PARCC Test Study Guide – Preparation Tips & Practice for 2025
Oct 28, 2025
The PARCC test is a standardized assessment program developed by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC).
It measures skills in English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Math at grade levels three to 10.
While test results will not contribute to GPA, students should still prepare with dedicated study and PARCC practice questions.
If you live in a state that participates in the PARCC program, your child will take the PARCC test during a specified testing window in the spring of every academic year.
This guide is designed to help you understand how this test works, what the scores mean and how to support your child throughout the process.
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What Is the PARCC Test?
The PARCC test is an assessment program developed and administered by a consortium of US states collectively known as PARCC – the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers.
This consortium exists to offer a standardized assessment system in place of individual state-specific testing programs.
The purpose of the PARCC assessment is to evaluate a student’s proficiency in the key academic subjects of English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics.
The assessment is administered to students in grades three through 10 and aligns closely with the Common Core State Standards, which outline the specific knowledge and skills students should possess at each grade level.
The PARCC test serves as a tool to measure a student's preparedness for college and careers by assessing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and the practical application of knowledge in real-world scenarios.
It also plays a role in tracking educational progress and identifying areas that may require improvement.
Understanding the nature and purpose of the PARCC test is essential for effective preparation and successful performance.
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What Is the Format of the PARCC Assessment?
The PARCC exam consists of two main test sections – one for ELA and another for mathematics.
The exact format and content varies across grade level versions, but a general overview of each section is given below.
PARCC English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) Test
The ELA test is split into two separate test units, and typically includes three main components of reading comprehension, writing and research simulation.
These components assess a wide range of literacy skills, including reading, writing, critical thinking and analysis.
Reading Comprehension
Students read passages or texts and answer questions that assess their understanding of the material.
These may include multiple-choice questions and constructed response questions that require written explanations.
Writing
The writing component often involves tasks where students are required to produce written responses, such as essays, narrative pieces or arguments.
They are expected to use evidence from provided texts to support their writing.
Research Simulation
In this part of the ELA test, students engage in research-based tasks.
They analyze multiple sources of information and synthesize their findings to address specific questions or topics.
The ELA test is administered in this format to students in grades three to 10.
At grade three level, each test unit is 75 minutes long. For grades four to 10, each test unit is 90 minutes long.
PARCC Math Test
The PARCC math test is administered in a slightly different format depending on a student’s grade level.
For grades three to five, the math assessment is split into three test units, each 60 minutes long, all of which must be completed without the use of a calculator.
At this level, topics covered include basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals and introductory algebra.
For grades six to eight, the test is again split into three 60-minute test units, but with a mix of calculator and non-calculator questions.
At this level, students are tested on more advanced mathematical concepts, like trigonometry, calculus and statistics.
For grades nine and 10, the math test is split into two test units, both 90 minutes long.
These contain both calculator and non-calculator questions and cover the subjects of Algebra 1 (I), Geometry and Algebra 2 (II).
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How Is the PARCC Test Administered?
Both the ELA and mathematics sections of the PARCC assessment are typically administered in a computer-based format.
Schools and testing centers use a secure online testing platform provided by PARCC to deliver the assessments, ensuring standardized testing conditions.
Participating schools are given a testing window at the end of each academic year, usually 20 days, to deliver each section of the test.
These are not issued in one go but spread out across the given timeframe so as not to overwhelm students or disrupt regular classroom activities.
Trained proctors or educators typically supervise the testing to maintain test security and integrity.
Accommodations, such as extra time or assistive technology, may be provided to students with disabilities or special needs to ensure equal access to the assessment.
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PARCC Practice Questions
Below is a selection of PARCC practice questions for both the ELA and math sections of the test.
We have provided one question per subject for grades four, six, eight and 10 to give you a broad understanding of what you can expect at each grade level.
PARCC ELA Practice Test: Grade Four
Read the following excerpt from a story:
'Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a brave young knight named Arthur. He dreamed of embarking on daring adventures and saving the kingdom from evil dragons.'
What is the main character's name in this story?
a) Faraway
b) Arthur
c) Kingdom
d) Brave
The correct answer is: b) Arthur
The main character's name is explicitly mentioned in the text as "a brave young knight named Arthur".
PARCC ELA Practice Test: Grade Six
Read the following passage:
'The sun sank below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the tranquil lake. Sarah gazed at the reflection of the mountains on the water's surface, lost in the beauty of the moment.'
What is the mood or feeling described in this passage?
a) Fear
b) Joy
c) Sadness
d) Excitement
The correct answer is: b) Joy
The passage describes a serene and beautiful scene with words like "tranquil" and "beauty", indicating a mood of joy and contentment.
PARCC ELA Practice Test: Grade Eight
Read the following excerpt from a persuasive essay:
'School uniforms promote a sense of unity and equality among students. When everyone dresses the same, it reduces the focus on clothing brands and fosters a more inclusive school environment.'
What is the main argument the author is making in this passage?
a) School uniforms are expensive
b) Clothing brands are important
c) School uniforms create unity and equality
d) Students should wear whatever they want
The correct answer is: c) School uniforms create unity and equality.
The main argument presented in the passage is that school uniforms promote unity and equality among students.
PARCC ELA Practice Test: Grade 10
Read the following excerpt from a poem:
The night sky, a tapestry of stars, whispered secrets to those who dared to listen. In the darkness, the universe unfolded its mysteries, revealing the wonders of the cosmos.
What literary device is used in this passage?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Alliteration
d) Onomatopoeia
The correct answer is: b) Metaphor
The passage compares the night sky to a "tapestry of stars", using a metaphor to create a vivid image of the night sky.
PARCC Math Practice Test: Grade Four
If a pack of colored pencils contains 12 pencils, and Sarah has 4 packs of colored pencils, how many colored pencils does she have in total?
a) 12 pencils
b) 16 pencils
c) 24 pencils
d) 48 pencils
The correct answer is: d) 48 pencils
To find the total number of colored pencils, you can multiply the number of packs by the number of pencils in each pack: 4 packs × 12 pencils/pack = 48 pencils
PARCC Math Practice Test: Grade Six
A rectangular garden measures 8 meters in length and 5 meters in width. What is the perimeter of the garden?
a) 10 meters
b) 16 meters
c) 19 meters
d) 26 meters
The correct answer is: d) 26 meters
To find the perimeter of a rectangle, add the measurements of all four sides. In this case, it's 8 meters + 8 meters + 5 meters + 5 meters = 26 meters.
PARCC Math Practice Test: Grade Eight
If a smartphone originally costs $400 and is on sale for 20% off, what is the sale price of the smartphone?
a) $40
b) $80
c) $320
d) $480
The correct answer is: c) $320
To calculate the sale price after a 20% discount, you can multiply the original price by 0.8 (100% – 20%). So, $400 × 0.8 = $320.
PARCC Math Practice Test: Grade 10
At this level the math test splits into Algebra 1 (I), Algebra 2 (II) and Geometry.
Below is a PARCC Algebra 1 practice test question.
Solve for x:
3x – 5 = 2x + 7
a) x = 12
b) x = 2
c) x = –12
d) x = –2
The correct answer is: a) x = 12
To solve for x, first subtract 2x from both sides of the equation to isolate the x term.
This gives you x – 5 = 7. Then, add 5 to both sides to solve for x, resulting in x = 12.
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How Is the PARCC Test Scored?
PARCC test scores are reported using both scaled scores and a system of achievement levels.
Scaled scores range from 650 to 850 and are given for each individual test.
Based on these scaled scores, students are then placed into a particular level of achievement.
These achievement levels provide a clear indication of a student's proficiency in the assessed subjects:
- Level 1 – Did Not Yet Meet Expectations
- Level 2 – Partially Met Expectations
- Level 3 – Approached Expectations
- Level 4 – Met Expectations
- Level 5 – Exceeded Expectations
PARCC test scores are accompanied by detailed reports that provide insights into a student's performance in specific content areas.
These reports can be valuable tools for educators, parents and students to identify strengths and areas that need improvement.
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How Are PARCC Test Scores Used?
PARCC test scores are used for various purposes, including curriculum development and evaluating school and/or teacher performance.
At an individual student level, however, PARCC test scores can be used for:
Measuring Proficiency
PARCC scores help determine whether students are meeting grade-level expectations and are proficient in the assessed subjects.
This information can guide decisions about grade promotion and graduation readiness.
Identifying Areas for Improvement
By analyzing PARCC scores, educators can identify specific areas where students may need additional help or intervention, allowing for personalized learning plans.
College Admissions
Some colleges and universities may consider PARCC scores as part of their admissions process, especially for students who attended schools where PARCC assessments were required.
Career Preparation
PARCC scores help ensure that students are adequately prepared for the world of work by measuring critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and subject-matter knowledge.
It’s important to note that PARCC test scores are not representative of a student’s overall potential.
They are specific academic assessments and should be viewed as one aspect of a student's educational journey.
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How to Prepare for the PARCC Assessment
If your child is scheduled to take the PARCC assessment, there are several things you can do to support them through the process.
Understand the PARCC Test Format
Familiarize yourself with the structure of the PARCC test, including how many sections there are, what types of questions will be asked and the time limits for each test unit.
It’s also a good idea to review the current PARCC content frameworks. These documents outline the specific skills and content areas that the test assesses and serve as a roadmap for what your child needs to study.
Implement a Study Plan
Together with your child, create a study plan that includes a schedule for preparing for each content area. Be realistic about the time needed and set achievable goals.
Help them gather the necessary study materials, which may include textbooks, study guides, English or math PARCC practice test papers and online resources. You can consult your child's school for recommended materials.
Use PARCC Practice Questions
Find sample questions or a practice PARCC test online to introduce your child to the types of questions they'll face in their official PARCC exam.
You can also access verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning practice tests to help them build on their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Work on Key Skills
For the ELA portion, help your child improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills.
Provide access to a variety of reading materials and engage in discussions about what they've read.
For the math portion, support your child in strengthening their math skills by practicing different types of math problems and focusing on understanding the underlying principles, not just memorizing formulas.
Take a Full-Length PARCC Practice Test
Encourage your child to simulate the real test experience by taking full-length English and math PARCC practice test papers under timed conditions.
After the test, you can use the corresponding PARCC practice test answer key to review the questions, identify areas where they made mistakes and discuss strategies for improvement.
If your child is struggling with specific concepts or topics, consider seeking help from teachers, tutors or online resources.
Provide Support and Encouragement
Remember that any kind of test can make a child feel anxious, so offer emotional support and keep a positive atmosphere at home.
Remind them to stay calm and confident and ensure they sleep and eat well throughout the entire testing window.
Most importantly, celebrate their hard work no matter the test results and remember that the PARCC online test is just one part of their learning journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are PARCC tests?
PARCC, or the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, is a consortium of US states that administers standardized assessments in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics.
These tests cover grades three to 10 and are aligned with the Common Core State Standards for each grade.
What states use PARCC testing?
States known to have used the PARCC assessment in the past include Colorado, the District of Columbia (D.C.), Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, New Mexico and Illinois.
To find out if your child’s school uses the PARCC test, contact the school or check your state's education department website for current information.
What is the highest score you can get on PARCC?
Scaled scores range from 650 to 850, so technically speaking the highest achievable score is 850 per test, although very few students will ever achieve this.
For achievement level scores, the highest category is Level 5 – Exceeded Expectations. This means a student demonstrates exceptional proficiency in the tested subjects.
How many states take PARCC?
The number of states that use the PARCC test has dropped significantly since it was first introduced.
In 2010, 24 states participated in the program but as of 2022 this figure had dropped to just three – New Jersey, New Mexico and the District of Columbia.
How long is the PARCC test?
PARCC tests for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics are designed to be between 60 and 90 minutes long for each testing session, with students taking two ELA tests and two or three math tests.
However, the tests are typically divided into multiple sessions over several days.
Do colleges look at PARCC?
Colleges and universities typically do not use PARCC scores as a primary factor in their admissions decisions.
Instead, they focus on more comprehensive measures of a student's academic readiness, such as high school GPA, tests like the SAT or ACT, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, essays and interviews.
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Final Thoughts
As a standardized assessment, the PARCC test is a valuable tool for measuring student progress in line with academic standards and expectations.
It gives teachers and parents a clear snapshot of a student's strengths and areas that may need improvement, enabling them to provide targeted support and guidance for continued growth.
With support, practice and a positive outlook, your child can face the PARCC test with confidence and build skills that will serve them well in their educational journey.
