Calendario de Pruebas North Carolina 2025–2026: Calendario NCDPI para EOG, EOC, Credit by Demonstrated Mastery, ACT y NAEP
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Todas las tablas siguientes proceden directamente del documento oficial del gobierno. Las fechas y los nombres de las materias son notaciones estandarizadas independientes del idioma, por lo que se conservan en inglés tal cual aparecen en la fuente. Toda la información de fechas y políticas en esta página se basa en fuentes primarias verificadas (PDF/páginas oficiales del departamento de educación estatal). Confirme las fechas locales exactas con el consejero de su escuela o la oficina de evaluación del distrito.
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If your child is in a North Carolina public school for 2025–2026 — whether they sit for a Beginning-of-Grade 3 Reading Test, an End-of-Grade test in math or reading, an End-of-Course exam in NC Math 1, NC Math 3, Biology, or English II, the Grade 11 state-funded ACT, or the Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) Phase 1 Assessment that lets a student earn high-school course credit by exam — this is the calendar to bookmark.
We've pulled the full schedule directly from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Office of Accountability and Testing 2025–26 Operational Testing Calendar (updated April 24, 2025).
📌 The North Carolina headline for our Texas readers
North Carolina has its own version of Texas's Credit by Exam (CBE) program: Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM). CDM Phase 1 Assessments run in four windows per school year (Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026) and let a student earn high-school course credit by exam rather than by attending the course. The exact dates are below. This is the closest direct parallel to Texas CBE that we've documented in any U.S. state.
Quick reference — the math and CDM windows
| Test | When |
|---|---|
| EOG Math & Reading (Grades 3–8) and Science (Grades 5, 8) | Final 10 instructional days of the school year |
| EOC NC Math 1, NC Math 3, Biology, English II (Grades 9–12) | Final 5 instructional days of semester · Final 10 days of yearlong course · Final 5 days of summer school course |
| CDM Phase 1 Assessments (Grades 9–12) | Summer 2025: Jul 18–31 · Fall 2025: Sept 17–30 · Spring 2026: Feb 13–26 · Summer 2026: Jul 17–30 |
| Grade 11 ACT — Paper Standard Administration | Test Date 1: Feb 24, 2026 · Test Date 2: Mar 10, 2026 · Test Date 3: Mar 24, 2026 |
| ACT WorkKeys | Fall 2025: Oct 20 – Dec 5, 2025 · Spring 2026: Feb 17 – Mar 27, 2026 |
| ACCESS for ELLs (K–12) | January 12 – March 13, 2026 |
| NAEP 2026 (selected schools) | January 26 – March 20, 2026 |
What each acronym means
- NCDPI — North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
- BOG3 — Beginning-of-Grade 3 Reading Test. Given in the first 15 days of school.
- EOG — End-of-Grade test. NC's grade-level summative for Reading, Mathematics (Grades 3–8), and Science (Grades 5 and 8).
- EOC — End-of-Course test. NC has four required EOCs: Biology, English II, NC Math 1, and NC Math 3. Required to graduate.
- CDM — Credit by Demonstrated Mastery. NC's program letting students earn course credit by exam. Phase 1 is the standardized assessment; Phase 2 is an artifact (project, paper, performance task).
- NCEXTEND1 — The NC alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
- CCRAA — College and Career Readiness Alternate Assessment.
- WIDA — The consortium that develops ACCESS for ELLs and the WIDA Screener.
- NAEP — National Assessment of Educational Progress (the "Nation's Report Card"). Only a subset of schools is selected.
1. Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) Phase 1 — the NC test-out path
Credit by Demonstrated Mastery is North Carolina's formal alternative to attending a high-school course. A student who can demonstrate mastery of the course standards may earn the credit without enrolling in or completing the course. The process has two phases:
- Phase 1 — the standardized assessment. A student must score at the proficient level on the course's standardized assessment. For courses with state EOC exams (NC Math 1, NC Math 3, Biology, English II), the EOC is used.
- Phase 2 — an artifact. A student must produce a project, paper, performance, or other artifact that demonstrates mastery of the course content beyond what's measured by the Phase 1 test.
NCDPI sets the Phase 1 windows. For 2025–2026:
| CDM Phase 1 window | Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | July 18 – 31, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | September 17 – 30, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | February 13 – 26, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | July 17 – 30, 2026 |
Each window is approximately two weeks. The Local Education Agency (LEA, your school district) determines the exact day inside the window your child sits for the test. The CDM Phase 1 test for NC Math 1, NC Math 3, Biology, and English II is the same instrument as the regular EOC.
If you're a North Carolina parent considering CDM
The CDM path is the closest North Carolina analog to Texas's Credit by Exam (CBE) program. Both let a student earn high-school course credit without completing the course, by demonstrating mastery through a standardized assessment. The key differences:
- Phase 2 artifact requirement. Texas CBE is a single exam. NC CDM also requires an artifact (project, paper, performance) beyond the test. Plan for both.
- Course coverage. NC CDM is available for any course the district chooses to offer it for. Most commonly: NC Math 1, NC Math 3, Biology, English II, foreign languages, and elective subjects. Confirm with your school counselor.
- Districts can decline. NC state policy authorizes CDM but lets each LEA define its own approval process. Talk to your counselor early in the school year.
2. Grades K–8 — EOG, BOG3, screeners
Beginning-of-Grade 3 (BOG3) Reading Test
| School type | Window |
|---|---|
| Traditional schools | First 15 days of the school year |
| Year-round schools opening before July 16, 2025 | July 16 is Day 1 of the 15-day BOG3 window |
| Year-round schools opening after July 16, 2025 | First day of school is Day 1 of the 15-day BOG3 window |
NCTest opens July 16, 2025. Year-round schools opening before that date wait until July 16 to begin the BOG3 window.
End-of-Grade (EOG) Reading and Mathematics (Grades 3–8) and Science (Grades 5 and 8)
Window: Final 10 instructional days of the school year. NCDPI's recommended best practice is to complete testing early in the window and reserve the final days for makeup testing.
Grade 3 EOG Reading Retest
Final 10 instructional days of the school year (for students who did not pass the initial Grade 3 EOG Reading).
Read to Achieve Test for Grade 3 — three windows in the year
| Window | Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | At the conclusion of reading camp |
| Fall 2025 | Schools offering a transitional 3rd/4th class combination or a 4th-grade accelerated class may administer by November 1, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | Final 10 instructional days of the school year |
NCEXTEND1 (Grades 3–8)
The alternate assessment for Reading and Mathematics (Grades 3–8) and Science (Grades 5 and 8). Final 10 instructional days of the school year.
Grades 5–8 End-of-Course Tests (Biology, NC Math 1, NC Math 3)
For middle-school students taking high-school-credit courses (typical: 7th- or 8th-grader taking NC Math 1 for acceleration). Final 5 instructional days of the semester · Final 10 instructional days of yearlong course.
3. Grades 9–12 — EOCs, ACT, WorkKeys, screeners
End-of-Course Tests — Biology, English II, NC Math 1, NC Math 3
NC's four required EOCs. All four are required for graduation.
| Course type | Test date |
|---|---|
| Semester course | Final 5 instructional days of the semester |
| Yearlong course | Final 10 instructional days of the yearlong course |
| Summer school course | Final 5 instructional days of the summer school course |
ACT for Grade 11 (state-funded)
North Carolina funds the ACT for every Grade 11 student. Paper Standard Administration: three test dates.
| Test Date | Date |
|---|---|
| Test Date 1 | February 24, 2026 |
| Test Date 2 | March 10, 2026 |
| Test Date 3 | March 24, 2026 |
ACT — Paper Testing Accommodations Windows / Online Testing Windows
| Window | Dates |
|---|---|
| Window 1 | February 24–27 and March 2–6, 2026 |
| Window 2 | March 10–13 and March 16–20, 2026 |
| Window 3 | March 24–27, March 30–31, and April 1–3, 2026 |
CCRAA at Grade 11 and NCEXTEND1 Alternate Assessment at Grade 11 use the same three windows.
ACT WorkKeys (Grades 9–12)
| Administration | Window |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | October 20 – December 5, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | February 17 – March 27, 2026 |
PreACT (Grade 10) & CCRAA at Grade 10
October 13 – November 20, 2025 — both Paper and Online testing.
NCEXTEND1 at Grade 10
Alternate assessment for English II, Biology, and NC Math 1 — final 10 instructional days of the school year.
4. English Language Proficiency (WIDA Screener, ACCESS for ELLs)
| Assessment | Window |
|---|---|
| WIDA Screener (K–8) & WIDA Screener (9–12) | Within 30 calendar days of enrollment |
| ACCESS for ELLs (K–12) & WIDA Alternate ACCESS (K–12) | January 12 – March 13, 2026 |
5. NAEP 2026 (selected schools)
| Assessment | Window |
|---|---|
| NAEP 2026 Reading & Mathematics (Grades 4 and 8) · Grade 8 Civics and US History · Pilot for new items (Grades 4, 8, 12) · Mode Bridge Study (Grades 4, 8, 12) | January 26 – March 20, 2026 |
Only a small subset of schools is selected for NAEP. Districts are notified of selections.
By subject — when can my child take this NC assessment this year?
| Test | 2025–2026 dates |
|---|---|
| EOC NC Math 1, NC Math 3, Biology, English II | Final 5 days of semester · Final 10 days of yearlong course · Final 5 days of summer course |
| CDM Phase 1 (test-out for course credit) | Jul 18–31, 2025 · Sept 17–30, 2025 · Feb 13–26, 2026 · Jul 17–30, 2026 |
| EOG Math, Reading, Science (Grades 3–8 / 5 & 8) | Final 10 instructional days of school year |
| BOG3 Reading (Grade 3) | First 15 days of school year |
| Grade 11 ACT (state-funded) | Feb 24, Mar 10, Mar 24, 2026 (Paper Standard); 3 windows Feb 24 – Apr 3, 2026 (Paper Accomm + Online) |
| ACT WorkKeys | Fall: Oct 20 – Dec 5, 2025 · Spring: Feb 17 – Mar 27, 2026 |
| PreACT (Grade 10) | Oct 13 – Nov 20, 2025 |
| ACCESS for ELLs (K–12) | Jan 12 – Mar 13, 2026 |
| NAEP 2026 (selected schools) | Jan 26 – Mar 20, 2026 |
Important notes
- "Final N instructional days" depends on your district's calendar. NC sets the test window relative to the end of the school year or course; the exact calendar date depends on when your district's school year or course ends. Confirm specific dates with your school.
- NCDPI recommended best practice: Complete testing early in the window and reserve the final days for makeup testing.
- The decision to administer a required assessment must be based on eligibility requirements. Not every student is eligible for every test (e.g., NCEXTEND1 is for students with significant cognitive disabilities; CCRAA is for specific accommodations cases).
- The 2025–26 Operational Testing Calendar is dated April 24, 2025 and was marked "DRAFT" in the source document. NCDPI may publish later updates; verify with your school division or the NCDPI Office of Accountability and Testing before relying on any date.
If your child is preparing for an EOC NC Math 1 or NC Math 3
For North Carolina students testing in an EOC NC Math 1 or NC Math 3 window, our Texas CBE practice exams cover the same core algebra and geometry content. NC Math 1 corresponds substantially to Algebra 1 + early Geometry; NC Math 3 corresponds substantially to Algebra 2 + advanced Geometry topics. Our TEKS-tagged practice questions exercise the same Common Core–derived skill base.
Particularly relevant for North Carolina families considering the CDM Phase 1 path:
- Algebra 1 free practice questions — 20 sample questions, no signup. Useful pre-assessment for NC Math 1 CDM Phase 1.
- Algebra 2 free practice questions — pre-assessment for NC Math 3 CDM Phase 1.
- Geometry free practice questions
- Biology free practice questions — pre-assessment for Biology CDM Phase 1.
- Cross-state Algebra I test-out guide — the broader landscape of CBE-equivalent programs.
- Other verified-schedule guides: NY Regents, Virginia SOL, Louisiana LEAP 2025, Ohio State Tests, California CAASPP & ELPAC.
How North Carolina CDM relates to Texas CBE and other states' programs
North Carolina is one of the very few U.S. states with a formal, named program to earn high-school course credit by exam without attending the course. Texas has Credit by Exam (CBE) through UT High School (UTHS) and district-administered routes. NC has Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM). The mechanics differ — NC's CDM requires both a Phase 1 standardized assessment and a Phase 2 artifact, while Texas CBE is a single exam — but the underlying intent is identical: let a student demonstrate they already know the course content and earn the credit. North Carolina families exploring CDM may find our broader cross-state writeup helpful.
Sources
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Office of Accountability and Testing — 2025–26 North Carolina Operational Testing Calendar, updated April 24, 2025.
- Official source: dpi.nc.gov / districts-schools / testing-and-school-accountability
- NCDPI Testing Policy and Operations contact via the Office of Accountability and Testing.
This article is for general information only and is not legal, educational, or testing-administration advice. North Carolina assessment dates, windows, accommodations, eligibility requirements, the Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) approval process, and graduation requirements are set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the State Board of Education, and individual Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and are subject to change — always confirm with your school district and the NCDPI Office of Accountability and Testing before relying on any window or date. The 2025–26 NC Operational Testing Calendar was marked "DRAFT" in the source document we used. Texas CBE is an independent practice platform; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the NC State Board of Education, ACT Inc., WIDA, the College Board, NCES, or any North Carolina school district, and it does not administer NC EOG, EOC, CDM, ACT, or any North Carolina state assessment, nor does it grant North Carolina academic credit.