A test administrator is the person responsible for administering standardized achievement tests to homeschool students. Requirements vary by test: some allow any parent to administer, while others require a bachelor's degree or certified professional.
What is a Test Administrator?
A test administrator is the individual responsible for overseeing standardized achievement test administration to homeschool students. This person secures and schedules the test, ensures proper handling of materials, maintains testing conditions according to publisher protocols, and keeps results on file. In the homeschool context, the test administrator may be the parent (often called the "home school chief administrator"), another qualified adult, or a professional testing service—depending on state requirements and the specific test being used.
Key Takeaways
- Requirements vary significantly by test type and state law
- Some tests (CAT, TerraNova 2, BASI) allow any parent to administer without qualifications
- Stanford and Iowa Assessments require a bachelor's degree for administration
- Some states prohibit parents from administering tests regardless of qualifications
- Professional testing services offer alternatives when parent administration isn't allowed or preferred
Administrator Requirements by Test
Can Parents Administer Tests?
In many cases, yes. Parents with a four-year degree can qualify as test administrators for most major standardized tests, and several tests have no qualification requirements at all. However, state law sometimes overrides test publisher policies. Pennsylvania, for example, requires an independent administrator rather than the homeschooling parent. North Dakota requires state-certified teachers to administer assessments. Before administering your child's test, check both your state's requirements and the specific test's policies. The intersection of these two determines your options.
Finding a Test Administrator
When parent administration isn't possible or preferred, several alternatives exist. Local and state homeschool organizations often coordinate group testing events with qualified administrators. Homeschool co-ops regularly organize testing days for member families. Some public school districts offer testing services to homeschoolers—Pennsylvania actually requires districts to provide this. Private schools, professional testing centers, and online proctoring services (via Zoom) round out the options. Many testing services like BJU Press, Seton Testing, and Family Learning Organization handle the administration for you if you'd rather not navigate requirements yourself.
Best Practices for Test Administration
Regardless of who administers, standardized testing should follow strict protocols to ensure valid results. Test in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Adhere to time limits exactly as specified. Don't provide hints or help beyond what instructions allow. Keep materials secure before and after testing. Many educational organizations recommend having tests administered by an independent, objective party when possible—not because parents can't be trusted, but because standardized conditions produce the most useful data for evaluating student progress.
The Bottom Line
Understanding test administrator requirements prevents surprises when testing season arrives. The good news is that many standardized tests allow parent administration, either unconditionally or with a bachelor's degree. When parent administration isn't an option, testing services and community resources fill the gap. Check both your state's requirements and your chosen test's policies early so you can arrange testing without last-minute scrambling.
