Washington State High School Testing Information

High school students in Washington state take a variety of assessments to measure academic proficiency, college and career readiness, and language skills. Below is a breakdown of the most common tests:

State-Mandated Assessments

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA)

• The SBA tests students in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
• Typically taken in 10th grade to meet Washington state graduation requirements.
• Aligned with Common Core State Standards to measure college and career readiness.

Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)

• Assesses students' understanding of science concepts based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
• Taken in 11th grade as part of state and federal accountability requirements.

Washington Access to Instruction & Measurement (WA-AIM)

• An alternative assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in SBA or WCAS.
• Covers ELA, Math, and Science with different performance tasks.

Language Proficiency Assessments

World Language Proficiency Exam (WLPE)

• Measures fluency in languages other than English.
• Students who pass may earn high school credit for their language skills.

WIDA (WIDA ACCESS for Multilingual Learners)

• Administered to students learning English or are new to the United States
• Evaluates listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in English.

WIDA Alternate ACCESS

• A specialized version of WIDA for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Graduation Pathways and Testing Requirements

To earn a high school diploma in Washington, students must:

1. Meet state testing requirements (SBA or WA-AIM for ELA & Math, and WCAS for Science).
2. Complete the High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP).
3. Fulfill graduation pathway options, which may include state assessments, AP/IB exams, dual credit courses, or CTE pathways.

College and Career Readiness Assessments

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

• Typically taken in 10th or 11th grade as a practice SAT and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• Measures skills in reading, writing, and math.

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

• A standardized test used for college admissions.
• Assesses math, reading, and writing skills.
• Washington state offers free SAT testing for some high school students during the school day.

American College Testing (ACT)

• Another standardized test used for college admissions.
• Includes sections on English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing test.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

• Offered in various subjects for students enrolled in AP courses.
• Scoring well can earn students college credit at many universities.