What your state tests
California's statewide testing is the CAASPP — the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, run by the California Department of Education. It's built on the Common Core (ELA and math) and the Next Generation Science Standards (science), and is delivered by computer. California has no high-school exit exam — students are not required to pass a state test to graduate.
Which tests, which grades
- Smarter Balanced — ELAEnglish language arts/literacy in grades 3–8 and grade 11
- Smarter Balanced — MathMathematics in grades 3–8 and grade 11
- CAST (California Science Test)Science in grades 5 and 8, and once in high school (grade 10, 11, or 12)
- CAA (California Alternate Assessments)For students with significant cognitive disabilities
- ELPACA separate English Language Proficiency Assessment for English learners
Format & subjects
The Smarter Balanced tests are computer-adaptive — the difficulty adjusts to the student — and include a performance task: an extended activity that asks students to apply skills across several standards, plus varied item types (selected response, constructed response, graphing, and more). CAST is a computer-based science test aligned to NGSS.
Is passing required to graduate?
No. California eliminated its high-school exit exam years ago, so students do not need to pass CAASPP to earn a diploma. State tests are used for school accountability and program improvement, not to gate graduation. (Local districts set their own course and credit requirements.)
How it's scored
Smarter Balanced reports four levels — Standard Not Met, Nearly Met, Met, and Exceeded — with "Met" or "Exceeded" indicating on-track, college-and-career-ready performance. Reports also show performance by claim/area so families see specific strengths and gaps. CAST reports science achievement levels.
Testing windows
CAASPP is given in a spring testing window that each district schedules within the state's overall window (generally late winter through spring). Exact dates vary by district — check with your school.
How to prepare
Because the tests are standards-based, everyday classroom learning is the core prep, supported by:
- Practice & training testsThe state provides free online practice and training tests so students can experience the computer-adaptive format and tools before test day
- Get comfortable with the toolsTry the embedded tools (calculator, highlighter, etc.) and the performance-task format
- Focus on applicationSmarter Balanced rewards reasoning and applying skills, not just recall
Participation & opting out
California law allows a parent/guardian to submit a written request to excuse their child from CAASPP for the year. Otherwise, students in tested grades participate. Ask your district about its process.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
A range of universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations are available (many built into the online system); formal accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan. English learners take the ELPAC, and first-year English learners may be exempt from the ELA test.
Accountability & promotion
CAASPP results are a core part of the California School Dashboard and state/federal accountability, help schools target support, and give families a yearly snapshot of progress. They are not used to decide graduation or (by state mandate) grade promotion.
Key facts
- SystemCAASPP
- ELA/MathSmarter Balanced (grades 3–8, 11)
- ScienceCAST (grades 5, 8, once in HS)
- FormatComputer-adaptive + performance task
- Exit examNone
- AgencyCalifornia Dept. of Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: