Q: How many versions are there of the ISEE?
A: The ISEE has four versions: Primary (for admission to grades 2-4), Lower (grades 5-6), Middle (grades 7-8), and Upper (grades 9-12).
Q: Is the ISEE available online, or is it paper-and-pencil only?
A: The Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE may be taken either online or in hard copy (paper and pencil). However, not all test centers offer both versions. The Primary Level ISEE is online only.
Q: Is the ISEE offered in the United States only, or can I take it in other countries?
A: It's easiest to find a test date and center in the United States, because of the relatively high demand. However, ISEE testing is available in numerous countries around the world, mostly at Prometric testing centers.
Q: How do I register for the ISEE?
A: You can sign up by phone, by mail, or online. Educational Records Bureau (ERB), the developer and administrator of the ISEE, encourages all students to use online registration.
Q: How much does it cost to take the ISEE?
A: The base registration fee ranges from $110 to $210, depending on how you register and where you take the test.
Q: What types of questions are on the ISEE?
A: All of the questions are multiple choice with four answer options, except for the essay.
Q: How is the ISEE scored?
A: Each multiple-choice section of the test is scored separately, and unlike many other tests, there is no composite score. Scaled scores for each Primary Level section are reported from 200-299 (grade 2), 300-399 (grade 3), or 400-499 (grade 4). Lower, Middle, and Upper Level section scaled scores are reported from 760 to 940 per section.
Q: Do test-takers receive any other types of scores?
A: Yes. Score reports also include raw scores (the number of correct and incorrect answers), percentile rankings, and stanine scores.
Q: Is the essay scored?
A: ERB does not score student essays, but copies of these essays are sent to school officials at all institutions designated to receive an individual student's ISEE score reports.
Q: Who will accept ISEE scores?
A: Only schools that are members of ERB will accept and consider ISEE scores.
Q: Are there any official guides for the ISEE?
A: Yes. ERB publishes What to Expect on the ISEE as PDFs for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level tests. There is an online interactive guide for the Primary Level ISEE. All of these materials are available free of charge on the ERB website.
Q: What should I bring with me on test day?
A: Your verification letter and an approved form of identification. If you are taking the hard-copy ISEE, you should also bring several no. 2 pencils with erasers and a blue or black ballpoint pen.
Q: I didn't do so well on my first ISEE, so I want to take the exam again. Is this allowed?
A: Yes, any student may take the ISEE up to three times within a 12-month period.
Q: Are there accommodations available for students with disabilities?
A: Absolutely. Parents indicate the need for accommodations when they establish their online accounts on the ERB website. They are then provided with instructions for completing the appropriate procedures, which must be done before registration.