What your state tests
Georgia uses the Georgia Milestones Assessment System — End-of-Grade (EOG) tests in grades 3–8 and End-of-Course (EOC) tests in key high-school courses. Milestones measures the Georgia Standards of Excellence and is run by the Georgia Department of Education. Georgia does not have a separate high-school exit exam; instead, EOC results count as part of the student's course grade.
Which tests, which grades
- End-of-Grade (grades 3–8)English Language Arts and Mathematics each year; Science in grades 5 and 8; Social Studies in grade 8
- End-of-Course (high school)Milestones EOC in American Literature & Composition, Algebra: Concepts & Connections, Biology, and United States History
- Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA 2.0)For eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities
- ACCESS for ELLsEnglish proficiency assessment for multilingual learners
Format & subjects
Milestones is given online and includes multiple-choice, technology-enhanced, and constructed-response items, plus writing on the ELA tests. EOCs are subject end-of-course exams taken when a student finishes the matching course.
Is passing required to graduate?
No exit-exam gate. Georgia students are not required to pass a state test to graduate. Instead, each EOC counts as a portion of the final grade in that course (a percentage set by state policy), so it affects the course grade — and thus credit — rather than serving as a separate pass/fail graduation hurdle. Districts set course and credit requirements.
How it's scored
Milestones reports four levels — Beginning, Developing, Proficient, and Distinguished Learner — with Lexile measures for reading. "Proficient" indicates on-grade-level readiness. EOC scale scores convert into the course-grade contribution.
Testing windows
EOG tests are given in a spring window. EOCs have multiple windows (winter, spring, summer) tied to course completion. Exact dates are set by the state and district.
How to prepare
- Experience Online Testing GeorgiaThe state's official practice platform lets students rehearse the real online format and item types
- Study/resource guidesGaDOE publishes content descriptors and study guides for each Milestones test
- Course-aligned reviewEOCs test the specific course; strong classwork plus targeted review works best
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades and courses participate in Milestones. Ask your district about make-up windows and any questions.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan; eligible students take the GAA 2.0. Multilingual learners take ACCESS for ELLs and may receive designated supports.
Accountability & promotion
Milestones results drive Georgia's CCRPI accountability and school reporting, guide instruction, and — through the EOC course-grade weight — affect course grades and credit in high school.
Key facts
- SystemGeorgia Milestones
- Grades 3–8EOG (ELA, Math; Science 5 & 8; SS 8)
- High schoolEOC in 4 courses (counts toward course grade)
- Exit examNone
- StandardsGeorgia Standards of Excellence
- AgencyGeorgia Dept. of Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: