The duration of the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) test varies depending on the subject and grade level. Students in Grades 3 through 8 take tests in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, with each subject typically divided into two sessions.
Understanding MCAS Test Durations for Grades 3-8
The MCAS tests are structured to assess student proficiency over two separate sessions for each subject. The time allotted per session differs for ELA and Math, which directly impacts the total testing time for students.
Here's a breakdown of the typical test durations:
| Subject/Grade | Session 1 Duration | Session 2 Duration | Total Estimated Duration (Per Subject) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELA Grades 3 – 8 | 150 minutes | 150 minutes | 300 minutes (5 hours) |
| Math Grades 3 – 8 | 90-120 minutes | 90-120 minutes | 180-240 minutes (3-4 hours) |
As shown in the table, the total time for the English Language Arts (ELA) test for grades 3-8 is approximately 300 minutes (5 hours), spread across two 150-minute sessions. For Mathematics, the test duration for grades 3-8 ranges from 180 to 240 minutes (3 to 4 hours), with each session lasting between 90 and 120 minutes. These times represent the maximum duration students are typically given to complete each test session.
