ISEE Formats
At the Lower, Middle, and Upper levels, the ISEE may be taken either in paper-and-pencil format or online. There is no difference in the questions or timing, and both versions of the test allow students to change answers within sections. The paper-and-pencil ISEE requires a handwritten essay, while test-takers type the online ISEE essay. The Primary Level ISEE is available in online format only (there is no paper-and-pencil version of the ISEE at this level).
ISEE Test Locations
The ISEE is administered either at member schools, Prometric test centers, or ISEE testing offices. ISEE administrations at schools may be either paper-and-pencil or online. Some dates are open to all test-takers, but others are restricted to the school's own students. At a Prometric center, the ISEE may be taken online only (Prometric is a private company that contracts with Educational Records Bureau (ERB) to administer its tests). Nearly all school-based ISEEs are held in the United States, while Prometric provides test locations in many countries around the world (test-takers outside of the United States will likely have to choose the latter option).
ISEE Test Dates
In any given American state, the ISEE is held at schools between one and four times per month during the academic year. Online testing at Prometric centers is available on most dates throughout the year. ISEE testing offices generally hold exam administrations by appointment only.
Registration for the ISEE
Students may register for the Lower, Middle, or Upper Level ISEE by phone, by mail, or online. Additionally, some test-centers allow walk-in registration. Registration for the Primary Level ISEE is online only. ERB recommends that all students register online. The online registration process begins by setting up an online account, which must be completed by the test-taker's parents.
ISEE Fees
The registration fee for the ISEE varies by type of ISEE administration. Large-group tests held at schools cost $110 (mail or online registration) or $135 (phone registration). The fee for small-group testing at ISEE testing offices is $180 for mail or online registration, $205 for phone registration, or $210 for individual testing. The registration fee for Prometric test centers (online registration only) is $190. Prometric centers charge a rescheduling fee of $30 (for changes between 14 and five days before the test date) or $75 (less than five days before the test date). Students who register on a walk-in basis must pay an additional fee of $40.
Important ISEE Testing Policies
To be admitted to a test center, students must bring their verification letter, an approved form of identification, and (if they are taking the paper-and-pencil ISEE) four #2 pencils with erasers and two black or blue ballpoint pens. Verification letters are mailed to students after registration. Examples of approved identification for school- or test office-based ISEEs include passports, school ID cards, or birth certificates. Prometric centers accept driver's licenses, passports, or green cards only, and Prometric also requires a parent or guardian to stay with the test-taker for the entire exam. Students may not take the ISEE more than three times in any continuous 12-month period.
Accommodated Testing for Students with Disabilities
Disabled students requesting accommodations for the ISEE must complete the review and approval process before they will be allowed to register for a test date. The test-taker's parents begin the process by establishing an online parent account. Parents are then emailed a form that provides instructions for submitting the appropriate documentation. Typical documentation may include a doctor's letter or a current IEP. Once the accommodations have been approved, registration for the test may be completed online.