NYS Testing Program

New York State ELA and Math Assessments (Grades 3-8)

The Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests are administered in the spring to students across New York State. These annual ELA and mathematics tests for students in grades 3-8 are required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. Public and charter school students enrolled in Grades 3–8 are expected to take the ELA and mathematics tests administered for their grade level. The tests are designed to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that guide classroom instruction and are a valuable tool used to help ensure students have the support needed to succeed. The tests can also help identify any learning needs a student may have.  For more detailed information visit the NYSED Elementary- and Intermediate-level Tests homepage.  

New York State Science Tests (Grades 5 and 8)

Grade 8: The New York State Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test consists of two required components: a Written Test and a Performance Test. Students who are in attendance and who respond to at least one item on both the Written Test and the Performance Test will receive a valid score and a valid performance level. The Written Test consists of multiple-choice and openended questions. Students will have two hours in which to complete the Written Test. The Performance Test, Form A, consists of hands-on tasks set up at three stations. Students will have 15 minutes to complete the tasks at each of the three stations, for an actual total testing time of 45 minutes. All three stations of the Performance Test must be administered in one continuous session

Grade 5: The New York State Grade 5 Science Test will be administered for the first time in the 2023-2024 school year.  In the past, this exam was administered at the end of Grade 4, but is being moved in alignment with New York State's adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards.  

For more detailed information visit the NYSED Elementary- and Intermediate-level Tests homepage.  

High School Regents Examinations

Regents Examinations are achievement tests that are aligned with New York State’s learning standards.  Prepared by teacher examination committees and Department subject and testing specialists, Regents Examinations provide schools with a basis for evaluating the quality of instruction and learning that have taken place. They are used by school personnel to identify major learning goals, offering both teachers and students a guide to important understandings, skills, and concepts. The examinations also provide students, parents, counselors, administrators, college admissions officers, and employers with objective and easily understood achievement information for use in making sound educational and vocational decisions. Passing scores on the Regents Examinations in English, mathematics, science, and social studies satisfy the State testing requirements for a high school diploma.  For more detailed information visit the NYSED High School Regents Examinations homepage.  

New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)

The New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) is designed to annually assess the English language proficiency of all English Language Learners (ELLs) enrolled in Grades K–12 in New York State schools. The test provides the State and schools with important information about the English language development of ELLs and is part of the State’s compliance with federal laws that mandate the annual assessment and monitoring of the English language proficiency of all ELLs. The results of the NYSESLAT will determine the levels of service ELLs will receive in Bilingual Education and English as a New Language programs for the school year as prescribed in Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154-2 and 154-3.

New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL)

The New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) serves as the State’s formal English language proficiency assessment in the process for initially identifying English Language Learners in New York State. All public and charter schools must follow the steps outlined in the initial and reentry processes prescribed by Commissioner’s Regulations (CR) Part 154-2.3 (d), which includes administering the Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ) and conducting an individual interview with students who have indicated on the HLQ that a language other than English is spoken at home. Information gathered from the HLQ and the individual interview should be assessed carefully to determine if the student is required to take the NYSITELL. Further guidance regarding the identification of ELLs can be found on NYSED's Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) website.