How it works
Unofficial test prep for the Smarter Balanced (SBAC) tests in English language arts and mathematics, grades 3 to 8 and high school. The questions and texts are our own. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.
Read the full guide
What is on this page
Three grade bands of 40 questions. Each has 20 math questions, then 20 in English language arts: reading on two short texts, writing and research. The mix follows the claims of the consortium's blueprints, and each answer names the claim and target it practices.
How the real test differs
The real test is taken on a computer and adjusts the difficulty of its questions to the student's answers. The blueprints add a performance task in each subject, and English language arts includes listening. None of that can be given here, where every question is multiple choice.
- A performance task cannot be marked here. After a text, write one paragraph that answers a question about it with two details from the text.
Questions and answers
Which states use the Smarter Balanced test?
The consortium lists twelve members: California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington. A Washington Smarter Balanced practice test and a Connecticut one cover the same claims and targets.
Where are the official Smarter Balanced practice and training tests?
On the consortium's site, under Practice Tests and Sample Questions. Practice tests cover grades 3 to 8 and high school with about 30 questions. Training tests have six questions, in three grade bands. No login is needed, and the box under the questions links there.
How long is the Smarter Balanced test?
It is untimed. The consortium estimates 3 hours 30 minutes for English language arts in grades 3 to 8 and 4 hours in grade 11. Math runs from 2 hours 30 minutes in grades 3 to 5 to 3 hours 30 minutes in grade 11.
What is a passing score on the Smarter Balanced test?
No pass mark is published. Scores run from about 2000 to 3000 in four achievement levels, and the consortium describes Levels 3 and 4 as on track for college and career readiness. Level 3 begins at 2432 in grade 3 English language arts.
Is there a printable Smarter Balanced practice test or PDF?
Yes, of this practice. Each grade band prints as a paper test with its answer key, and the print window can save it as a PDF. The consortium's own practice tests run online, in its testing software.