Tests By State: Comprehensive Guide to K-12 Testing Requirements Across the USA

Curious about the tests required in your state? Explore the tables below to find detailed information on standardized testing by state. You can also start preparing for these exams with our tailored practice resources and test prep packs.

Even when a state prescribes a single, “official” assessment, districts often tailor the way it’s delivered, supplemented, or interpreted:

Supplemental Local Benchmarks

• Many districts layer on interim assessments (e.g., NWEA MAP, Renaissance STAR) at key grade-levels or mid-year checkpoints. This lets administrators track growth more granularly than the once-a-year state test.

Timing and Scheduling

• Staggered Windows: While State A might mandate testing in April, District X tests in early April, District Y waits until late April—often to accommodate local calendars (e.g., spring break, graduation rehearsals).
• Flexible Make-up Days: Some districts build in extra “testing windows” for students who miss the main administration; others leave make-ups to individual schools.

Accommodations and Accessibility

• Although federal law (IDEA & Section 504) ensures accommodations, districts vary in how quickly and widely they deploy them.

States Requiring Assessment for All Homeschoolers (9 states):

• Hawaii, Oregon, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia

States with Optional or Flexible Requirements (24 states):

• These states have some form of assessment requirement, but most offer alternatives like portfolio reviews, evaluations by qualified professionals, or choice between testing and alternative assessments.

No Testing Requirements (17 states):

• Many states, including large ones like Texas, California, Florida (under certain options), and Illinois, have no testing requirements for homeschoolers.

Testing Methods for Homeschoolers:

• Taking tests at local public schools (if permitted)
• Hiring certified test administrators
• Joining homeschool group testing events
• Using nationally normed tests like NWEA MAP or Renaissance STAR

• Massachusetts: Ended MCAS graduation requirements following 2024 ballot question
• Texas: Considering STAAR replacement with three shorter tests throughout the year
• Illinois: Switched from SAT to ACT for state assessment starting 2024-25 school year
• North Dakota: Implementing ND A+ Summative starting Spring 2025
• Indiana: Piloting checkpoint-based ILEARN with three assessments throughout year in 2024-25, full implementation 2025-26

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) provides a comprehensive, standards-aligned assessment system used by many states as part of their K-12 testing programs. Its primary focus is on measuring student progress toward college and career readiness, particularly in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. SBAC assessments are used to gauge whether students are on track for postsecondary success

The Common Core is a set of academic standards students are expected to meet at the end of each school year. Its tests are designed to examine student ability in alliance with the Common Core.

High school students enrolled in designated core courses (e.g., Algebra I, Biology, U.S. History, English II) are required to take End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. Their structure and significance can differ widely depending on state and local requirements.

ACT Aspire is a test used in grades 3–10 to check how students are doing in school and how ready they are for future academic success. It’s designed to show progress over time and help teachers and parents understand what students are doing well—and where they might need extra help.

Key Takeaways for Parents:

• Not a college entrance test like the ACT or SAT
• Helps schools and families support learning early
• Shows how your child is doing compared to grade-level expectations
• Can help predict future ACT performance

Both the SAT and ACT serve as gateways to college admissions, scholarships, and academic placement. Students should choose the test that best fits their strengths and college goals, as all U.S. colleges accept either test.