The standardized tests your NC high school student takes
By high school, students in North Carolina are used to taking standardized tests. Having been tested yearly since third grade, students are not subjected to the same tests in high school – but they do have the higher pressure ones like the ACT and SAT to worry about.
Each state and even each school district has a different set of required tests for students. This guide will explain which tests your high school student takes and when.
What standardized tests does North Carolina use?
Public and charter school students in North Carolina will take a variety of tests starting in the third grade. These tests continue for students enrolled in public high school.
NC Check-Ins 2.0
Who takes these? Students who take End-of-Course (EOC) tests take these during the school year to allow teachers to mark their progress.
What is it? These tests offer teachers a chance to "check in" on their students' progress before the end-of-grade tests. The tests are designed to help gauge a student's proficiency and help determine what areas the student might need to work on before the EOGs. Students take these more than once a year.
End-of-Course (EOC) Tests
Who takes these? EOC assessments are given to students enrolled in Biology, English II, NC Math 1 and NC Math 3. These courses are offered in high school.
What they used for? Results from all EOC assessments account for as least 20 percent of the student’s final grade in that course.
Biology
Students who are enrolled in biology must take the Biology EOC at the end of the year. The exam tests students on topics including the structure and function of living organisms, ecosystems, evolution and genetics and molecular biology. There are multiple-choice and technology-enhanced questions – all worth one point each.
It is estimated that students will take about two hours to take this test, but they are allotted three hours maximum.
English II EOC
The English II EOC tests students on their English Language Arts knowledge. They will read literature and information text and be tested on language.
The questions are divided into multiple-choice items, technology-enhanced items and constructed- response items. Multiple-choice and technology-enhanced items are worth one point each. The constructed response items are short answer. They are worth two points each.
The NCDPI estimates it will take about 150 minutes for most students to complete the English II EOC. Students have a maximum of 240 minutes to complete it.
NC Math 1 and NC Math 3
Students must take two math EOCs in high school. Both tests have problems about numbers, quantity and algebra, functions, geometry and statistics. The Math 3 EOC has more geometry and fewer statistics and probability questions.
The Math 1 EOC includes both calculator and non-calculator sections. It contains multiple-choice, gridded response/numeric entry and technology-enhanced questions. All questions are worth one point each.
For the Math 3 EOC, the calculator can be used the entire time. Like the Math 1 EOC, this test also has multiple-choice, gridded response/numeric entry and technology-enhanced questions worth one point each.
The NCDPI estimates it will take about three hours for most students to complete Math EOC tests. Students have a maximum of four hours.
NCEXTEND1 Alternate Assessments
Who takes these? These are designed for students with disabilities who have a current IEP (individual education plan), a significant cognitive disability and are enrolled in 10th or 11th grade.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Proof of Learning Exams
Students enrolled in the CTE program are required to take proof of learning exams in a variety of subject areas. Those exams will count toward 20 percent of their grade.
PreACT
Who takes this test? Students in 10th grade are given this test in the fall
What is it? This simulates the ACT testing but is a shorter test than the ACT. It covers the same subjects: English, reading, mathematics and science. It is a multiple-choice test and is scored on a 1-36 point scale.
What are scores used for? To prepare students for the ACT and see what subject areas they may need additional growth in.
ACT
Who takes this test? Students in 11th grade in the spring. It is a required state assessment, even for those not planning on going to college.
What is this? A curriculum and standards-based test that assesses a student's college and career readiness in the subjects of English, mathematics, reading and science. It is a multiple-choice test and is scored on a 1-36 point scale.
There is one scheduled day and one make-up day for the test. Students can possibly take it the following fall as well.
What are scores used for? The ACT is used for college admissions, placement and scholarships.
ACT WorkKeys
Who takes this test? This is required for all students who are in Career and Technical Education pathway curriculums.
What is it? The three assessments are Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents. Students who pass the three assessments can earn a WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (WorkKeys NCRC) as well as a North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate at the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum levels of readiness. These certificates provide employers with proof that students have the skills needed to do the jobs available.
SAT
While the SAT is not required for students in North Carolina, many will be taking it. The SAT is a standardized test that many colleges and universities use when determining whether to admit a student.
The test is designed to measure a student's college readiness by testing them in math, reading and writing. Many students will take these tests in the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year. It is important to have time to re-test if you want to raise your score.
Starting in March 2024, the SAT will go digital. Students will take the test on their computers or tablets and not with a pencil and paper like before. The digital test will be two hours instead of three and will allow more time per question.
Another change with the digital test is that it will feature shorter reading passages, each with one question. Calculators will be allowed on the entire math section as well.
The SAT exam is offered every year in August, October, November, December, March, May and June. Once the test goes digital, scores will be available in days instead of weeks. Check the College Board website for an update list of dates and how to register.
While the other tests above are free, the SAT costs $55.
