GQE Testing Dates

Testing dates can be found on this page.

You must be present all three days and take all parts of the test – there are no make-up days.

Click here to learn more about the GQE.

Common Questions about the GQE

What’s on the GQE?
Based on Indiana’s Academic Standards, the GQE covers:

• English/language arts through Grade 9
   
• Mathematics through Grade 8, plus Algebra I

When is the GQE?

• You take it for the first time the fall of your sophomore year.
   
• You will take the test over three days in September (September 19, 20, and 21 this year).

How long does the GQE take?

• The test takes about six hours, over three days.
   
• You have to be present for testing all three days. There are no make-ups.

What if I don't pass?

• Ask your teacher and guidance counselors about extra help in areas that you didn’t pass.
   
• Once you pass a specific part of the test, you don’t have to retake that section.
   
• You can retake the test at least four more times (September and March of your junior and senior years).
   
• Click here to learn about the four ways to meet the GQE requirement.

What if I have special needs?

• Several testing accommodations are available for students with disabilities or limited English proficiency, such as additional time and changes in test scheduling, format and setting.
   
• Talk to your parents and guidance counselors about the specific accommodations in your Individualized Education Program, Section 504 Plan or Individual Learning Program.

Click here for tips on getting ready for the GQE.

Getting ready for the GQE

What should I do to get ready for the GQE?

• Be prepared. Cramming for any test is never the best way to prepare. Keep up with your homework and ask your teachers for help when you need it.

• Review. In the weeks before your test, take it seriously when your teachers review important information.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Have a good breakfast. Eat protein (eggs, meat, cheese, etc.), which will help you perform better than a sugary donut. Too much food can make you feel sleepy, so don’t overdo it.

• Take a break. Get some exercise during your breaks or after school to keep your energy up.

• Ask for help. If you’ve had trouble with ISTEP+ in the past, ask a teacher, counselor or parent about extra help now.

• Double-check your work on the test. You’ll catch mistakes if you take time to proofread your answers carefully.

Click here to see sample GQE test questions.

Meeting the GQE requirement

Four Ways to Meet the GQE Requirement

Because reading, writing and math are fundamental to everything you’ll do in your life, you must meet the GQE to demonstrate basic understanding of English/language arts and math before you graduate.

The GQE requirement can be met in four ways:

1. Pass the GQE.

2. Fulfill the requirements of the GQE Core 40 waiver:

• Complete a Core 40 diploma.
   
• Have a grade of "C" or higher in all required and directed elective courses.
   
• Have the recommendation of the principal.

3. Fulfill the requirements of the GQE Evidence-based waiver:

• Take the GQE at least one time your sophomore, junior, and senior years.
   
• Complete any extra help sessions offered each year by your school to prepare for the GQE retests.
   
• Maintain a school attendance rate of 95 percent or better over the course of your high school experience (excused absences are not counted against your attendance rate).
   
• Have a "C" average, over the course of your high school career, in the courses required for graduation.
   
• Satisfy any other state and local graduation requirements.
   
• Get a written recommendation from the teacher(s) in the subject area(s) not passed, as well as one from the school principal, and show proof that the academic standards have been met, whether through other tests or classroom work.

4. Fulfill the requirements of the GQE Work-readiness waiver:

• Take the GQE at least one time your sophomore, junior, and senior years.
   
• Complete any extra help sessions offered each year by your school to prepare for the GQE retests.
   
• Maintain a school attendance rate of 95 percent or better over the course of your high school experience (excused absences are not counted against your attendance rate).
   
• Have a "C" average in the courses required for graduation.
   
• Satisfy any other state and local graduation requirements.
   
• Complete the course and credit requirements for a general diploma, including the career academic sequence; a workforce readiness assessment; and, at least one career exploration internship, cooperative education, or a workforce credential recommended by your school.

Click here for more information on the GQE.

More Information

For more information on the GQE, talk to your teachers, counselors or:

Visit: www.doe.in.gov/istep and www.learnmoreindiana.org

Call: 1-888-54-ISTEP