Testing Dates
Source: http://www.northallegheny.org/departments/secondary-education/testing-dates
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Testing Dates
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Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
In compliance with §4.51(a)(4) of the PA School Code, the State Board of Education approved, "specific criteria for advanced, proficient, basic and below basic levels of performance."
The state's assessment system known as the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) helps Pennsylvania and the district meet federal and state requirements. They are designed to serve as one data point to indicate how students, schools, and school districts are progressing on those standards to parents, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAS are taken by students in grades 3–8. These assessments include items that are consistent with the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The Science PSSA is administered to students in grades 4 & 8. This assessment includes items that are aligned to the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology.
PSSAs are administered during the spring according to a testing schedule set by the Department of Education.
click here to view more information about pssa testing
English Language Arts for Grades 3–8
April 20–24, 2026
Math for Grades 3–8
April 27–May 1, 2026
Science for Grades 5 & 8
April 27–May 1, 2026
For Students Moving into the District
Testing will take place at
Marshall Middle School (5145 Wexford Run Road, Wexford, PA 15090)
. The testing will be administered in the cafe on the first floor at MMS. Testing times on each of the days listed below will be from
8:00 AM–Noon but students must arrive no later than 10:00 AM
. The middle school tests take approximately 60 minutes and for students completing Algebra I or beyond, the test takes approximately 1.5 hours. There is no need to register in advance. Students are permitted to bring their own calculator, however, scientific and graphics calculators are available on site.
For Students Attempting to Advance Over the Summer
Testing will take place at
CCAC North Campus (8701 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237)
on
Thursday, July 23, 2026
, which is the last day of summer school at CCAC.
NOTE: Students must bring their own calculator!
Testing Dates for Students Moving into the District
@ Marshall Middle School
Wednesday, June 10
Wednesday, July 15
Wednesday, August 5
Testing Date for Students Attempting to Advance Over the Summer
@ CCAC North Campus
Thursday, July 23
NOTE: Students must complete exam in their room’s 3-hour testing window
Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement Tests are published by the College Board. Participating in Advanced Placement courses gives students an opportunity to take college-level work in high school and gain valuable skills and study habits for college. By taking an Advanced Placement Test and scoring a qualifying score of 3 or better, students can earn college credit or advanced placement status.
AP Testing Window
May 4–15, 2026
Resources
College Board
AP Credit Policy Search
ACT
The American College Test (ACT®) contains multiple-choice tests in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. ACT's writing test is optional and will not affect your composite score. In addition, ACT Test Results assist teachers and school administrators in developing and implementing more effective educational services to students.
Measures
Understanding of English, production of writing and knowledge of language skills
The mathematical skills typically acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12
Reading comprehension commonly encountered in first-year college curricula
The interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics
Scale scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high)
Test Dates
All tests are administered at NASH. Doors open at 7:15 AM
October 18, 2025
December 13, 2025
February 14, 2026
April 11, 2026
June 13, 2026
For scheduling and other information, visit
ACT.org
or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in the United States.
Measures
Verbal Reasoning Skills
Critical Reading Skills
Math Problem-Solving Skills
Writing Skills
Test Date
October 11, 2025
Reasons for Taking the PSAT/NMSQT
Practice test for SAT program tests
To receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study
To see how performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college
To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
The PSAT/NMSQT is designed to be taken in the junior year, however, it can be taken earlier
For scheduling and other information, visit
www.collegeboard.org
or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
SAT
What is It?
The Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) created by the College Board, the SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.
The SAT provides colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. However, it is just one factor in the admissions decision. Schools consider high school GPA, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, interviews, and personal essays.
Colleges and universities use SAT results for admission in specific programs and as a basis for awarding merit-based financial aid.
What Areas Are Covered?
There are three sections of the SAT: Critical Reading, Writing, and Math.
Scoring
The mean score for each section of the SAT is set at or near the midpoint of 500 of the 200-800 score scale.
How Long is the Test?
The new SAT is a 3 hour and 45-minute test that measures critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college.
Test Dates
All tests are administered at NASH. Doors open at 7:15 AM
August 23, 2025
October 4. 2025
November 8, 2025
December 6, 2025
March 14, 2026
May 2, 2026
For scheduling and other information, visit
www.collegeboard.org
or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
The Keystone Exams
The Keystone Exams are state-mandated, end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra, Literature, and Biology.
Test Dates
December 3–17, 2025
May 11–22, 2026
Skip To Main Content
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
In compliance with §4.51(a)(4) of the PA School Code, the State Board of Education approved, "specific criteria for advanced, proficient, basic and below basic levels of performance."
The state's assessment system known as the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) helps Pennsylvania and the district meet federal and state requirements. They are designed to serve as one data point to indicate how students, schools, and school districts are progressing on those standards to parents, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAS are taken by students in grades 3–8. These assessments include items that are consistent with the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The Science PSSA is administered to students in grades 4 & 8. This assessment includes items that are aligned to the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology.
PSSAs are administered during the spring according to a testing schedule set by the Department of Education.
click here to view more information about pssa testing
English Language Arts for Grades 3–8
April 20–24, 2026
Math for Grades 3–8
April 27–May 1, 2026
Science for Grades 5 & 8
April 27–May 1, 2026
For Students Moving into the District
Testing will take place at
Marshall Middle School (5145 Wexford Run Road, Wexford, PA 15090)
. The testing will be administered in the cafe on the first floor at MMS. Testing times on each of the days listed below will be from
8:00 AM–Noon but students must arrive no later than 10:00 AM
. The middle school tests take approximately 60 minutes and for students completing Algebra I or beyond, the test takes approximately 1.5 hours. There is no need to register in advance. Students are permitted to bring their own calculator, however, scientific and graphics calculators are available on site.
For Students Attempting to Advance Over the Summer
Testing will take place at
CCAC North Campus (8701 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237)
on
Thursday, July 23, 2026
, which is the last day of summer school at CCAC.
NOTE: Students must bring their own calculator!
Testing Dates for Students Moving into the District
@ Marshall Middle School
Wednesday, June 10
Wednesday, July 15
Wednesday, August 5
Testing Date for Students Attempting to Advance Over the Summer
@ CCAC North Campus
Thursday, July 23
NOTE: Students must complete exam in their room’s 3-hour testing window
Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement Tests are published by the College Board. Participating in Advanced Placement courses gives students an opportunity to take college-level work in high school and gain valuable skills and study habits for college. By taking an Advanced Placement Test and scoring a qualifying score of 3 or better, students can earn college credit or advanced placement status.
AP Testing Window
May 4–15, 2026
Resources
College Board
AP Credit Policy Search
ACT
The American College Test (ACT®) contains multiple-choice tests in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. ACT's writing test is optional and will not affect your composite score. In addition, ACT Test Results assist teachers and school administrators in developing and implementing more effective educational services to students.
Measures
Understanding of English, production of writing and knowledge of language skills
The mathematical skills typically acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12
Reading comprehension commonly encountered in first-year college curricula
The interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics
Scale scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high)
Test Dates
All tests are administered at NASH. Doors open at 7:15 AM
October 18, 2025
December 13, 2025
February 14, 2026
April 11, 2026
June 13, 2026
For scheduling and other information, visit
ACT.org
or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in the United States.
Measures
Verbal Reasoning Skills
Critical Reading Skills
Math Problem-Solving Skills
Writing Skills
Test Date
October 11, 2025
Reasons for Taking the PSAT/NMSQT
Practice test for SAT program tests
To receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study
To see how performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college
To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
The PSAT/NMSQT is designed to be taken in the junior year, however, it can be taken earlier
For scheduling and other information, visit
www.collegeboard.org
or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
SAT
What is It?
The Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) created by the College Board, the SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.
The SAT provides colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. However, it is just one factor in the admissions decision. Schools consider high school GPA, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, interviews, and personal essays.
Colleges and universities use SAT results for admission in specific programs and as a basis for awarding merit-based financial aid.
What Areas Are Covered?
There are three sections of the SAT: Critical Reading, Writing, and Math.
Scoring
The mean score for each section of the SAT is set at or near the midpoint of 500 of the 200-800 score scale.
How Long is the Test?
The new SAT is a 3 hour and 45-minute test that measures critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college.
Test Dates
All tests are administered at NASH. Doors open at 7:15 AM
August 23, 2025
October 4. 2025
November 8, 2025
December 6, 2025
March 14, 2026
May 2, 2026
For scheduling and other information, visit
www.collegeboard.org
or contact your student’s guidance counselor.
The Keystone Exams
The Keystone Exams are state-mandated, end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra, Literature, and Biology.
Test Dates
December 3–17, 2025
May 11–22, 2026