TerraNova Forms C & A
(Paper/Pencil)
Nationally Standardized
Achievement Test

The TerraNova Series is a well-known set of norm-referenced tests designed to measure student skills in key academic areas including reading, language, math, science, and social studies. Originally published by CTB/McGraw-Hill and now owned by Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), these tests are based on national standards and provide valuable insights into student progress.

We offer both editions of the TerraNova Complete Battery Plus in paper/pencil format: TerraNova C (CAT 6, 2nd Edition), the more recent version, and TerraNova A (CTBS, 1st Edition), the earlier edition. Both were normed in 2005 and provide a comprehensive measure of student performance, covering reading, language, math, science, and social studies, along with additional sections in vocabulary, language mechanics, spelling, and math computation.

Each Complete Battery Plus test is available separately for grades 4–12. These are timed, multiple-choice tests that are norm-referenced. Popular with homeschoolers and often used by small private schools, these tests allow parents and educators to track student progress and plan targeted learning strategies.

TerraNova C

For Both Private Schools & Homeschools
Also called TerraNova 2nd Edition or Cat 6
Norm Year: 2005
Grades: 4-12
Complete Battery Plus Edition
Bachelor’s Degree Not Required
Timed Test (All Grades)
Completion Time: 4-5 Hours
Rental Period: 3 Weeks from Test Date
Test Any Time of the Year

TerraNova A

For Both Private Schools & Homeschools
Also called TerraNova 1st Edition or CTBS
Norm Year: 2005 (Originally 1996)
Grades: 4-12
Complete Battery Plus Edition
Bachelor’s Degree Not Required
Timed Test (All Grades)
Completion Time: 4-5 Hours
Rental Period: 3 Weeks from Test Date
Test Any Time of the Year

Subjects Covered

Reading
Vocabulary
Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

Note: The Complete Battery Plus edition includes additional subtests focusing on specific skills like word analysis, vocabulary, language mechanics, spelling, and math computation.

What You Need to Know


Choosing the right standardized test is important for getting an accurate picture of a student’s academic progress. We offer the Complete Battery Plus editions of the TerraNova, which provide one of the most comprehensive assessments available. Unlike the standard Complete Battery, the Plus edition includes extra subtests in vocabulary, language mechanics, spelling, and math computation. These additional sections give a deeper look into a student’s strengths and areas for improvement. The TerraNova is also widely accessible, as it does not require a bachelor’s degree to administer.

The Two Editions We Offer

We offer two editions of the TerraNova Complete Battery Plus, both of which provide a structured and thorough assessment.

The TerraNova C Plus (Second Edition), also known as CAT/6 (California Achievement Test, Sixth Edition), was released in 2005 as an update to the California Achievement Test, Fifth Edition (CAT 5). It includes updated questions and pictures that make the test more modernized. Like the first edition, it is a multiple-choice test that covers reading, language, math, science, and social studies, along with the additional subtests found in the Plus version.

The TerraNova A Plus (First Edition) was originally normed in 1996 but was renormed in 2005, using an updated national comparison group. It is based on the older Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) and follows the same multiple-choice format as TerraNova C, covering the same subjects, including the extra subtests found in the Plus edition. While both editions now use 2005 norms, TerraNova C was designed as an update to the CAT 5, making it our recommended option. However, some private schools and homeschoolers still choose TerraNova A for consistency in their testing history or because they are more familiar with it.

How Long Does the TerraNova Take?

Both editions of the TerraNova Complete Battery Plus are lengthy tests that are generally completed over two days. Students complete the test using a paper/pencil format. The structured testing schedule ensures that students can demonstrate their skills without becoming overly fatigued.

What You Get with Your TerraNova Report

After completing the test, you will receive a detailed score report that provides standard scores, national percentile rankings, grade equivalency, and performance levels. The report will also identify specific areas of strength and weakness, allowing educators and parents to understand where students excel and where additional support may be needed. This level of detail makes the TerraNova an excellent tool for tracking progress over time.

Why Take the TerraNova?

The TerraNova is a trusted, nationally normed test that provides a thorough measure of academic skills across multiple subjects. It is widely used by private schools and homeschoolers looking for a structured, reliable assessment.

Even though the newest version of the TerraNova is TerraNova 3, it is not yet available as a test. Until it becomes an option in the coming years, TerraNova C Plus (Second Edition) remains the best TerraNova test for those looking for the most accurate and up-to-date norm-referenced results.

All test materials must be returned within three weeks after the testing date, unless you have received special permission. Because these books are out of print, they must be handled with care. Damaged or lost materials will result in additional charges.


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