Homeschool testing and evaluations
Check what your state requires first; then pick a test, a portfolio review or a placement test that fits.
Testing rules differ by state. Peabody's state law pages, checked against statutes and state education department pages, found no state testing or evaluation requirement in 29 of 49 states we have checked; the rest ask for a test, an evaluation, a choice of either, or a rule that varies. This hub links the details for your state and the three kinds of evaluation.
Checked October 27, 2026.
This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change: check your state's current law and its education department before you act.
The three kinds
- Standardized tests compared: a nationally normed test you give at home or with a proctor.
- Portfolio evaluations explained: a person reviews your child's work.
- Placement tests: not required by law; they tell you where to start in a program.
Your state
Find your state in the homeschool laws; each page has the testing line and its sources. The two tables on the pages above list the states that ask.
The pages
- Standardized tests for homeschoolers compared: Iowa, Stanford and MAPWhat the Iowa Assessments, the Stanford 10 and MAP Growth are, grades covered, how a family can get one, and the states whose law page asks for a test. No affiliate links.
- Portfolio evaluations explained: what to bring and who may review itWhat a portfolio evaluation is, what to put in one, and the states whose law pages list an evaluation as the way to show progress, each linked to its statute.
- Free homeschool placement tests: where to start in a programWhat a placement test is for, why it is not a state test, and a free set from All About Learning Press for reading, spelling and math, with how to read the result.
Sources
- Peabody's state homeschool law pages (each lists its statutes and state education department pages) (checked October 27, 2026)