Decide whether you want to test at all. Many states do not require a homeschool child to be tested at all. Many parents have pulled their children out of school to avoid this very issue. But there are advantages to testing. Testing gives you an idea of where your child is compared to the rest of similar aged students. Testing may be a prerequisite for later schooling. So decide whether testing is right for you and your child.
Choose which subjects you want to test your child on. The Stanford Achievement test tests, word analysis, language, listening, reading skills, reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, mathematics and a little social studies and science. The California Achievement Test (CAT) tests fewer subjects such as reading, mathematics, and language. The third most popular test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) test, is similar to the Stanford in subjects tested.
Determine if you meet the requirements to use a specific standardized test. Bob Jones University Press offers certification to give the Stanford and the Iowa tests. To test using the Stanford test, you must have a bachelor's degree, experience testing, and registered with Bob Jones as a tester. There is also a short course you must take through a DVD which teaches how to give the test and how to interpret the test scores. You may only test your children with two other children in the same grade. The Iowa test can be given to your own children. To use the Iowa test Bob Jones certifies homeschool parents with a bachelor's degree or a teaching certificate. The CAT can be given without qualifications.
Order the test well in advance. It can take anywhere from one week to eight weeks to receive the tests.
Complete the test within the allowed time. The Iowa test must be completed within 50 days of receipt.
Prepare yourself to wait several weeks to get the test scores back. It can take four to eight weeks to get your scores back. Plan ahead so you meet your school district's deadline for reporting scores.
Hire a test administrator. If you don't want to test your own children, hire someone who has met all the qualifications to test your children. Many other homeschool parents want a few extra kids to participate with their children. Ask around or post on a yahoo homeschool group.