to superior performance
Stanine 4-6: Average performance
Stanine 1-3: Below average performance
Your percentile rank shows what percentage of students you scored better than.
Results are usually available within 2-4 weeks after testing through the ERB 360 Access portal, which provides detailed score reports and analysis.
Yes, the CTP 5 is aligned with Common Core State Standards, ensuring it measures skills and knowledge relevant to your child's grade level curriculum.
