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IOWA Assessments
Forms E, C & A (Paper/Pencil)
Nationally Standardized Achievement Test

The IOWA Assessments, published by Riverside Insights, are standardized, norm-referenced tests used to evaluate students’ academic skills in subjects like reading, language, math, science, and social studies.

Developed by the University of Iowa, these tests are widely used across the country to track student progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and help educators adjust their teaching strategies. The results provide valuable insights into student performance by comparing it to a national sample, ensuring that students are meeting key educational standards.

We offer the IOWA Assessments in paper/pencil format for Forms E, C, and A, with Form E also available online. These tests are available for grades 4–12 and consist of timed, multiple-choice questions that assess key subject areas.

The IOWA Assessments are popular with both private schools and homeschoolers, providing an effective way to monitor student progress and inform learning plans.

The IOWA Assessments Test Series

The IOWA Assessments are standardized tests that measure student skills in reading, language, math, science, and social studies. We offer Forms E, C, & A, all of which are complete batteries, covering a full range of academic subjects.

IOWA Form E

The IOWA Form E is the newest version of the IOWA Assessments, covering reading, language, math, science, and social studies. It is available for PreK–12 in both paper/pencil format and online, with online testing available only for Grades 3–12. This test measures both basic skills and higher-level thinking. Form E uses 2017 norms, meaning student scores are compared to a national sample to show how they perform compared to others.

For Grades 5–8, the test is untimed, so students can work at their own pace. Grades 9–12 take a timed test, which takes between 3 to 5 hours, depending on the grade level. Most students finish the test in 2 to 3 days.

The test consists of multiple-choice questions that check reading comprehension, math problem-solving, and understanding of science and social studies concepts. Form E is a great tool for tracking progress, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and preparing students for future academic challenges.

Testing Groups: Grades 3–8 may be tested together, and Grades 9–12 may also be tested together. However, Grades K–2 must be tested separately.

IOWA Form C

The IOWA Form C is an earlier edition of the IOWA Assessments and still commonly used. It is available for PreK, K, and 3–12 and covers the same subjects as Form E. Form C uses 2005 norms, and while Form E is the newest version, Form C remains a reliable test for measuring student progress.

Like Form E, Form C gives parents and educators a detailed breakdown of a student’s strengths and areas that may need improvement. It is a helpful tool for homeschoolers looking for a trusted, norm-referenced test.

IOWA Form A

The IOWA Form A is an older version of the IOWA Assessments and is available for Grades K and 3–12. It measures key academic skills in reading, language, math, and science. Form A uses 2005 norms also. While it is still an option for testing, it is not as widely used as Form E or Form C.

Why Did the IOWA Assessments Replace ITBS and ITED?

The ITBS was designed for Grades K–8 and focused on measuring basic academic skills, while the ITED was used for Grades 9–12 to test more advanced skills and student development.

Forms A and C were based on the ITBS and ITED, following their structure and testing approach. In 2011–2012, the University of Iowa introduced Form E to align more closely with the Common Core State Standards and provide a more updated and detailed way of tracking student progress. The IOWA Assessments replaced the ITBS (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills) and ITED (Iowa Tests of Educational Development) to better match modern academic standards.

Some homeschool families still prefer to use Forms C & A because they follow the traditional ITBS and ITED structure, which many parents are familiar with. These editions provide a consistent way to track student progress over time using 2005 norms, which some parents feel offer a more stable comparison. Additionally, homeschoolers who do not prioritize Common Core alignment may find that Forms A and C better reflect their educational approach and curriculum.

Conclusion

The IOWA Form E is the most popular paper/pencil test we offer, and the only IOWA test offered online. The choice between forms E, C, & A will depend on personal preference and state requirements. No matter which version you choose, the IOWA Assessments provide a reliable way to measure student progress and gain valuable insight into academic strengths and areas for improvement. These tests continue to be a trusted option for private schools and homeschool families looking for a nationally normed assessment.

Important Information

All test materials must be returned within three weeks after the testing date unless you have received special permission. Books for Forms A and C are out of print, so they must be handled with care. Damaged or lost materials will result in additional charges.

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