New York · 2026 score reports
NYS Test Scores
Explained:
2026 Score Ranges
Last reviewed against New York State Education Department sources
Quick answer
What is a passing score on the NYS test?
NYS Level 3 (proficient) or higher. In 2026, Level 3 starts at 450 in grades 3-8 ELA and math and grades 5 and 8 science. Level 4 starts higher and differs by test, for example 474 in grade 3 ELA and 487 in grade 3 math. Level 2 is partially proficient.
Source: NYSED: 2026 Performance Levels and Scale Score Ranges (PDF) · Updated
Next step
Practice for the NYS tests, grades 3 to 8
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What does my child's score mean?
Type the 3-digit scale score from your child's New York State test report. For Grade 3 ELA, Level 3 (proficient) starts at 450.
Source: NYSED: 2026 Performance Levels and Scale Score Ranges
2026 score ranges by grade
Scale score ranges for each NYS level, 2026 tests. The highlighted column is Level 3, proficient.
| Grade | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 Proficient | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 379–431 | 432–449 | 450–473 | 474–497 |
| Grade 4 | 372–430 | 431–449 | 450–470 | 471–498 |
| Grade 5 | 375–431 | 432–449 | 450–473 | 474–504 |
| Grade 6 | 371–430 | 431–449 | 450–469 | 470–498 |
| Grade 7 | 371–432 | 433–449 | 450–471 | 472–504 |
| Grade 8 | 366–429 | 430–449 | 450–471 | 472–502 |
| Grade | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 Proficient | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 381–423 | 424–449 | 450–486 | 487–503 |
| Grade 4 | 382–430 | 431–449 | 450–485 | 486–518 |
| Grade 5 | 384–431 | 432–449 | 450–482 | 483–513 |
| Grade 6 | 383–430 | 431–449 | 450–484 | 485–509 |
| Grade 7 | 380–429 | 430–449 | 450–476 | 477–515 |
| Grade 8 | 379–435 | 436–449 | 450–481 | 482–512 |
| Grade | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 Proficient | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 | 405–423 | 424–449 | 450–479 | 480–506 |
| Grade 8 | 399–427 | 428–449 | 450–479 | 480–534 |
Source: NYSED: 2026 Performance Levels and Scale Score Ranges, Grades 3-8
The four NYS levels
NYS Level 4
Excels in the standards for the grade. NYSED: knowledge, skills and practices considered more than sufficient for the grade.
NYS Level 3
Proficient in the standards for the grade. NYSED: considered sufficient for the expectations at this grade. This is the bar.
NYS Level 2
Partially proficient. NYSED: on track to meet current New York high school graduation requirements, but not yet proficient in this grade's standards.
NYS Level 1
Below proficient. NYSED: limited knowledge and skills, considered insufficient for the expectations at this grade.
Comparing with last year
NYSED publishes new ranges every year, and the lowest and highest scores move a little. Compare the level and the distance from 450, not the raw number. A child who went from 440 to 452 crossed from Level 2 to Level 3.
Questions parents ask
What is a passing score on the New York State test?
NYS Level 3 (proficient) or higher. In 2026, Level 3 starts at a scale score of 450 in every grade 3-8, in ELA, math and science. Level 4 starts at a different score for each test, for example 474 in grade 3 ELA and 487 in grade 3 math.
Is Level 2 failing?
Not exactly. NYSED calls Level 2 partially proficient: below the standard for the grade, but on track to meet current New York high school graduation requirements. Level 3 is the proficiency bar.
Why does the top score change from year to year?
NYSED publishes new scale score ranges each year, and the lowest and highest scores shift a little. In 2026, Level 3 starts at 450 in every grade and subject, so 450 is the number to compare with.
What is the highest NYS test score?
It depends on the test. In 2026 the top of the range ran from 497 (grade 3 ELA) to 534 (grade 8 science).
Which grades take science?
Grades 5 and 8. In 2026, Level 3 starts at 450 on both, and Level 4 at 480.
My child is below Level 3. What should we do next?
Look at the report for the parts of the test that cost the most points. Then work on the exact skills inside them. A full practice test built like the New York State tests, such as iMasterly's, scores your child by skill area and explains every question, so you can practice before spring. Your child's teacher can tell you what support the school offers.
Sources
Every number on this page comes from these New York State Education Department documents. Last reviewed .