Virginia SOL US History Passing Score

Virginia SOL exams are scored on a scale of 0 to 600. The passing score for the US History SOL is 400. Scores are reported in three performance levels:

• 400–600 — Pass/Proficient: Meets the graduation requirement. Scores of 500+ are considered Advanced.
• 375–399 — Near Pass: Close to the passing standard — students in this range are strong candidates for retake success with targeted review.
• Below 375 — Did Not Pass: Requires retaking the exam. Students should review all five content periods before the next attempt.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) sets the conversion from raw score to scaled score using an equating process similar to other standardized exams. The raw score needed to earn a scaled score of 400 varies slightly by administration but is typically approximately 50–55 correct answers out of 75–80 total questions.

Scores are available through the school approximately 3–4 weeks after the exam date. Students receive their scaled score plus performance level but not individual question results.

Virginia SOL US History Test Format

The Virginia US History SOL (EOC — End of Course) is administered by computer through the VDOE testing system. Format details:

• Total questions: Approximately 70–80 multiple-choice questions (the exact count varies by administration — some questions are unscored field test items)
• Time allowed: 2 hours (most students complete it in 60–90 minutes)
• Question types: Standard multiple-choice, stimulus-based questions (interpreting maps, charts, political cartoons, primary source excerpts)
• Calculator: Not permitted (history exam — not needed)
• Administration schedule: End of the spring semester (May–June) as the primary administration; retakes offered in summer and fall

Virginia SOL US History Retake Policy

Students who do not pass the US History SOL on the first attempt may retake the exam. Virginia provides retake opportunities in the summer and fall for students who failed the spring administration.

Retake rules:

• No limit on the number of retake attempts
• Students must work with their school counselor to register for retake sessions
• Some schools offer summer school or credit recovery programs that pair instruction with the retake
• The retake exam is a different form (different questions) but tests the same standards as the original

For students who repeatedly struggle: Virginia allows some alternative pathways for diploma eligibility, including course grades and verified credits. Students who have taken the class and failed the SOL multiple times should speak with their counselor about alternative diploma credit options under Virginia's flexibility guidelines.

SOL testing accommodations: Students with IEPs or 504 plans may be eligible for extended time, oral administration, or other accommodations. Accommodations must be documented in the IEP or 504 plan and requested through the school's testing coordinator before the exam date.

What Else Is Tested on Virginia SOLs for Graduation?

Virginia requires students to pass a total of 6 SOL end-of-course exams for a Standard Diploma and 6 SOLs with Advanced Studies requirements for the Advanced Studies diploma. The required subjects include English Reading, English Writing, a math (Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II), a science (Biology, Chemistry, or Earth Science), US History or Virginia and US History, and one additional test. Check the current VDOE graduation requirements for the exact list, as these requirements are updated periodically.