Test Instructions

ISEE In-Person + Online

The following instructions are for families and students taking the ISEE at an in-person location (that is not a Prometric Test Center) in the online test format.

Already have an ISEE parent account?

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.

Verification Letter

You must have a copy of your Verification Letter to check in to your test. Verification Letters are emailed to every family after they register for a test. The Verification Letter is also available in your parent account. If you are unable to locate your Verification Letter or there is incorrect information on your letter, please call the ISEE Operations Office at 1 (800) 446-0320 or 1 (646) 503-2691.

Student Identification

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

Beverages and Snacks

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.

Supplies for Testing Accommodations

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 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.

Primary 2

53 Minutes Testing+ One Break and Instructions

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.

Test Sections

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

Sample Primary 2 Test

Primary 3

54 Minutes Testing+ One Break and Instructions

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.

Test Sections

Reading: 24 questions, 28 minutes
Break: 10 minutes
Mathematics: 24 questions, 26 minutes
Total Time: 54 minutes + 10-minute break

Sample Primary 3 Test

Primary 4

1 Hour Testing+ One Break and Instructions

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.

Test Sections

Reading: 28 questions, 30 minutes
Break: 10 minutes
Mathematics: 28 questions, 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes + 10-minute break

Sample Primary 4 Test

Lower Level

2 Hours, 20 Minutes Testing+ Two Breaks and Instructions

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.

Test Sections

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

Sample Lower Level Test

Middle Level

2 Hours, 40 Minutes Testing+ Two Breaks and Instructions

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.

Test Sections

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

Sample Middle Level Test

Upper Level

2 Hours, 40 Minutes Testing+ Two Breaks and Instructions

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.

Test Sections

Sample Upper Level Test

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.

Already have an account?

Illustration of a mountain climb with a flag at the summit, representing ISEE test preparation with Test Innovators.

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.

Prohibited 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.

Cheating and Improper Behavior

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.

Disruptive Behavior

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, Disclosing, or Transmitting

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 support?

1 (800) 446-0320 1 (646) 503-2691

Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET

General Information

For general questions about
ISEE testing.

iseeoperations@e3n.org