Why homeschoolers test (or don't)
There are three reasons a homeschool family gives a standardized test: a state requirement, a personal benchmark to see how a child is doing against grade-level norms, or practice for the testing experience. Most families who test are doing it for state compliance, and only some states require it at all, so start by checking your state's rules.
One key distinction up front: achievement tests (CAT, Iowa, Stanford 10, PASS, MAP) measure grade-level mastery, while the SAT, ACT, and CLT are college-admissions exams. This page is mostly about the achievement tests; the CLT is included because families ask about it, but it sits in the admissions category.
Comparison chart
| Test | Type | Parent can administer? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT (California Achievement Test) | Achievement | Usually yes | Easy, low-cost state compliance |
| PASS | Achievement (homeschool-designed) | Yes | Low-stress, untimed at home |
| Iowa Assessments (ITBS) | Achievement | Often requires a qualified administrator | Respected, nationally-normed results |
| Stanford 10 | Achievement | Often requires a qualified administrator | Respected results; online options exist |
| MAP (NWEA) | Adaptive growth measure | Usually via a co-op or provider | Tracking growth over time |
| CLT (Classic Learning Test) | College admissions (plus lower-grade versions) | No (proctored) | College admissions, classical alignment |
Administrator requirements and formats vary by provider and edition. Always confirm before ordering.
Per-test details
CAT (California Achievement Test)
A long-standing achievement test that's popular with homeschoolers because it's typically parent-administered, relaxed about timing, and inexpensive. It's a solid choice when your goal is simply to satisfy a state requirement without a lot of overhead.
PASS (Personalized Achievement Summary System)
Designed specifically for homeschoolers. It's untimed, parent-administered at home, and lower-pressure, with results that meet many states' norm-referenced requirements. A good fit for younger or test-anxious students.
Iowa Assessments (formerly ITBS)
One of the most widely respected nationally-normed achievement tests. Many providers require an administrator who meets certain qualifications (often a bachelor's degree). Choose it when you want a result that carries weight.
Stanford 10
Another well-regarded nationally-normed achievement test, comparable in standing to the Iowa. It's available through testing services, including online formats, and likewise often calls for a qualified administrator.
MAP (NWEA Measures of Academic Progress)
A computer-adaptive test that adjusts to the student and measures growth over time rather than a single grade-level snapshot. It's usually accessed through a co-op, school, or provider, and is more about tracking progress than one-off compliance.
CLT (Classic Learning Test)
The CLT is a college-admissions test, an alternative to the SAT and ACT with a classical-education emphasis and growing acceptance among certain colleges. It also offers lower-grade versions (CLT10, CLT8). It belongs in the admissions conversation rather than the state-compliance one. See can homeschoolers take the SAT or ACT for the admissions exams.
State testing requirements
Whether you test at all depends on your state. Some require periodic norm-referenced testing, often with an approved alternative such as a professional evaluation or portfolio review:
- Pennsylvania requires nationally-normed testing in certain grades (commonly 3, 5, and 8), as part of its portfolio-and-evaluation model.
- New York requires annual assessment, with norm-referenced testing required at certain grades and alternatives permitted at others.
- Ohio, by contrast, removed its assessment requirement under HB 33, a reminder that these rules change.
Many states require no testing at all. Confirm the current rule on your state's page before you buy a test.
Where to register and what it costs
Homeschoolers usually order achievement tests through homeschool testing services (for example, Seton Testing Services, BJU Press, and similar providers) or directly from the publisher. Expect roughly $25 to $60 per student for most achievement tests, with online or fully-scored versions sometimes costing more. The CLT is registered directly through CLT, and the SAT and ACT through their respective boards. Prices and offerings change, so verify with the provider.
However you test, keep the score report with your records. In Homeschool Fox you can store each test result and include it on your student's transcript, which is exactly what colleges and some state evaluations want to see.