ISEE Prometric Testing
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 Appointment Confirmation email. This is typically 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. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided for students at check-in.
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. Learn more about our rules and regulations. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided for students.
The Prometric Appointment Confirmation is emailed to families after they register to test at a Prometric Test Center. If you are unable to locate your Appointment Confirmation email, please call Prometric Candidate Care at 1-800-853-6769 (Domestic) or 001-1-800-853-6769 (International).
To check in to your exam, you must present an approved form of identification for your student. The ID must be original; copies or images are not accepted. Students taking Upper Level exams must provide a photo ID.
For All Levels (includes photo):
- School ID Card
- Passport or Green Card
- State-Issued ID,
- 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 Lower and Middle Levels Only:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
- School Report Card
- Health Insurance Card
Parents must show valid identification that includes both a photo and signature to enter the test center. Only original forms of identification are accepted; photocopies are not accepted. The following are approved forms of parent identification.
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- Government-Issued ID (including military IDs)
- State-Issued ID
Remember, a parent or guardian must remain present at the Prometric Test Center for the entire time that their student is testing.
Prometric will allow candidates to bring water into the test room during their exam. Water must be in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap. All labels must be removed, and the container will be inspected for notes or other test aids. The candidate will need to remove the lid or cap for visual inspection by the Test Center staff. Should the container not meet the requirements outlined, the candidate will be required to put it in their locker and will not be allowed to take it into the test room.
For food and drink besides water, students may bring a snack and/or drink (fruit, cookies, 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, etc. Test sites do not provide testing accommodation supplies. Check your Appointment Confirmation email 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 will vary by level. Sample tests are available to familiarize your student with the testing platform and types of questions. Learn more about test preparation.
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.
Quantitative Reasoning: 38 questions, 35 minutes
Break: 5-10 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.
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.
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.
Students displaying any abusive, confrontational, disruptive, harassing, illegal, immoral, indecent, obscene, threatening, and/or unruly behaviors or acts will be asked to correct the behavior. If these behaviors continue, 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.
Recording, copying, reproducing, disclosing, publishing, or transmitting the examination, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose is prohibited. If there is clear evidence of any of these activities taking place, 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.
Need additional ISEE Prometric testing support?
ISEE Operations
1 (800) 446-03201 (646) 503-2691Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET