NYS Science Test

Who takes this test?
Students in grades five and eight will take the State Assessment in Science to determine how well they have learned the New York State Learning Standards. 

Students in grade seven who have completed all of the material in the Intermediate-Level Science Core Curriculum, and who are under consideration for placement in an accelerated high school level science course in grade eight, may also take the test. If students take the test in grade seven, they will not take it again in grade eight. School principals have the discretion to either require or waive the grade eight Science Test for accelerated grade eight students who will take a Regents Examination in science at the end of the school year. 

English Language Learners in grades five and eight must take the State Assessment in Science. Exams are available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (traditional & simplified), Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, or Spanish. When tests are not available in the student's home language, the test may be translated orally. Students with disabilities may take the New York State Alternate Assessments (NYSAA) in place of the general State Test, if specified on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

When is this test given?
Schools will select two consecutive administration dates within the main administration window, Typically the NYS Science Exam is given in May. Please visit our Testing & Assessment Calendar Page for specific testing dates or your can visit the New York State Education's Department testing schedule page.  Please speak to your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns with the testing schedule. 

What is on the test?
The Assessment in Science asks students to demonstrate scientific knowledge and to apply scientific concepts, formulate hypotheses, make predictions, or use other scientific inquiry techniques. The grades five and eight Science tests each consist of a single session that will be administered in one day. Students will have as much time as necessary within the confines of the regular school day to complete the test. The test is taken on the computer

How is the test scored?
Exams are scored in-school by licensed teachers. Schools are given guidance that no teacher should score their own students’ exams.

How are the results reported?
The number of correct answers a student gives on a test is converted into the student’s “scale score.” Scale scores are divided into four performance levels. You can access the results through the parent portal. If you need support accessing the portal or would like to create an account, you can check out the parent portal support page or contact your child’s school. For information on where to obtain your child’s results, contact your child’s school.