In-School Assessments for 3rd – 8th Grade
Our CLT3-8 exams assess language arts and mathematics with content designed to engage students’ imaginations and problem-solving skills. These standardized exams equip schools and teachers with in-depth analytics to better understand how to meet their students’ needs and maximize their potential.
CLT3-8 at a Glance
| CLT3, 4, 5, & 6 | CLT7 & 8 | |
|---|---|---|
Grade Level |
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th |
7th and 8th |
Method |
Online or Paper |
Online or Paper |
Time |
Online: 1 hr 30 min |
Online: 1 hr 45 min |
# of Sections |
Online: 2 | Paper: 4 |
3 |
Additional Requirements |
Sections completed in one sitting. Can split up test over multiple days. |
Sections completed in one sitting. Can split up test over multiple days. |
Norm-Referenced |
Yes |
Yes |
Cost |
$19.50 per test* |
$19.50 per test* |
Online Test Results |
Within 1 week after test submission. |
Within 1 week after test submission. |
Paper Test Results |
Within 30 days** |
Within 30 days** |
*This price reflects the 50% discount that schools automatically receive. Additional charges apply for paper testing, including shipping and processing.
**Paper test scores are released approximately 30 days after receipt of answer documents.
Sign Up For Upcoming Test Dates
Upcoming Test Dates for CLT3-8
CLT3-8 exams can be administered to students on any day(s) during this testing window.
Paper Testing: Aug. 31 – Oct. 2Order Deadline: July 20
Online Testing: Aug. 31 – Oct. 2Order Deadline: Sept. 24
What Do CLT3-8 Assess?
CLT3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 assess language arts and mathematics corresponding to each grade level, including reading comprehension, writing, grammar, arithmetic and operations, geometrical reasoning, and overall mathematical reasoning.
We’ve intentionally selected reading passages from classic children’s literature, poetry, historical fiction and non-fiction, and more to furnish a thoughtful and meaningful testing experience.
To dig deeper into the skills assessed on each test, check out our Assessment Content Briefs.
How Are the Exams Formatted?
CLT3, 4, 5 & 6 each have four sections: two Verbal Reasoning and two Quantitative Reasoning (for online: one Verbal Reasoning and one Quantitative Reasoning). CLT3-6 has recommended timing of approximately 2-3 hours on paper, or a typical testing time of 1 hour and 30 minutes online.
CLT7 & CLT8 each have three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning. These exams take 2 hours and 15 minutes on paper, or a typical testing time of 1 hour and 45 minutes online.
For all CLT3-8 assessments, sections must be completed in one sitting, but the test can be split up over multiple days.
View PDF samples of the different exams below:
CLT3 Sample Test | CLT4 Sample Test
CLT5 Sample Test | CLT6 Sample Test
CLT7 Sample Test | CLT8 Sample Test
Sample tests are provided for educators to view the type of content and questions that are representative of that exam level. Further information about the skills assessed are available in our content briefs.
Practice for CLT3-8 exams is not recommended as the exams are meant to provide information about a student’s current level of performance to assist educators in meeting the educational needs of their students.
How Does the In-School Exam Administration Work?
We’ve designed the in-school administration for CLT3-8 to be as smooth and user-friendly as possible. Please click below to read through FAQs and get further details on how to administer CLT3-8 at your school.
How Do CLT3-8 Analytics Equip Educators?
All exams are accompanied by in-depth analytics reports that provide tangible feedback on students’ strengths and weaknesses in key academic domains and subdomains. This helps educators track growth and adapt instruction as needed.
Features of analytics include:
- Emphasis on the essentials (reading, writing, reasoning)
- Straightforward organization and readability
- Accessible content standards to see what was assessed
- Percentile reports, including Lexile® and Quantile® scores
- Best questions to ask about curriculum and instruction
What Texts Are Featured on CLT3-8 Exams?
The reading passages on CLT3-8 are sourced from classic children’s literature, fables, poetry, historical fiction, and non-fiction texts on the arts, science, and history—all chosen for their inherent beauty and influence on the history of thought. Examples of great texts on CLT3-8 exams include*:
- Aesop, Fables
- Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
- J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan
- Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
- Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence
- C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address
- L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
- E. B. White, Charlotte’s Web
*This list provides examples only, and is not an exhaustive list of passages that can be featured on CLT3-8 exams.
What Schools Are Saying
“The nature of the CLT assessment more accurately demonstrates verbal and quantitative abilities than other standardized tests.”
Kimberly Bedingfield, Clemson Area Classical Academy (Clemson, SC)
“We appreciate that the CLT3-6 are more reflective of the education we provide as a classical Christian school and that it aligns with the higher level CLT tests which our older students take each year.”
Jenn Molen, Augustine Classical Academy (Lakewood, CO)
“I would recommend this to anyone who uses a traditional approach to education.”
Melissa C., Regina Caeli Academy (Carrollton, TX)
Frequently Asked Questions
For further details on how to administer CLT3-8 exams at your school, visit our “FAQs and Expectations” page.
