Assessments for Graduation
The Maryland Graduation Assessments are a series of end-of-course exams that test student knowledge of course standards that are established by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Students participate in four required subject area tests:
Each test has varying participation requirements. Please click the menu items to view each requirement.
Algebra I
Students take the Algebra I assessment at the end of their Algebra I course. Students in above grade level or GT math sequence will participate in middle school. All other students take the course and assessment in high school.
Testing Requirements:
Earned Credit for Algebra I prior to the 2020-21 school year
Assessment Requirement: No testing requirement due to COVID testing waivers
Earned Credit for Algebra 1 in the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, or 2022-2023 school year
Assessment Requirement: Participate in the Algebra I MCAP
Algebra I FAQ:
When do students take the test?
In May/June of the year that they take the Algebra I course. Students who miss the test will be tested in the following school year.
How long does it take to get results?
Parents can see results for Winter and Spring 2022 test administrations in winter of 2022-2023 school year by accessing the HCPSS Connect system (Standardized Test Scores Tab). Paper reports are distributed in spring of 2023.
Are the assessment results reported to colleges?
No, the assessments are only used as a graduation requirement. The overall test performance is not shared with colleges.
Are there any substitute assessments for Algebra I assessment?
Yes, students can use a score from the Algebra II assessment.
Are there any exemptions to the Algebra I requirement?
Yes, students who are awarded Algebra I course credit from private school, home schooling or an out of state school are exempt from the Algebra I assessment requirement.
English 10
Students take the English 10 assessment at the end of their English 10 course. Typically this class is taken during a student’s 10th grade year of high school.
Testing Requirements:
Earned Credit for English 10 prior to the 2020-21 school year
Assessment Requirement:No testing requirement due to COVID testing waivers
Earned Credit for English 10 in the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, or 2022-2023 school year
Assessment Requirement: Participate in the English 10 MCAP
English 10 FAQ
When do students take the test?
In May/June of the year that they take the English 10 course. Students who miss the test will be tested in the following school year.
How long does it take to get results?
Parents can see results for Winter and Spring 2022 test administrations in winter of 2022-2023 school year by accessing the HCPSS Connect system (http://www.hcpss.org/connect/ Standardized Test Scores Tab). Paper reports are distributed in spring of 2023.
Are the assessment results reported to colleges?
No, the assessments are only used as a graduation requirement. The overall test performance is not shared with colleges.
Are there any substitute assessments for English 10 assessment?
No, there are no substitute assessments for the English 10 assessment.
Are there any exemptions to the English 10 requirement?
Yes, students who are awarded English 10 course credit from private school, home schooling or an out of state school are exempt from the English 10 assessment requirement.
American Government
Students take the Government assessment at the end of their American Government or AP American Government course. Typically this class is taken during a student’s 10th grade year of high school.
Earned Credit for Government prior to the 2021-22 school year
Assessment Requirement: No testing requirement due to COVID testing waivers
Earned Credit for Government in the 2021-2022 or 2022-2023 school year
Assessment Requirement: Participate in the Government MCAP
American Government FAQ:
When do students take the test?
In May/June of the year that they take the American Government course. Students who miss the test will be tested in the following school year.
How long does it take to get results?
Parents can see results for Spring 2022 test administrations in summer of 2022 by accessing the HCPSS Connect system (http://www.hcpss.org/connect/ Standardized Test Scores Tab). Paper reports are distributed in fall of the following school year.
Are the assessment results reported to colleges?
No, the assessments are only used as a graduation requirement. The overall test performance is not shared with colleges.
Are there any substitute assessments for Government assessment?
Yes, students can participate in the U.S. Government and Politics AP assessment.
Are there any exemptions to the Government assessment requirement?
Yes, students who are awarded American Government course credit in private school, home schooling or an out of state school are exempt from the Government assessment requirement.
Life Science
Students take the Life Science Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (LS MISA) at the end of their Biology course. Typically this class is taken during a student’s 9th or 10th grade year of high school.
Earned Credit for Biology prior to 2021-2022 school year
Assessment Requirement: Participate in the LS MISA MCAP
Earned Credit for Biology in the 2021-2022 or 2022-2023 school year
Assessment Requirement:Participate in the LS MISA MCAP
MISA FAQ:
When do students take the test?
In May/June of the year that they take the Biology course. Students who miss the test will be tested in the following school year.
How long does it take to get results?
Parents can see results for Winter and Spring 2022 test administrations in winter of 2022-2023 school year by accessing the HCPSS Connect system (http://www.hcpss.org/connect/ Standardized Test Scores Tab). Paper reports are distributed in spring of 2023.
Are the assessment results reported to colleges?
No, the assessments are only used as a graduation requirement. The overall test performance is not shared with colleges.
Are there any substitute assessments for LS MISA HSA?
No, there are no substitute assessments for LS MISA.
Are there any exemptions to the Science assessment requirement?
Yes, students who are awarded Biology course credit from private school, home schooling, or an out of state school are exempt from the LS MISA HSA requirement.