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Testing
This FAQ answers questions about standardized testing, college entrance examinations and the GED.
Q: Is my homeschooled child required to take standardized tests?
A: No. In Arizona, homeschoolers are not required to do standardized testing including the AIMS test. It is up to the individual parent/family whether or not to do standardized testing. AFHE discourages homeschooled students from taking the AIMS test.
Click here to read more about AIMS Testing.
Q: What are the benefits of standardized testing?
A: Periodic testing gives your students practice taking norm-referenced "fill-in-the-bubble" tests. It can provide a reliable measure of your child's performance as compared with other students their age throughout the nation.
Q: Are there other ways to evaluate my child's progress?
A: Daily observation as well as tests found in your child's curriculum are two excellent means of monitoring and evaluating your student's progress. Through the one-on-one interaction between parent and child, a parent observes how well their child is learning a specific body of knowledge and skills.
Q: If I decide to have my child take a standardized test, where do I go?
A: Standardized tests are available for purchase by homeschooling families through independent suppliers.
If you wish to have your child take a standardized test, check with your independent support group to see if they offer testing. If they do not, there are several resources offering testing materials. A few of them include:
Q: Can my child take a standardized test through the local public school or school district?
A: The public school will not pay for a homeschooled student to take a standardized test. We recommend that homeschoolers take standardized tests through an independent supplier so that the test scores are used for the parent's reference only.
Q: Should my homeschooled child take the AIMS test?
A: AFHE does not recommend that homeschooled students take the AIMS test. There is no benefit for a homeschooled student to take this exam. For more information, please read the AFHE Statement re: AIMS Testing.
Q: When should my child take the PSAT?
A: The PSAT is taken in October of the student's Junior year.
Q: Where does my homeschooled student take the PSAT?
A: The PSAT is taken through a local public or private high school that offers this test. Testing dates and locations can be found at www.collegeboard.com
Q: How do I register my student to take the PSAT?
A: Go to www.collegeboard.com for registration information.
Q: What is the Arizona state home school code for the PSAT?
A: 990 399
Q: When should my child take the SAT?
A: Most often the SAT is taken during the spring of the Junior year. However, it can be taken earlier as practice if desired.
Q: Where does my homeschooled student take the SAT?
A: The SAT is taken through a local public or private high school that offers this test. Testing dates and locations can be found at www.collegeboard.com
Q: How do I register my student to take the SAT?
A: Go to www.collegeboard.com for registration information.
Q: What is the homeschool high school code for the SAT?
A: 970000
Q: Which test should my student take - the SAT or ACT?
A: Check with the colleges your student is interested in attending to find out which test that institution prefers.
The ACT covers Science, Math, Reading and Language with an optional essay portion.
The SAT has three parts: Verbal, Math and Writing.
Q: When should my student take the ACT?
A: Most often the ACT is taken during the spring of the Junior year. However, it can be taken earlier as practice if desired.
Q: Where does my homeschooled student take the ACT?
A: The ACT is taken through a local public or private high school that offers this test. Testing dates and locations can be found at www.actstudent.org
Q: How do I register my student to take the ACT?
A: Go to www.actstudent.org for registration information.
Q: What is the homeschool high school code for the ACT?
A: 969-999
Q: Which test should my student take - the SAT or ACT?
A: Check with the colleges your student is interested in attending to find out which test that institution prefers.
The ACT covers Science, Math, Reading and Language with an optional essay portion.
The SAT has three parts: Verbal, Math and Writing.
Q: Should my homeschooled child take the GED test?
A: Taking the GED is a controversial issue in the homeschool community. A diploma earned by taking the GED tends to carry the stigma of being a "high school dropout." Unfortunately, there are some circumstances where a college may require a homeschooled student to verify his credential with the GED. If that is the case, your student can take the GED to satisfy the admissions requirement.
Please read Inge Cannon's article "Why Transcripts Are Crucial for Home-Schooled High School Graduates" for more information.
In Arizona, one must be age 18 or older to take the GED test. For homeschooled students between the ages of 16 and 18, verification that they have withdrawn their affidavit of intent to home school must be provided. Rules for taking the GED in Arizona can be found on the Arizona Department of Education web site: http://www.ade.state.az.us/adult-ed/ged_home.asp
Please visit the HSLDA web site for more information about testing.
Q: What should my student do to prepare for the SAT or ACT?
A: Purchase study books and take practice tests from www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org. Local book stores and on-line bookstores also carry SAT and ACT study books and practice tests.
Q: How do I find out which test my student should prepare for?
A: Contact the college admissions office to find out their entrance requirements.
Q: What about community college admissions?
A: Each comunity college has a testing center where they administer their own entrance exam. Contact the community college directly for admissions requirements and testing information.
Q: Where can I find more information about testing?
A: Visit the HSLDA web site for additional information about testing: www.hslda.org/highschool/testing.asp
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