Test Administrators

Getting Started on How to Decide which Standardized Test to Order

Generally speaking, get the grade level for the grade they are currently in or have just completed. So if you are testing during Fall Norms, you would get the test for the grade level your student is beginning. For Midyear Norms, order the test for the grade the student is in. During Spring Norms, get the test for the grade the student is finishing or has completed. For norm period dates for the standardized tests we offer, please see the Scoring Reports and Results page.

If you are trying to determine your child’s grade level placement, please see our diagnostic online assessments for reading and math.

Online Standardized Test Options
IOWA E Online. Grades K-12. Kindergarten is December 1 – July 31 only.
IOWA Online with CogAT. Grades 3-12.
Stanford 10 Online. Grades 3-12. 3rd grade is January 1 – July 31 only.

Paper Standardized Test Options
IOWA Form E. Grades K-12. Kindergarten is December 1 – July 31 only.
TerraNova 2/CAT 6. Grades 1-12.
CAT Survey. Grades 4-12. Covers Reading, Language Arts, and Math only.

For further differences between the tests and possible state restrictions, please see our Test Comparison Charts.
There are special ordering steps and discounts for schools and groups.

Standardized tests are designed to provide a valid and reliable measure of a student’s academic performance compared to national norms. These tests are not intended to be used as practice tests or as a means of determining a student’s placement level for future testing. The test publishers have strict policies regarding test administration to maintain the integrity and validity of the results.

Per the publisher’s guidelines, a student should not take the same standardized test more than once within a three to four-month period. Repeated testing within this timeframe can invalidate results and compromise the accuracy of score interpretations. Standardized tests are carefully normed, and frequent retesting can lead to artificial score inflation, reducing the test’s ability to accurately assess a student’s true performance.

For parents seeking to determine their child’s academic level, a diagnostic test is a more appropriate tool. Diagnostic assessments are specifically designed to identify strengths and areas for growth, providing a clearer picture of where a student is in their learning progression. Unlike standardized tests, diagnostic assessments are structured to guide instruction and placement rather than to compare a student’s performance to national norms.

Maintaining the validity and integrity of standardized testing is essential to ensure that results are meaningful and beneficial. Administering standardized tests outside their intended purpose can undermine the effectiveness of the assessment process and lead to inaccurate conclusions about a student’s academic abilities. We strongly encourage parents to use the appropriate tools for academic evaluation and to follow the recommended guidelines for standardized testing.

CAT Survey
No degree required
No agreement required
Additional Test Information
Policies & Procedures

IOWA Form E
Bachelor’s degree preferred; not required
Test Agreement
(annual signing is required by publisher)
Sign Agreement
Additional Test Information, Policies

TerraNova/CAT 6
No degree required
Test Agreement
(one-time completion required by publisher)
Sign Agreement
Additional Test Information, Policies

Stanford 10 Online
No degree required
Test Agreement
(one-time completion required by publisher)
Sign Agreement
Additional Test Information, Policies

Security involves procedures for shipping, receiving, storing, disseminating, and controlling test materials. Test security is essential for the protection of the integrity of all standardized tests and all tests in general. All test administrators must abide by these rules in order to protect the integrity and validity of the test and the testing session.

• Test materials must be stored in a secure, locked area when not in use and only be handled by the test administrator and authorized personnel.
• Students should not be left alone with testing materials at any time.
• Test materials should not be reproduced in any way.
• Test administrators should not discuss test content or use it for review, practice or demonstration.
• Test administrators must be prepared and familiar with test directions before entering any test session.
• Test administrators must follow the procedures in the Directions for Administration and adhere to any time constraints based on the guidelines of the test.
• Test administrators must return all the materials via a trackable and insured shipping method to Seton Testing Services after the testing session.