isee / instructions / in-person online

Test Instructions

In-Person + Online

The following instructions are for families and students taking the ISEE at an in-person location (that is not a Prometric Test Center) in the online test format.

parent account

Rest and relax.

Families should try to keep test day as stress-free as possible. Students should get a good night's sleep, eat a nutritious meal before the test, and refrain from any last-minute "cramming."

It's okay to guess.

No one is expected to answer every question correctly. Students in a lower grade taking the same test as students in a higher grade are expected to obtain fewer correct answers. Remember, a student’s test performance is compared only to the performance of students at their own grade level.

Try to answer every question.

Students should attempt to answer every question as there are no penalties for incorrect answers. But don't spend too much time on any one question; it is better to move on to the next question and return to skipped items within a test section if time permits.

Check-In Time

Check in to your test by the check-in time listed in your Verification Letter. This is typically 15 - 30 minutes before the test starts. Give yourself plenty of travel time to avoid any undue anxiety from rushing. Late arrivals are not permitted to test and are responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.

What To Bring

Make sure to bring the following items to the test. Only the items listed below are allowed in the testing room—do not bring any other personal items, including smartwatches or cell phones, into the testing room unless they are approved for use by ERB as a testing accommodation. For more information about our rules and regulations go here.

Verification Letter

You must have a copy of your Verification Letter to check in to your test. Verification Letters are emailed to every family after they register for a test. The Verification Letter is also available in your parent account. If you are unable to locate your Verification Letter or there is incorrect information on your letter, please call the ISEE Operations Office at 1 (800) 446-0320 or 1 (646) 503-2691.

Student Identification

Beverages and Snacks

Supplies for Testing Accommodations

Test Details

The test contains timed sections that cover different academic subjects. Timing and subjects will vary by level. Sample tests are available to familiarize your student with the testing platform and types of questions. For additional information about test preparation, go here.

Primary 2

53 Minutes Testing + One Break and Instructions

For students applying to Grade 2. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.

Test Sections

sample test

Primary 3

54 Minutes Testing + One Break and Instructions

For students applying to Grade 3. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.

Test Sections

sample test

Primary 4

1 Hour Testing + One Break and Instructions

For students applying to Grade 4. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.

Test Sections

sample test

Lower Level

2 Hours, 20 Minutes Testing + Two Breaks and Instructions

For students applying to Grades 5 - 6. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.

Test Sections

sample test

Middle Level

2 Hours, 40 Minutes Testing + Two Breaks and Instructions

For students applying to Grades 7 - 8. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.

Test Sections

sample test

Upper Level

2 Hours, 40 Minutes Testing + Two Breaks and Instructions

For students applying to Grades 9 - 12. Test sections are strictly timed but the time it takes to read instructions and complete breaks will vary. If you are approved for extended testing time due to a testing accommodation, you can find extended timing details here.

Test Sections

sample test

Preparation from Test Innovators

Test Innovators provides engaging, interactive preparation tools to help every ISEE registrant fully demonstrate their academic abilities on the test. The program works by introducing students to the types of questions they'll encounter on the test, providing instantaneous feedback and time management insights as they answer practice questions, and helping them build confidence through skill-building videos and additional resources to help combat test anxiety.

learn more

Already purchased a Test Innovators preparation package? Log in here.

Rules and Regulations

To preserve the integrity of the test and to create a safe and productive testing environment, students who do not adhere to the rules and regulations may be excused from the test. Some personal items are permitted if the student is approved for testing accommodations that allow for the express use of those items.

Prohibited Items

Students may not bring any personal items except for those listed above into the testing room*. This includes cell phones, smart watches, calculators, books, paper (except for blank scratch paper), cameras, and weapons. If these regulations are violated, your student may be excused from the test, their scores will not be processed, and your family will be responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.

*Some personal items are permitted if the student is approved for testing accommodations that allow for the express use of those items.

Cheating and Improper Behavior

Communication with other students during the test, using materials or objects not allowed in the testing room (including cell phones) unless approved by ERB as a testing accommodation, or working in a section of the test after time is called or before permission to do so is given are strictly prohibited. If these regulations are violated, your student may be excused from the test, their scores will not be processed, and your family will be responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.

If there are any questions surrounding a student’s identity, your student may be excused from the test, their scores will not be processed, and your family will be responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.

Disruptive Behavior

Students displaying any abusive, confrontational, disruptive, harassing, illegal, immoral, indecent, obscene, threatening, and/or unruly behaviors or acts will be asked to correct the behavior. If these behaviors continue, your student may be excused from the test, their scores will not be processed, and your family will be responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.

Recording, Disclosing, or Transmitting

Recording, copying, reproducing, disclosing, publishing, or transmitting the examination, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose is prohibited. If there is clear evidence of any of these activities taking place, your student may be excused from the test, their scores will not be processed, and your family will be responsible for any applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees.

Need additional support? Please contact ISEE Operations.

(800) 446-0320 or 1 (646) 503-2691

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST

iseeoperations@erblearn.org

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Auditory Comprehension	6 questions	7 minutes
Reading	18 questions	20 minutes
Break	-	5-10 minutes
Mathematics	24 questions	26 minutes
Total Time	53 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break

Reading	24 questions	28 minutes
Break	-	5-10 minutes
Mathematics	24 questions	26 minutes
Total Time	54 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break

Reading	28 questions	30 minutes
Break	-	5-10 minutes
Mathematics	28 questions	30 minutes
Total Time	60 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break

Verbal Reasoning	34 questions	20 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	38 questions	35 minutes
Break	-	5-10 minutes
Reading Comprehension	25 questions	25 minutes
Mathematics Achievement	30 questions	30 minutes
Break	-	5-10 minutes
Essay	1 prompt	30 minutes
Total Time	2 hours, 20 minutes + two 5- to 10-minute breaks

Verbal Reasoning	40 questions	20 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	37 questions	35 minutes
Break	-	5-10 minutes
Reading Comprehension	36 questions	35 minutes
Mathematics Achievement	47 questions	40 minutes
Break	-	5-10 minutes
Essay	1 prompt	30 minutes
Total Time	2 hours, 40 minutes + two 5- to 10-minute breaks