What your state tests
Illinois measures learning through the IAR — the Illinois Assessment of Readiness — in grades 3–8, plus a science test and a college-entrance test in high school. A notable recent change: Illinois switched its grade-11 test from the SAT to the ACT beginning in 2024–25. All are run by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards (which incorporate the Common Core).
Which tests, which grades
- IAR (grades 3–8)English language arts and mathematics, given online each spring
- Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)Science in grades 5 and 8, and once in high school (biology)
- ACT (grade 11)Illinois's high-school college-entrance test — taken by all 11th graders (Illinois moved from the SAT to the ACT starting 2024–25)
- DLM alternate assessmentFor eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities
- ACCESS for ELLsEnglish proficiency test for multilingual learners
Format & subjects
The IAR is online and includes varied item types — math problems that ask students to explain their reasoning, and reading questions that require analyzing text and writing well-developed responses. It reports a Lexile (reading) and Quantile (math) measure. The grade-11 ACT follows the national ACT format.
Is passing required to graduate?
Taking the grade-11 college-entrance test (now the ACT) is a graduation requirement in Illinois — but there is no minimum score you must earn to graduate; students simply must sit for it. The IAR and ISA are accountability tests, not diploma gates. Districts set course and credit requirements.
How it's scored
The IAR reports research-informed performance levels indicating whether students are meeting grade-level expectations and are on track for college and career, plus Lexile/Quantile measures. The grade-11 ACT is scored 1–36 like the national test and can also be used for college applications.
Testing windows
IAR is given in a spring window (roughly March–May) set by each district. The ISA and the grade-11 ACT are also administered in spring. Confirm exact dates with your school.
How to prepare
- IAR practice testsISBE provides online practice tests and tools that match the real format
- ACT prep for grade 11Because the state test is now the ACT, our ACT guide and free official ACT practice apply directly
- Everyday classworkIAR is tightly aligned to grade-level standards, so strong classroom learning is the core prep
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades participate in state assessments. Ask your district about make-up windows and any questions about participation.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan. Multilingual learners take ACCESS for ELLs for English proficiency and may receive designated supports.
Accountability & promotion
Results feed state and federal accountability and the Illinois Report Card, help schools target support, and — for grade 11 — give students a real ACT score usable for college. There is no test-based promotion or graduation-score gate.
Key facts
- Grades 3–8IAR (ELA & Math)
- ScienceISA (grades 5, 8, HS)
- High schoolACT in grade 11 (switched from SAT, 2024–25)
- Grad requirementTake the grade-11 test (no min. score)
- AgencyIllinois State Board of Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: