South Carolina Testing Programs
End of Course Testing | All Grades
The Education Accountability Act of 1998 requires the development of end-of-course examinations in gateway or benchmark courses. The program is called End-of-Course-Examination Program (EOCEP).
Exams are administered in the subjects of: English 1, Algebra 1, Biology 1, and US History. Examinations count 20 percent of a student's final grade in each benchmark course. Each examination will be administered to the students at the end of the semester in which they are scheduled to complete the course.
For more information about the End of Course Examination Program and sample questions for exams visit the
South Carolina Department of Education website.
PSAT | 2017-2018: All 10th grade students. Optional for Juniors (Reference: Collegeboard.org)
The Preliminary SAT is a practice test for the SAT. For the 2017-2018 school year all Sophomore students will be administered the PSAT.
The NEW PSAT has components of Evidence Based Reading & Writing and Math. The NEW PSAT has key important features:
Juniors also have the opportunity to take the PSAT as a practice test, but also for eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students meeting qualifying scores will be notified in the Spring/Summer of 2017.
For more information about the PSAT/NMSQT visit the College Board website.
The Education Accountability Act of 1998 requires the development of end-of-course examinations in gateway or benchmark courses. The program is called End-of-Course-Examination Program (EOCEP).
Exams are administered in the subjects of: English 1, Algebra 1, Biology 1, and US History. Examinations count 20 percent of a student's final grade in each benchmark course. Each examination will be administered to the students at the end of the semester in which they are scheduled to complete the course.
For more information about the End of Course Examination Program and sample questions for exams visit the
South Carolina Department of Education website.
PSAT | 2017-2018: All 10th grade students. Optional for Juniors (Reference: Collegeboard.org)
The Preliminary SAT is a practice test for the SAT. For the 2017-2018 school year all Sophomore students will be administered the PSAT.
The NEW PSAT has components of Evidence Based Reading & Writing and Math. The NEW PSAT has key important features:
- Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success
- Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact
- Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing)
Juniors also have the opportunity to take the PSAT as a practice test, but also for eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students meeting qualifying scores will be notified in the Spring/Summer of 2017.
For more information about the PSAT/NMSQT visit the College Board website.
Compass Testing
College Entrance Examinations
NEW SAT l All Students
The SAT is a College Entrance Examination. Starting in March 2016 students registering for the SAT will take the new version of this test. The new test is more focused on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures:
Students can register to take the SAT at www.collegeboard.org. Click here for dates!
ACT | All Students
The ACT is a College Entrance Examination. Test scores reflect what students have learned throughout high school and provide colleges and universities with excellent information for recruiting, advising, placement, and retention.
Tested subject on the ACT include: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science and Writing. Each section receives a sub score, and the student also receives a composite score.
Students can register to take the ACT at www.act.org. Click here for dates!
ACT vs. SAT - Side by Side Comparison Chart
The SAT is a College Entrance Examination. Starting in March 2016 students registering for the SAT will take the new version of this test. The new test is more focused on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures:
- What you learn in high school
- What you need to succeed in college
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- Reading Test
- Writing and Language Test
- Math
- Essay (optional)
- Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success
- Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact
- Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing)
Students can register to take the SAT at www.collegeboard.org. Click here for dates!
ACT | All Students
The ACT is a College Entrance Examination. Test scores reflect what students have learned throughout high school and provide colleges and universities with excellent information for recruiting, advising, placement, and retention.
Tested subject on the ACT include: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science and Writing. Each section receives a sub score, and the student also receives a composite score.
Students can register to take the ACT at www.act.org. Click here for dates!
ACT vs. SAT - Side by Side Comparison Chart
