What is the TACHS exam?

The TACHS exam is the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools, a standardized entrance examination required for admission to Catholic high schools in the New York area. The exam assesses students' abilities in reading comprehension, language arts, mathematics, and reasoning through an ability section. Administered annually in early November, the TACHS helps Catholic high schools evaluate applicants' academic readiness and potential for success in rigorous high school curricula.

How long is the TACHS exam?

The TACHS exam takes approximately three hours to complete from start to finish. This duration includes time for all four sections: reading, language arts, mathematics, and ability. The extended testing period makes stamina and pacing critical skills. Students must manage their energy effectively, maintain focus throughout the entire exam, and allocate time appropriately across sections to maximize their performance.

What is a good TACHS score?

A good TACHS score depends on your target schools' competitiveness and admission standards. Generally, scores above the 70th percentile are considered competitive for many Catholic high schools, while the most selective institutions may look for scores in the 85th percentile or higher. Rather than focusing solely on a specific number, students should research their target schools' typical admitted student profiles and set goals accordingly. Prep classes help students understand score interpretation and develop realistic, personalized targets.

How many questions are on the TACHS exam?

The TACHS exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions distributed across its four sections. The reading section includes 50 questions, language arts has 50 questions, mathematics contains 50 questions, and the ability section features 50 questions. Understanding this distribution helps students develop appropriate pacing strategies, as each section requires different amounts of time and different approaches to maximize correct answers.

Can you use a calculator on the TACHS test?

No, calculators are not permitted on the TACHS exam. Students must complete all mathematical calculations manually, which emphasizes the importance of strong fundamental arithmetic skills. This policy requires students to be proficient with basic operations, fractions, decimals, and percentages without technological assistance. Prep classes incorporate calculator-free practice to ensure students develop the necessary computational fluency.

How is the TACHS exam graded?

The TACHS uses a scaled scoring system that converts raw scores (number of correct answers) to standardized scores. This scaling process accounts for variations in exam difficulty across different test administrations, ensuring fair comparisons between students who take the exam in different years. Students receive individual section scores as well as a composite score. Understanding this scoring system helps families interpret results accurately and set appropriate preparation goals.

When do TACHS scores come out?

TACHS results are typically released in mid to late January, approximately two months after the November exam administration. Students and families receive score reports that include scaled scores for each section, percentile rankings, and the composite score. These reports help families make informed decisions during the high school selection and enrollment process. Many prep programs offer score interpretation services to help families understand results and plan next steps.

Ultimate Guide to TACHS Prep Classes

FREE TACHS 2026 online prep with 25+ practice questions. Use our exam simulator to ace the test on your first try. [Updated March 2026]

TACHS - Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools By Dr. Alexandra KimApr 9, 202611 min read

The Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS) represents a critical milestone for eighth-grade students in the New York area seeking admission to Catholic high schools. With competition increasing each year and students striving to secure spots in their preferred institutions, proper preparation has become more essential than ever. TACHS prep classes offer structured guidance, expert instruction, and comprehensive resources that can significantly improve student performance and confidence.

Understanding the TACHS exam's format, content, and strategies is crucial for success. The exam assesses students' abilities across reading, language arts, mathematics, and ability sections, requiring not just knowledge but also test-taking skills and time management. This is where quality TACHS prep classes make a substantial difference. They provide students with the tools, practice, and support needed to approach the exam with confidence and achieve their target scores.

Candidates can also sharpen their skills with our TACHS practice test 2026, which includes hundreds of practice questions in the exact format and difficulty of the real exam.

TACHS Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the TACHS - Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

TACHS Mathematics Practice Test

TACHS Exam Questions covering Mathematics Practice Test. Master TACHS Test concepts for certification prep.

Ultimate Guide to TACHS Prep Classes - TACHS preparation guide

TACHS Questions and Answers

Conclusion

TACHS prep classes provide invaluable support for students pursuing Catholic high school admission. Through structured curriculum, expert instruction, comprehensive practice materials, and strategic test-taking techniques, these programs significantly enhance student performance and confidence. The investment in quality preparation pays dividends not only in improved test scores but also in the study skills, discipline, and academic confidence that benefit students throughout high school and beyond.

Success on the TACHS exam requires more than just intelligence or academic ability—it demands specific knowledge, practiced skills, and strategic approaches that prep classes systematically develop. From understanding exam format and content to mastering time management and stress reduction techniques, comprehensive preparation addresses every aspect of the testing experience. Students who participate in quality prep programs consistently outperform those who attempt independent preparation, demonstrating the value of expert guidance and structured learning.

About the Author

Dr. Alexandra KimPhD Professional Studies, CPLP, CPTD

Certified Professional Development Expert & Niche Certification Advisor

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

Dr. Alexandra Kim holds a PhD in Professional Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) and Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). With 17 years of corporate training and professional certification advisory experience, she helps professionals navigate specialized, emerging, and cross-industry certification programs.