What your state tests
North Carolina uses End-of-Grade (EOG) tests in grades 3–8 and End-of-Course (EOC) tests in high school, run by the NC Department of Public Instruction and aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study. North Carolina also administers the ACT to all 11th graders. There's no separate exit exam — EOC results count toward the course grade.
Which tests, which grades
- End-of-Grade (grades 3–8)Reading and Mathematics each year; Science in grades 5 and 8
- End-of-Course (high school)English II, NC Math 1, NC Math 3, and Biology
- The ACT (grade 11)Given to all 11th graders as a college-readiness measure (WorkKeys is offered to CTE concentrators)
- NC Check-InsOptional interim assessments teachers use to monitor progress during the year
- NCEXTEND1Alternate assessment for eligible students; multilingual learners take ACCESS for ELLs
Format & subjects
EOG and EOC tests are given online (with paper accommodations) and are multiple-choice plus some technology-enhanced items. EOCs are subject end-of-course exams taken when a student finishes the matching course.
Is passing required to graduate?
No exit-exam gate. Students don't need to pass a state test to graduate. Each EOC must count for at least 20% of the student's final grade in that course, so it affects the course grade and credit rather than serving as a pass/fail hurdle. Districts set course and credit requirements.
How it's scored
EOG and EOC results report achievement levels 1–5, with Level 3 the grade-level proficiency bar and Levels 4–5 indicating college-and-career readiness. The grade-11 ACT is scored 1–36 and is usable for college applications.
Testing windows
EOG and most EOC tests are given in a spring window (EOCs also in fall/for block scheduling). The grade-11 ACT is administered on a set spring date. Exact dates are set by the state and district.
How to prepare
- Released forms & practiceNCDPI publishes released test forms and practice items matching the real format
- ACT prep for grade 11Since 11th graders take the ACT, our ACT guide and free official ACT practice apply
- Course-aligned reviewEOCs test the specific course content
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades and courses participate. 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 NCEXTEND1. Multilingual learners take ACCESS for ELLs and may receive designated supports.
Accountability & promotion
Results feed North Carolina's school performance grades and accountability, guide instruction, count toward high-school course grades (via the 20% EOC weight), and — through the grade-11 ACT — give students a college-usable score.
Key facts
- Grades 3–8EOG (Reading & Math; Science 5 & 8)
- High schoolEOC in 4 courses (≥20% of course grade)
- Grade 11ACT for all students
- Exit examNone
- AgencyNC Dept. of Public Instruction
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: