Ohio State Test Scores Explained:
Score Ranges by Grade

Ohio reports five performance levels rather than pass or fail. Proficient, which starts at a scale score of 700 on every test, is the state's proficient mark. Two scores carry extra weight: 700 is also the promotion score on the grade 3 English language arts test, and 684 is the graduation competency score on the English Language Arts II and Algebra I (or Integrated Math I) end-of-course tests.

700 is the lowest Proficient score on every Ohio State Test. ODEW's glossary describes Proficient as a general ability to show the knowledge and skills in Ohio's Learning Standards. Accomplished starts at 725, and Advanced starts between 735 and 766 depending on the test.

They are Ohio's five performance levels. The test portal's glossary describes them as an emerging (Limited), developing (Basic), general (Proficient), consistent (Accomplished) and exceeding (Advanced) ability to show the knowledge and skills in Ohio's Learning Standards.

It depends on the test. In spring 2026 the highest possible scale score ranged from 774 (grade 8 math and American Government) to 868 (grade 8 science), and the lowest possible from 545 (grade 3 English language arts) to 642 (American Government). Advanced starts between 735 and 766.

The promotion score on the grade 3 English language arts test is 700. A student who scores 50 or higher on the reading subscore is also eligible, even with an overall score below 700. Students can reach the promotion score in the fall, spring or summer test, or on an approved alternative reading test if the district offers one. Exemptions include certain English learners, students whose IEP exempts them, and a parent request.

Yes. Under the parent request exemption, a parent or caregiver can ask for promotion to grade 4 regardless of the grade 3 ELA score. The parent must consult the child's reading teacher and principal, and if they disagree, the parent has the final say. A child promoted this way must have a reading improvement plan in grade 4 and 90 minutes of daily reading instruction with intensive intervention until reading on grade level.

To graduate, Ohio students must earn a competency score of 684 on the English Language Arts II and Algebra I end-of-course tests (684 also counts on Integrated Math I), or meet competency another way. A student who misses it must be offered remediation and must retake the test at least once before using the other options. A competency score earned in middle school counts.

The spring 2025 and spring 2026 statistical summaries print the same cut points for every test. Scale scores are comparable from year to year on the same test, but not across subjects or grades, so compare levels, not raw numbers, when your child moves up a grade.

Each test reports three to five reporting categories, such as Reading Literary Text or Fractions. For each one, the report shows an indicator of below, near or above proficient. They show your child's stronger and weaker areas, which is a good place to start with the teacher.

Ohio law (ORC 3313.6029) requires schools to give families spring results by June 30. For spring 2027 that is June 30, 2027. Schools may mail them, email them or post them on a secure portal, and printed family reports for spring testing reach districts by July 21, 2027.

Start with the reporting category indicators: they show which parts of the test were below proficient. Talk to the teacher about those areas first. iMasterly's Ohio State Tests practice explains every answer, so your child can work on the exact skills behind the score.