District Assessments
Colorado State Testing in Schools (CMAS, PSAT, and SAT)
Colorado public schools use several statewide assessments to measure student learning and readiness for college and careers. These tests help teachers, schools, families, and the state understand how well students are learning the Colorado Academic Standards.
The three primary tests used in Colorado schools are:
-
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) – Elementary and middle school tests
-
PSAT (Preliminary SAT) – Early high school readiness test
-
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) – College readiness test for high school students
Most state testing takes place in the spring each year.
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success)
CMAS is the statewide testing system used in Colorado to measure how well students have learned the Colorado Academic Standards in subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies.
These assessments are given primarily in elementary and middle school.
CMAS Subjects and Grades
| Subject | Grades Tested |
|---|---|
| English Language Arts (Reading & Writing) | Grades 3–8 |
| Mathematics | Grades 3–8 |
| Science | Grades 5, 8, and 11 |
| Social Studies | Grades 4 and 7 (sample of schools each year) |
Students usually take these tests once per year in the spring.
CMAS Test Sessions (Typical Format)
| Subject | Sessions |
|---|---|
| English Language Arts | 3 sessions (about 90–110 minutes each depending on grade) |
| Math | 3 sessions (about 65 minutes each) |
| Science | 3 sessions for grades 5 & 8; 2 sessions for grade 11 |
| Social Studies | 1 session (about 65 minutes) |
CMAS results help schools measure student progress and identify areas where students may need additional support.
PSAT (Preliminary SAT)
The PSAT is a standardized test used in Colorado to measure college and career readiness for high school students. It is part of the SAT Suite of Assessments created by the College Board.
The PSAT tests similar skills as the SAT but is designed for younger students.
PSAT Grades in Colorado
| Test | Grade |
|---|---|
| PSAT 8/9 | Grade 9 |
| PSAT 10 | Grade 10 |
Colorado administers these tests during the school day in the spring as part of the statewide assessment program.
PSAT Test Sections
The PSAT contains two main sections:
-
Reading and Writing
-
Mathematics
Each section is divided into two modules.
The PSAT helps students practice for the SAT and identify areas for improvement before taking the college entrance exam.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
The SAT is a standardized college entrance exam widely used by colleges and universities in the United States.
In Colorado, the SAT is given to all public school students in grade 11 during the school day.
The state provides this test free of charge to students to ensure equal access to college readiness opportunities.
SAT Test Sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | Measures reading comprehension and language skills |
| Mathematics | Measures algebra, problem solving, and advanced math |
Like the PSAT, each section contains two modules and is taken digitally in Colorado schools.
Colorado Testing by Grade Level (Summary)
| Grade | State Test |
|---|---|
| Grade 3 | CMAS – English Language Arts, Math |
| Grade 4 | CMAS – English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies |
| Grade 5 | CMAS – English Language Arts, Math, Science |
| Grade 6 | CMAS – English Language Arts, Math |
| Grade 7 | CMAS – English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies |
| Grade 8 | CMAS – English Language Arts, Math, Science |
| Grade 9 | PSAT 8/9 |
| Grade 10 | PSAT 10 |
| Grade 11 | SAT and CMAS Science |
Why These Tests Are Given
Colorado uses these tests to:
-
Measure student progress toward state academic standards
-
Provide feedback to teachers and schools
-
Help identify areas where students may need additional support
-
Prepare students for college and career pathways
State assessments are only one measure of learning, and schools also consider classroom work, projects, and teacher evaluations when assessing student progress.