ISEE In-Person + Paper
Rest and relax
Families should try to keep test day as stress-free as possible. Students should get a good night's sleep, eat a nutritious meal before the test, and refrain from any last-minute “cramming.”
It's okay to guess
No one is expected to answer every question correctly. Students in a lower grade taking the same test as students in a higher grade are expected to obtain fewer correct answers. Remember, a student's test performance is compared only to the performance of students at their own grade level.
Try to answer every question
Students should attempt to answer every question as there are no penalties for incorrect answers. But don't spend too much time on any one question; it is better to move on to the next question and return to skipped items within a test section if time permits.
Check-In Time
Check in to your test by the check-in time listed in your Verification Letter. This is typically 15 - 30 minutes before the test starts. Give yourself plenty of travel time to avoid any undue anxiety from rushing. Late arrivals are not permitted to test and are responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.
What to Bring
Make sure to bring the following items to the test. Only the items listed below are allowed in the testing room. Do not bring any other personal items—like smart devices (including wearables) or cell phones—into the testing room unless they are approved for use by ERB as a testing accommodation.
For more information about our rules and regulations go here.
You must check in for your exam with an approved form of identification for your student. Students taking Upper Level exams must provide a photo ID.
For All Levels (includes photo):
- School ID Card
- State-issued ID, Passport, or Green Card
- Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit
- Military Dependent ID
- Work Visa
- Global Entry Card
- National Identity Card
- Employment Authorization Card
- Tribal Card
- ISEE Student ID Form
For Primary, Lower, and Middle Levels Only:
- Birth certificate
- Social security card
- School report card
- Health Insurance Card
Students taking paper tests should bring only the following materials into the testing room:
- Four, sharpened #2 or HB pencils.
- Four good erasers (if not part of the pencil).
- Two black or blue ballpoint pens (erasable pens are permitted).
Students may bring a snack and/or drink (fruit, cookies, water, juice, etc.) to consume during the scheduled testing break(s). Snacks and drinks, including items like chewing gum, mints, or candy, can only be consumed during breaks and not during testing unless a student has been specifically approved for accommodations that allow for the consumption of food and drinks during testing.
If your student is approved for certain testing accommodations, bring any necessary supplies to support your student's accommodations like calculators, graphic organizers, etc. Test sites do not provide testing accommodation supplies. Check your Verification letter or parent account to confirm any accommodations for which your student is approved.
Test Details
The test contains timed sections that cover different academic subjects. Timing and subjects vary by level. Sample tests are available to familiarize your student with the types of questions on the test. Learn more about test preparation.
Primary 2
For students applying to Grade 2. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.
- Auditory Comprehension: 6 questions, 7 minutes
- Reading: 18 questions, 20 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Mathematics: 24 questions, 26 minutes
Total Time: 53 minutes + 10-minute break
Primary 3
For students applying to Grade 3. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.
- Reading: 24 questions, 28 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Mathematics: 24 questions, 26 minutes
Total Time: 54 minutes + 10-minute break
Primary 4
For students applying to Grade 4. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.
- Reading: 28 questions, 30 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Mathematics: 28 questions, 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes + 10-minute break
Lower Level
For students applying to Grades 5 - 6. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.
- Verbal Reasoning: 34 questions, 20 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: 38 questions, 35 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Reading Comprehension: 25 questions, 25 minutes
- Mathematics Achievement: 30 questions, 30 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes + two 10-minute breaks
Middle Level
For students applying to Grades 7 - 8. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.
- Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions, 20 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: 37 questions, 35 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Reading Comprehension: 36 questions, 35 minutes
- Mathematics Achievement: 47 questions, 40 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 40 minutes + two 10-minute breaks
Upper Level
For students applying to Grades 9 - 12. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.
- Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions, 20 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: 37 questions, 35 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Reading Comprehension: 36 questions, 35 minutes
- Mathematics Achievement: 47 questions, 40 minutes
- Break: 10 minutes
- Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 40 minutes + two 10-minute breaks
Preparation from Test Innovators
Test Innovators provides engaging, interactive preparation tools to help every ISEE registrant fully demonstrate their academic abilities on the test. The program works by introducing students to the types of questions they'll encounter on the test, providing instantaneous feedback and time management insights as they answer practice questions, and helping them build confidence through skill-building videos and additional resources to help combat test anxiety.
Rules and Regulations
To preserve the integrity of the test and to create a safe and productive testing environment, students who do not adhere to the rules and regulations may be excused from the test. Some personal items are permitted if the student is approved for testing accommodations that allow for the express use of those items.
Students may not bring any personal items except for those listed above into the testing room*. This includes cell phones, smart watches, calculators, books, paper (except for blank scratch paper), cameras, and weapons. If these regulations are violated, your student may be excused from the test, their scores will not be processed, and your family will be responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.
*Some personal items are permitted if the student is approved for testing accommodations that allow for the express use of those items.
Communication with other students during the test, using materials or objects not allowed in the testing room (including cell phones) unless approved by ERB as a testing accommodation, or working in a section of the test after time is called or before permission to do so is given are strictly prohibited. If these regulations are violated, your student may be excused from the test, their scores will not be processed, and your family will be responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.
If there are any questions surrounding a student's identity, your student may be excused from the test, their scores will not be processed, and your family will be responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.