The Homeschoolers’ Guide to College Board Assessments

Homeschooled students are driven, self-directed learners that deserve every opportunity to demonstrate what they know and showcase their readiness for college. The good news? Every major College Board assessment, including the SAT, the PSAT assessments, AP Exams, and CLEP exams, is available to homeschooled students.

Whether you're a homeschooling family just starting to explore high school assessment options or you have students ready to register for testing, this guide has everything you need to get started.

The SAT: Demonstrate Your College and Career Readiness

The SAT measures the reading, writing, and math skills that research shows are essential to college and career readiness and success. It's one of the most widely accepted college admissions tests in the country, and homeschooled students can register for it online without contacting a local school.

When asked for a high school code, homeschoolers should enter 970000.

One of the best ways to prepare is through College Board's comprehensive and free practice resources, including eight full-length, scored practice tests on Bluebook, our digital testing application, where students can get familiar with the format of the test and get personalized recommendations for how to improve. Students can also build their skills through Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy^®, which offers thousands of SAT video lessons and practice activities. Our newest practice resource is a peer-to-peer tutoring platform with our partner Schoolhouse.world, where students get structured support from a tutor and a small group of fellow test takers.

Research shows that practice pays off. Completing full-length digital SAT practice tests in Bluebook is associated with higher scores. Students who completed 1, 2, 3, or more practice tests scored 25, 45, and 61 points higher on average, respectively, than similar students who didn't complete any full-length practice tests.

Eligible homeschooled students from low-income families can also request SAT fee waivers directly from College Board with no school counselor required. Along with a free test registration, fee waivers unlock college application fee waivers at participating schools.

SAT Resources for Homeschoolers:

• SAT Registration for Homeschooled Students
• Homeschooled and Away Students – SAT School Day
• SAT Fee Waivers
• Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Fee Waivers? (FAQ)
• SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility
• Practice Tests and Educator Resources

PSAT Assessments: Build Skills, Earn Recognition

The PSAT assessments—PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and the PSAT/NMSQT—measure the same knowledge and skills as the SAT, calibrated for students in grades 8–11. They're a powerful way to track growth, identify areas to strengthen, and prepare for the SAT. Only the PSAT/NMSQT qualifies students for the National Merit^® Scholarship Program, so it's especially important for homeschooled high schoolers with strong academic records.

Because PSAT assessments are administered in schools, homeschooled students are considered "away students." They need to contact a local participating school at least four weeks before the testing window and ask to be added to the school's registration list. Use College Board's SAT and PSAT assessments in-school assessment search tool to find schools near you offering these tests.

Homeschool co-ops have the opportunity to become testing centers. This is an easy and convenient way to bring PSAT assessments to homeschooled students in a familiar setting.

PSAT Assessments Resources for Homeschoolers:

• Homeschooled and Away Students – PSAT/NMSQT
• Homeschooled and Away Students – PSAT 10
• Homeschooled and Away Students – PSAT 8/9
• Accessing PSAT/NMSQT Scores as a Homeschooled Student (FAQ)

AP Exams: Earn College Credit in High School

The Advanced Placement® Program (AP) gives homeschooled students the chance to take college-level coursework and exams that can help them potentially earn college credit before they even set foot on a campus. There are over 40 AP courses to explore that meet a wide range of learning interests and personal future career goals. Earning a score of 3 or higher can qualify a student to receive course credit or advanced placement at thousands of colleges and universities nationwide, saving students time and money. Research consistently shows that AP students are better prepared for college than students who don't take AP, regardless of their exam score. They're more likely to enroll and stay in college, do well in their classes, and graduate in four years. Homeschooled students can self-study for most AP Exams; taking a formal AP course first is recommended but not required.

Parents and students cannot order AP Exams directly, so homeschoolers must arrange testing at a local school authorized to administer AP Exams. The AP Course Ledger is your starting point: Search by city and state to find authorized schools near you, then contact the AP coordinator as early as possible in the school year. Deadlines for exam orders are in mid-November, so don't wait. AP Exams are administered over the first two weeks of May. Homeschooled students from low-income families may also be eligible for fee waivers or reductions for AP Exams. Talk to your local school's AP coordinator to learn more.

Homeschool educators who want to become authorized AP providers can submit their courses for consideration through the AP Course Audit.

AP Resources for Homeschoolers:

• How Can I Take an AP Exam if I'm Homeschooled? (FAQ)
• How Can I Take an AP Course if I'm Homeschooled? (FAQ)
• Do I Need to Enroll in My AP if I'm Homeschooled? (FAQ)
• Register for AP Exams
• Find Schools That Offer Authorized AP Courses – AP Students
• AP Course Audit for Homeschool Providers
• Ordering AP Exams for Homeschooled Students – For Coordinators

CLEP Exams: Turn Knowledge into College Credit

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is one of the most flexible pathways to college credit available, and it's designed with self-directed learners in mind. There are exams across 34 subjects like College Algebra, American Literature, Introductory Business Law, and more. Students who earn a passing score on a CLEP exam can earn 3 or more college credits at over 2,900 colleges.

Anyone can take a CLEP exam, including high school and homeschooled students. No school enrollment is required. Students register directly through the My CLEP student portal and schedule their appointment at a convenient test center. Remote proctoring is also available for students 13 and older located in the U.S.

For students who may not have a government-issued ID, the CLEP student ID form is a simple form they can use and get verified by a notary. Students who are eligible for the SAT fee waiver are also eligible for fee waivers from CLEP. Contact CLEP Services for more information.

Students can also get free access to self-guided CLEP prep courses through a partnership with Modern States Education Alliance. Students who take CLEP prep courses through Modern States Education Alliance can take the CLEP Exam for free.

CLEP Resources for Homeschoolers:

• CLEP Homepage – Register and Prepare
• CLEP Exam Eligibility Requirements
• What to Bring on Test Day – CLEP
• CLEP Student ID Form (PDF)
• Free Materials: CLEP for Homeschool Curriculum
• Accelerate and Graduate with CLEP and Modern States (PDF)
• Information for Test Takers Bulletin (PDF)

College-Ready Resource: BigFuture

For families navigating the college planning process, College Board's BigFuture platform offers guidance on college search, financial aid, and applications, with homeschool-specific advice throughout.

Visit College Planning for Homeschoolers – BigFuture to learn more.

Every student deserves a clear path to college. College Board is committed to making sure homeschooled students have the same access, the same opportunities, and the same support as any other student on that journey.

Questions? Contact Jacob Mishook, senior director Policy at College Board, at [email protected]