The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is a nationally standardized achievement test for grades K-8 that measures academic skills across reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies. Many homeschoolers use it for state compliance or to track academic progress.
What Is the Iowa Test?
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is a norm-referenced standardized test developed at the University of Iowa in 1935 to measure how well students are learning core academic subjects. Covering grades K-8 (with the ITED for grades 9-12), it assesses reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies. In 2011, the ITBS was updated and rebranded as the Iowa Assessments, though many testing providers still reference 'ITBS.' The test is respected for measuring both content knowledge and critical thinking skills, making it a popular choice among homeschool families.
Key Takeaways
- Covers 10 subject areas including reading, math, science, and social studies
- Available for grades K-12 (ITBS for K-8, ITED for 9-12)
- Requires a test administrator with a bachelor's degree
- Costs typically range from $20-$65 per student depending on provider
What the Test Covers
How to Order for Homeschool
Unlike the CAT test, the ITBS requires a test administrator with at least a bachelor's degree, teaching certification, or equivalent experience. Several providers serve homeschool families: BJU Press Testing offers online testing with results in 5-7 business days. Seton Testing Services provides paper tests for $29-$39. Triangle Education Assessments rents tests to homeschools and small private schools. Contact your state homeschool organization, as many arrange group testing sessions with qualified administrators.
Understanding Your Scores
The National Percentile Rank (NPR) is the most important score. It shows how your child compared to other students at the same grade level nationally. A score of 62 means your child performed better than 62% of same-grade students. Scores between 26-74 are considered average range. The Grade Equivalent score shows performance relative to grade levels (3.7 means 7th month of 3rd grade) but should not be used to determine if a child should skip grades. Focus on year-over-year growth rather than single-test performance.
ITBS vs. Other Tests
The Bottom Line
The Iowa Test offers a solid middle ground among standardized tests: more rigorous than the CAT but with less pressure than the Stanford 10. Its long history and balanced approach to measuring both knowledge and thinking skills make it a reliable choice for tracking academic progress. Just remember that homeschoolers unfamiliar with timed testing may score lower initially, and one test score never tells the whole story. Use results as one data point among many to understand your child's educational development.
