The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA) is an individually-administered standardized assessment measuring academic skills in reading, math, written language, and oral language for ages 4 through 25.
What is the Kaufman Test (KTEA)?
The KTEA is a comprehensive achievement test developed by Drs. Alan and Nadeen Kaufman, currently in its third edition (KTEA-3). Unlike group-administered tests where students fill in bubbles on answer sheets, the KTEA is given one-on-one by a qualified professional who can observe how your child approaches problems—not just whether they get answers right. The test measures reading, mathematics, written expression, and oral language skills, with built-in features for identifying dyslexia and other learning differences. Testing takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on the child's age.
Key Takeaways
- Individually administered by licensed professionals (Level B qualification required)
- Measures reading, math, writing, and oral language skills comprehensively
- Includes dyslexia screening component and detailed error analysis
- Costs typically range from $65-$200 depending on provider
- Available in-person or via telepractice for remote administration
Why Homeschoolers Choose the KTEA
The KTEA offers something standardized group tests cannot—detailed diagnostic information about your child's specific strengths and skill gaps. While the Iowa Test of Basic Skills tells you your child scored at a certain percentile in reading, the KTEA tells you why they struggle with reading comprehension or which specific phonological skills need work. For parents planning instruction or considering whether to pursue a formal learning disability evaluation, this level of detail proves invaluable.
State Compliance and Scholarship Requirements
About half of U.S. states require some form of standardized testing for homeschoolers. The KTEA-3 satisfies these requirements in many jurisdictions and is specifically accepted for programs like Florida's Step Up For Students scholarship. Before scheduling a KTEA, verify your state accepts it for compliance purposes—some states maintain approved test lists that may or may not include individual achievement tests like the KTEA.
Finding an Examiner
Because the KTEA requires Level B qualification to administer, parents cannot give this test themselves. Options include educational psychologists, school psychologists, educational diagnosticians, and specialized homeschool testing services. Many providers now offer telepractice administration, making the test accessible to families in rural areas. Expect to pay between $65 for budget testing services and $200 or more through clinical providers.
The Bottom Line
The KTEA-3 represents a step up from typical homeschool standardized tests, offering diagnostic depth that helps parents understand not just where their child stands academically, but why they might be struggling in specific areas. For families considering a learning disability evaluation or wanting detailed guidance for curriculum planning, the KTEA provides actionable insights. The requirement for professional administration adds cost and logistics compared to parent-administered tests, but the quality of information often justifies the investment.
