Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
SBAC Practice Test 2025

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium 2025 or also known as SBAC, are tests that are taken online, which assess students’ knowledge of the Common Core Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics.

The Smarter Balanced testing is to be taken by 3rd grade to 8th grade and 11th-grade students. It is to measure their college and SBAC career readiness. The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System.

A great way to practice for SBAC is to take SBAC practice tests. If you want to be comfortable with the test, you can take a SBAC Math practice test, for instance.

Format and Content Outline

SBAC testing is divided into three to improve teaching and learning. They are Formative Assessment, Interim Assessment, and Summative Assessment.

1. The Formative Assessment is used by teachers and students for learning. The process requires that during instruction, there should be actionable feedback that will help teachers adjust and improve their learning strategies.

2. The Interim Assessment is also called as the optional periodic test. It is because, through it, educators would be able to track their students’ progress throughout the year. It is also composed of 3 features:

● Interim Comprehensive Assessments or ICAs are similar to Summative Assessments in content. It is convenient     for measuring the knowledge and skills of new students. It assesses the full range of targets
● Interim Assessment Blocks or IABs are used by educators to assess their students throughout the year in smaller      bundles of content. It assesses 3 to 8 targets in ELA/Literacy or Math.
● Focused IABs are those used by educators to assess 1 to 3 targets in ELA/Literacy or Math. It is for a more               detailed comprehension of student learning.

3. The Summative Assessment is the end-of-year test that measures the improvement of the students in English Language Arts/Literacy and Math for college and career readiness. It also contains two parts or formats: CAT and PT.

‥ The CAT or Computer Adaptive Test is used to measure the level of knowledge that the students have. The difficulty of the questions will rely on the answers of the students as they take the tests. The more a student answers correctly, the more challenging the questions will be.

‥ The PT or Performance Task makes use of writing, and it questions the students with multi-step and real-world problems that are based on information that is presented in the question.

To further understand the relevance of the summative assessments, the following tables show its content outline:

For English Language Arts/ Literacy, there are 4 claims. According to the Smarter Balanced Org, claims are arguments obtained from evidence about college and career readiness.

Reading

The students must have the necessary reading and analytical skills to comprehend various literary and informational texts.

Writing

The students must know how to write for different purposes and audiences effectively.

Speaking and Listening

The students must know how to effectively speak and listen for different purposes and audiences.

Research

The students must know how to investigate and research various topics and to analyze and present information.

                                                     English Language Arts/Literacy (Grades 3 to 5)

Claim/Score Reporting

Category

Content Category             Items Total Items
CATPT
Reading Literary7 to 8014 to 16
Informational7 to 8014 to 16
WritingOrganization/Purpose319
Evidence/Elaboration319
Conventions319
Speaking/ListeningListening8 to 908 to 9
Research Research819
                                                    English Language Arts/Literacy (Grades 6 to 8)

Claim/Score Reporting

Category

Content Category           Items Total Items
CATPT
Reading Literary4 to 7014 to 17
Informational10 to 12014 to 17
WritingOrganization/Purpose319
Evidence/Elaboration319
Conventions319
Speaking/ListeningListening8 to 908 to 9
Research Research81

9

                                                    English Language Arts/Literacy (Grades 11)

Claim/Score Reporting

Category

Content Category           Items Total Items
CATPT
Reading Literary4015 to 16
Informational11 to 12015 to 16
WritingOrganization/Purpose319
Evidence/Elaboration319
Conventions319
Speaking/ListeningListening8 to 908 to 9
Research Research819

For Mathematics, there are 4 mathematical claims. According to the book 6th Grade, SBAC Test Prep and Workbook for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, it contains various test type formats, such as multiple-choice, grid-in, multi-select and matching, among others.  

Concepts & Procedures

The students must be able to give explanations and applications of mathematical concepts. They must also be able to interpret various mathematical procedures with accuracy and expertise. 

Problem Solving

The students must be able to have solutions for a range of complex word problems in applied and pure mathematics. They must also have problem-solving strategies.

Communicating Reasoning

The students must know how to concisely and clearly construct arguments to support their reasoning. They must also be able to critique other people’s reasoning, as well.

Modeling and Data Analysis

The students must know how to utilize mathematical models for interpretation and problem-solving. They must also be capable of analyzing real-world scenarios. 

                                                                   Mathematics (Grades 3 to 5)

Claim/Score Reporting

Category

Content Category

               Items

Total Items

CAT

PT

Concepts & Procedures

Priority Cluster

13 to 15

0

17 to 20

Supporting Cluster

4 to 5 

0

17 to 20

Problem Solving

Problem Solving

6

2 to 4

8 to 10

Communicating Reasoning

Communicating Reasoning

8

0 to 2

8 to 10

Modeling and Data Analysis

Modeling and Data Analysis

6

2 to 4

8 to 10

                                                                   Mathematics (Grades 6 to 8)

Claim/Score Reporting

Category

Content Category

               Items

Total Items

CAT

PT

Concepts & Procedures

Priority Cluster

12 to 15

0

16 to 20

Supporting Cluster

4 to 5 

0

16 to 20

Problem Solving

Problem Solving

6

2 to 4

8 to 10

Communicating Reasoning

Communicating Reasoning

8

0 to 2

8 to 10

Modeling and Data Analysis

Modeling and Data Analysis

6

2 to 4

8 to 10

                                                                   Mathematics (Grades 11)

Claim/Score Reporting

Category

Content Category

               Items

Total Items

CAT

PT

Concepts & Procedures

Priority Cluster

14 to 16

0

19 to 22

Supporting Cluster

5 to 6 

0

8 to 10

Problem Solving

Problem Solving

6

2 to 4

8 to 10

Communicating Reasoning

Communicating Reasoning

8

0 to 2

8 to 10

Modeling and Data Analysis

Modeling and Data Analysis

6

2 to 4

8 to 10

How long is the SBAC Testing?

The Smarter Balanced Assessments are not timed. Students can take all the time that they need but for purposes of scheduling and test administration, here are some estimated testing times:

                                                                English Language Arts/Literacy
                                                                            Testing Times
GradesCATPTTotal
3 to 51:302:003:30
6 to 81:302:003:30
112:002:004:00
                                                                              Mathematics
                                                                            Testing Times
GradesCATPTTotal
3 to 51:301:002:30
6 to 82:001:003:00
112:001:303:30

What is the reporting for Smarter Balanced scores?

The students’ SBAC scores will be reported in two ways:

Scaled Scores – these are scores that contain the overall numerical score, and it is within the range of 2000 to 3000. They depict the students’ current level of achievement and their progress.

Achievement Levels – these are based on the scaled scores, and it is divided into four levels, Level 1 to 4:

                                                                  English Language Arts/Literacy
GradeLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
3<23672367 to 24312432 to 2489>2489
4<24162416 to 24722473 to 2532>2532
5<24422442to 25012502 to 2581>2581
6<24572457 to 25302531 to 2617>2617
7<24792479 to 25512552 to 2648>2648
8<24872487 to 25662567 to 2667>2667
9<24892489 to 25702571 to 2671>2671
10<24912491 to 25762577 to 2677>2677
11<24932493 to 25822583 to 2681>2681
                                                                                    Mathematics
GradeLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
3<23812381 to 24352436 to 2500>2500
4<24112411 to 24842485 to 2548>2548
5<24552455 to 25272528 to 2578>2578
6<24732473 to 25512552 to 2609>2609
7<24842484 to 25662567 to 2634>2634
8<25042504 to 25852586 to 2652>2652
9<25172517 to 26002601 to 2675>2675
10<25332533  to 26132614 to 2696>2696
11<25432543 to 26272628 to 2717>2717

How to Prepare for the Smarter Balanced test?

What you should remember is that the purpose of the assessment system is to make high-quality online tests that will be beneficial to both the educators and the students. It is in alignment with the Common Core standards. These standards help with ensuring that students will be academically successful in their various endeavors.

Since you have to take it online and it also untimed, it doesn’t mean that you do not have to prepare for it. You have to do great so your assessment will show your hard work. That’s why before taking it, you must always study and review. You won’t be able to advance in level or be considered college and career ready if you do not invest a lot of time in learning the various topics and lessons.

SBAC Questions and Answers

What is SBAC testing?

The Smarter Balanced testing is to be taken by 3rd grade to 8th grade and 11th-grade students. It is to measure their college and SBAC career readiness. The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System.

What does SBAC stand for?

SBAC stand for Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.

What is SBAC?

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium or also known as SBAC, are tests that are taken online, which assess students’ knowledge of the Common Core Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics.

How to pass the SBAC math test?

To pass the test with a 3 or 4 score, you must correctly answer 80 percent of the 29 questions. There are a total of 23 questions.

Who takes the SBAC?

Students in the third grade are given the SBAC assessment. Any pupil who has not completed third grade will be ineligible to participate. The 11th grade is the cut-off for taking the SBAC assessment. This means that students in their senior year of high school will be ineligible to take the test.

How many questions are on the SBAC?

Contain roughly 30 questions.

How is SBAC scored?

The computer adaptive section of the SBAC test is then paired with human-scored items to provide each student an overall English Language Arts and Mathematics score that is within his or her grade level range. The overall scores are always in the range of 2100 (low) to 2900 (high).

How to check my SBAC scores?

Visit the CAASPP Sample Student Score Report web page and the ELPAC Sample Student Score Report web page to see a sample student score report for each of the curriculum areas.

How to study for a SBAC test?

Try preparing your students with one of the online SBAC practice exams to help them prepare for the testing season and reduce their anxiety. By emulating the online experience for students, you may use our SBAC practice exams to boost student comfort. You’ll also have the opportunity to “pre-test” student mastery.

What does the SBAC test?

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is an assessment system created by a group of experienced educators from all over the country. The examinations come in three different formats: formative, intermediate, and summative, and they’re all designed to track students’ progress and help them prepare for future college and career routes.

What is SBAC testing used for?

The Smart Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) test tracks your child’s progress in school to aid in the improvement of education initiatives across the country, and it essentially scores your child’s teacher’s performance.

What is the difference between CAASPP and SBAC?

The assessments were created by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortia (SBAC), which will be used by member states. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), formerly known as STAR, is used in California (Standardized Testing and Reporting). The CAASPP findings are used to calculate the EAP.

When do SBAC scores come out?

Scores for the SBAC (STAR/CST) should arrive in the first week of August.

What are SBAC scores used for?

The Smart Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) uses SBAC test scores as a common level of qualification as part of the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI). While it may not be fair, a person’s entire future plans may be contingent on obtaining a specific SBAC test score.

What is SBAC testing in CT?

Connecticut Smarter Balanced tests in English language arts/literacy and mathematics are aligned to Connecticut Core Standards. A well-balanced assessment system that includes summative, optional interim, and formative assessment procedures can help teachers and students improve their teaching and learning.

Do colleges look at SBAC scores?

In seven states, including Washington and California, some colleges and universities accept SBAC scores. High school students who take the test can start their college course work or even avoid remedial courses.

How long is the SBAC test?

It takes roughly 7-8 hours and is dependent on the student’s grade.

What grades take the SBAC?

Students in California’s third through eighth grades, as well as students in grades eleven and twelve, take the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments in English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics each spring.

Are SBAC tests mandatory?

There has been substantial debate about whether parents can opt their children out of assessments such as the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC). There is nothing in state legislation that makes tests mandatory, according to the document.

What do SBAC scores mean?

Students’ achievement and growth in English Language Arts and math in grades 3-8 and high school are measured using Smarter Balanced examinations. Students who take Smarter Balanced examinations are given scaled scores and achievement levels as a result of their performance.

What happens if you don't take the SBAC?

If your home state does not participate in the SBAC, you will not be able to take the test. SBAC Assessment Scores There are two types of SBAC assessment scores: scaled scores and achievement levels.

What happens if you fail the SBAC test?

The SBAC Test is a method of determining whether or not a person you’ve been tested at the end of each academic year since third grade. If you fail in my school, nothing actually occurs. You will not be able to graduate if you do not pass the tests before your final year.

What is a good score on the SBAC?

The scale runs from 1.0 to 4.5. A Scale Score is calculated based on a student’s performance on the test. The scores on the scale range from 148 to 423.

What is the highest SBAC score?

The overall scores are always in the range of 2100 (low) to 2900 (high).

What is the purpose of SBAC testing?

The Smart Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) test tracks your child’s progress in school to help improve education efforts across the country, and it essentially scores your child’s teacher’s performance. The test is connected with Common Core standards, but it is not a curriculum evaluation.

When does SBAC testing start?

Students begin SBAC testing in grades 3–5, continue testing in middle school with the SBAC for grades 6–8, and finish with the SBAC for 11th Grade in high school. During the spring, every grade takes the SBAC Summative Assessment. Students in grades 3–8 who perform well on the SBAC test may be eligible for accelerated programs.