What it is
Some states require homeschooled students to take an annual or periodic nationally-normed standardized test (others accept a portfolio review, or have no testing requirement at all). The most commonly accepted options are the Iowa Assessments (ITBS), the Stanford Achievement Test (Stanford 10), and the California Achievement Test (CAT). They measure achievement in core subjects and report how a student compares to a national sample — whether you must test depends entirely on your state's homeschool law.
Format & structure
- Iowa Assessments / ITBSFrom Riverside — grades K–12 (ITBS K–8, ITED 9–12). Covers reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. Widely accepted and, in many states, can be home-administered (Form E). Often the middle-ground choice.
- Stanford Achievement Test (Stanford 10 / SAT-10)From Pearson — grades K–12; reading, math, science, social studies. Well accepted, with somewhat stricter proctoring rules.
- California Achievement Test (CAT)Grades K–12; the easiest to administer at home (fewer proctoring restrictions), which makes it popular with families. Also: TerraNova, CLT, and NWEA MAP are used by some homeschoolers.
How it's scored
These report a national percentile rank (and often grade-equivalent and stanine scores) showing how a student compares to a national norm sample. A few states set a threshold (for example, requiring remediation if a student scores below a certain percentile), but most states treat testing as assessment, not gatekeeping. One score is a single data point — not the whole picture.
Registration & cost
Families order these through homeschool testing services (e.g., BJU Press Testing & Evaluation, Seton Testing, Triangle Education Assessments) — paper or online. Costs are modest (often about $30–$60 per student). Some tests require the proctor to hold a bachelor's degree; the CAT and Iowa Form E often don't. Check your chosen service's rules.
Test dates & timing
You generally schedule testing yourself within your state's required window (often once a year, or at certain grades). Order early to allow for shipping and make-up time.
How to prepare
- Confirm your state's rule firstHSLDA's state pages and your state DOE spell out whether and when you must test, and which tests qualify
- Familiarize with timed testingHomeschoolers new to bubble-sheet, timed formats may score lower at first — a little practice helps
- Keep it low-pressureIn most states the goal is documenting progress, not a pass/fail gate
- Free content practiceKhan Academy and similar can fill content gaps (they don't mirror the exact format)
Strategies & tips
- Pick the test that fits your rules and setupIowa (balanced), Stanford (rigorous), or CAT (easiest to administer at home)
- Use results diagnosticallyPercentiles reveal strengths and gaps to guide next year's plan
- Keep recordsSave score reports — many states require you to retain or submit them
How scores are used
Depending on your state, results may need to be kept on file or submitted to a district or umbrella school to satisfy the homeschool law. Beyond compliance, they're a useful progress check — and older students' results can help gauge readiness for the SAT/ACT. Verify your exact obligations with your state.
Accommodations & support
Testing services can often arrange accommodations for documented needs; ask your provider before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
- Does my state require testing?It varies — some require an annual normed test, some accept a portfolio, some require nothing. Check HSLDA and your state DOE.
- Which test is easiest to give at home?The CAT (fewest proctoring restrictions); the Iowa Form E is also home-friendly.
- What if my child scores low?Most states have no penalty; a few require a remediation plan below a set percentile.
- How much does it cost?Often about $30–$60 per student through a testing service.
- Can I administer it myself?Often yes — some tests require a bachelor's-degree proctor, others don't.
Key facts
- TestsIowa (ITBS) · Stanford 10 · CAT
- GradesK–12; core academic subjects
- ScoreNational percentile rank
- Required?Depends on your state's homeschool law
- Cost~$30–$60 per student
- PurposeMeet state rules & track progress
Where to learn more
Confirm your state's rules before you test: