Why homeschoolers test (or don't)
A homeschool family gives a standardized test for one of three reasons: a state requirement, a personal benchmark to see how a child measures against grade-level norms, or practice for the testing experience. Most families test for state compliance, and only some states require it at all, so start by checking your state's rules.
Achievement tests (CAT, Iowa, Stanford 10, PASS, MAP) measure grade-level mastery. The SAT, ACT, and CLT are college-admissions exams. This page covers the achievement tests; the CLT appears here because families ask about it, though 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, popular with homeschoolers because it's usually parent-administered, relaxed about timing, and inexpensive. Good when your goal is to satisfy a state requirement without much overhead.
PASS (Personalized Achievement Summary System)
Built 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 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. Families usually reach it through a co-op, school, or provider, and it tracks progress more 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. You register the CLT directly through CLT, and the SAT and ACT through their 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 what colleges and some state evaluations want to see.