What your state tests
Utah uses RISE (Readiness, Improvement, Success, Empowerment) in grades 3–8, Utah Aspire Plus in grades 9–10, and the ACT in grade 11. Run by the Utah State Board of Education. There's no exit-exam gate.
Which tests, which grades
- RISE (grades 3–8)English language arts, mathematics, and science
- Utah Aspire Plus (grades 9–10)A college-readiness test in English, reading, math, and science (an ACT-aligned measure)
- ACT (grade 11)The statewide high-school test — a real, college-usable score
- DLMAlternate assessment for eligible students
Format & subjects
RISE is online and computer-adaptive; Utah Aspire Plus and the grade-11 ACT are college-readiness measures.
Is passing required to graduate?
No exit-exam gate. Utah doesn't require passing a state test to graduate; students complete course and credit requirements. The grade-11 ACT provides a college-usable score.
How it's scored
RISE reports proficiency levels; Utah Aspire Plus and the grade-11 ACT report college-readiness scores (the ACT on the 1–36 scale).
Testing windows
RISE, Aspire Plus, and the ACT are given in a spring window set by each district.
How to prepare
- ACT prep for grade 11Our ACT guide and free official ACT practice apply
- RISE practiceUSBE provides practice tests matching the adaptive format
Participation & opting out
Utah allows parents to excuse their child from state assessments; ask your district about the process.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan; eligible students take the state's alternate assessment. Multilingual learners take an English proficiency test (WIDA ACCESS or the state equivalent) and may receive designated supports.
Accountability & promotion
Results feed Utah's accountability and school reporting, guide instruction, and — via the grade-11 ACT — give students a college-usable score.
Key facts
- Grades 3–8RISE (ELA, Math, Science)
- Grades 9–10Utah Aspire Plus
- High schoolACT (grade 11)
- Exit examNone
- AgencyUtah State Board of Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: