What your state tests
Pennsylvania uses two main assessments: the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) in grades 3–8, and the Keystone Exams — end-of-course tests in high school. Both are run by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and aligned to the PA Core Standards. The Keystones connect to graduation, but through flexible "Pathways to Graduation," not a single pass-or-fail exam.
Which tests, which grades
- PSSA (grades 3–8)English Language Arts and Mathematics each year; Science in grades 4 and 8
- Keystone Exams (high school)End-of-course tests in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology, taken when students finish the matching course
- PASAPennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment for eligible students
- ACCESS for ELLsEnglish proficiency assessment for multilingual learners
Format & subjects
Both the PSSA and Keystones are given as online or paper tests with multiple-choice and open-ended items, in a spring window (and additional Keystone windows). Keystones are subject end-of-course exams.
Is passing required to graduate?
Yes — but flexibly. Pennsylvania requires students to demonstrate proficiency to graduate, and the Keystones are one way to do it. Under the state's Pathways to Graduation, students who don't reach proficiency on a Keystone can meet the requirement through alternative pathways — a composite score, career/technical evidence, evidence-based pathways (like SAT/ACT/AP scores or a work-based route), or other approved options. Local districts also set course and credit requirements.
How it's scored
PSSA and Keystone results report performance levels (commonly Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced); "Proficient" is the target and the Keystone bar for the exam-based graduation pathway. Reports show performance by area to guide instruction.
Testing windows
PSSA is given in a spring window. Keystones have multiple windows (winter, spring, and summer) since students take them upon finishing Algebra I, Literature, or Biology. Exact dates are set by PDE and your district.
How to prepare
- Released items & practicePDE publishes item samplers and practice materials for both the PSSA and Keystones — the best format practice
- Course-aligned reviewKeystones test the specific course, so strong classwork plus targeted review works best
- Know your pathwayIf a Keystone is a challenge, learn which graduation pathway fits you
Participation & opting out
Pennsylvania allows a religious opt-out: parents who find an assessment conflicts with their religious beliefs may review the test and excuse their child. Otherwise, students in tested grades and courses participate.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan; eligible students take the PASA. Multilingual learners take ACCESS for ELLs and may receive designated supports.
Accountability & promotion
Results feed state and federal accountability (the Future Ready PA Index) and school performance reporting, guide instruction, and — via the Keystones and Pathways — connect to high-school graduation.
Key facts
- Grades 3–8PSSA (ELA, Math; Science gr 4 & 8)
- High schoolKeystone Exams (Algebra I, Literature, Biology)
- GraduationRequired via flexible Pathways to Graduation
- StandardsPA Core
- AgencyPA Department of Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: