The PASS Test (Personalized Achievement Summary System) is a standardized achievement test designed specifically for homeschooled students in grades 3-8, featuring untimed administration and parent-friendly design.
What is the PASS Test?
The PASS Test is a standardized achievement test published by Hewitt Learning and designed from the ground up for homeschooling families. Unlike tests adapted from classroom settings, PASS was built with homeschool realities in mind: it's untimed to reduce testing anxiety, administered by parents without certification requirements, and uses adaptive placement to match difficulty to each student's level. Over 350,000 PASS tests have been administered since the program began.
Key Takeaways
- Available for grades 3-8 only—not for younger or high school students
- Covers reading, math, and language arts through adaptive difficulty levels
- Officially accepted in New York, North Carolina, Washington, and Alaska
- Costs $42 per test for single orders, with volume discounts available
How PASS Differs from Other Tests
The Testing Process
Order tests through Hewitt Learning's website or by phone. When materials arrive, you'll administer a placement test first to determine the appropriate difficulty level—this prevents the frustration of questions that are too easy or too hard. The actual test is untimed, so children can work at their natural pace. After completion, mail the test back within 30 days. Results arrive in 4-6 weeks, including national percentile comparisons and a sample of homeschooler comparisons.
State Acceptance
PASS is officially accepted for homeschool compliance in New York, North Carolina, Washington, and Alaska. Many districts in other states also accept it, but acceptance varies by district—always verify with your local school district before assuming PASS will satisfy your state's requirements. If your state requires testing but doesn't explicitly list PASS as approved, contact your district's homeschool coordinator for guidance.
The Bottom Line
The PASS Test fills a specific niche: families who need standardized testing for compliance but want an assessment designed with homeschoolers in mind. The untimed format and adaptive difficulty make it a gentler testing experience, particularly for children who struggle with test anxiety. Just confirm your state or district accepts PASS before ordering—its limited grade range and narrower state acceptance mean it's not right for everyone.
