PSSA Practice Test 2026 — Free PSSA Exam Prep Questions
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is the spring state test that Pennsylvania fourth graders take in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Our grade 4 practice is built on PDE's Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content: literature and informational reading, conventions of standard English, Text-Dependent Analysis skills, and math across base-ten, fractions, algebraic thinking, geometry, and measurement and data.
Which list names only shapes that always have at least one pair of perpendicular sides?
PSSA format, scoring & key facts
Two separate fixed-form tests given online at school (paper only as an accommodation): ELA in three sections and Mathematics in two sections. The tests are untimed; PDE estimates about 70–80 minutes per ELA section and about 78 minutes per math section. Part of the grade 4 math test is non-calculator; the rest allows the online four-function calculator, and an online protractor and the Grade 4 Formula Sheet are provided.
| Who takes it | Pennsylvania public-school students in grades 3–8 (ELA and Mathematics); this practice covers grade 4 |
|---|---|
| Standards | Pennsylvania Core Standards, tested through PDE's Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content |
| ELA test | 3 sections: 22–28 passage-based questions on 4 passages, 9 stand-alone Conventions questions, 4–6 two-part evidence-based questions, and 1 Text-Dependent Analysis essay (63 weighted core points) |
| Math test | 2 sections of 24 multiple-choice/technology-enhanced and 2 open-ended questions; the core is 40 one-point questions plus 3 four-point open-ended questions (52 points) |
| Answer choices | Multiple-choice questions have four answer choices |
| Time | Untimed; estimated about 70–80 minutes per ELA section and about 78 minutes per math section |
| Calculator | Part of the grade 4 math test is non-calculator; the rest allows the online four-function calculator |
| Math tools | Online protractor and the Grade 4 Formula Sheet (unit conversions and rectangle area and perimeter) |
| Delivery | Online for all students since spring 2026; paper only as an accommodation |
| Proficient score | 1000 or higher (grade 4 Advanced: 1107 or higher in ELA and in math) |
| 2027 dates | ELA April 26–30, 2027; Mathematics May 3–7, 2027 |
Facts last verified Nov 3, 2026. Source: www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/assessment-and-accountability/pennsylvania-system-of-school-assessment-pssa. Always confirm details with PDE before your exam.
When can you take the PSSA?
Statewide spring windows set by PDE. 2027: ELA April 26–30; Mathematics, Science and make-ups May 3–7; optional Mathematics, Science and make-ups May 10–14. Schools choose the days within each window.
What the PSSA covers
Every PrepBanq PSSA test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Literature TextELA reporting category A, 24%–37% of the ELA core: key ideas and details, theme and summary, characters, point of view, comparing traditional stories from different cultures, and vocabulary and figurative language in stories, poems and dramas. | 15% | ~12 | 23 questions → |
Informational TextELA reporting category B, 24%–37% of the ELA core: main idea, explaining events and procedures, firsthand and secondhand accounts, text structure and text features, reasons and evidence, integrating two texts, and vocabulary. | 15% | ~12 | 23 questions → |
Conventions of Standard EnglishELA reporting category D, 14% of the ELA core (9 points): grammar and usage, capitalization, punctuation and spelling, and choosing words and punctuation for precision and effect. | 7% | ~6 | 10 questions → |
Text-Dependent AnalysisELA reporting category E, 25% of the ELA core: one analytic essay on a passage or passage pair, scored 1–4 and weighted ×4. Our practice covers the essay skills (controlling idea, evidence, linking words, precise language, conclusion) with selected-response questions. | 13% | ~11 | 19 questions → |
Numbers and Operations in Base TenMath reporting category A-T, 18%–22% of the math core: place value through 1,000,000, comparing and rounding, multi-digit addition and subtraction, multiplication, division with remainders, and estimation. | 10% | ~8 | 14 questions → |
Numbers and Operations—FractionsMath reporting category A-F, 20%–25% of the math core: equivalent and compared fractions, adding and subtracting like fractions and mixed numbers, multiplying a whole number by a fraction, and decimals to hundredths. | 11% | ~9 | 16 questions → |
Operations and Algebraic ThinkingMath reporting category B-O, 24%–28% of the math core: multiplicative comparison, multi-step word problems with remainders, missing symbols, factors and multiples, prime and composite numbers, and patterns and function tables. | 13% | ~11 | 19 questions → |
GeometryMath reporting category C-G, 14%–17% of the math core: points, lines, rays, angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, classifying two-dimensional figures, and lines of symmetry. | 7% | ~6 | 11 questions → |
Measurement and DataMath reporting category D-M, 17%–21% of the math core: unit conversions, measurement word problems, rectangle area and perimeter, time, line plots with fractions, data displays, and measuring and adding angles. | 9% | ~7 | 15 questions → |
How to register for the PSSA
Retake policy
The PSSA is given once a year; students who miss a session test during the make-up window.
Score release
Individual student scores are provided to the student's school, which shares them with families. Early reporting is not available for 2026–27 through 2028–29.
Credential renewal
Not applicable: the PSSA is an annual state assessment, not a credential.
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PSSA FAQ
What is the passing score for the PSSA?
PSSA passing standard: Four performance levels: Advanced, Proficient, Basic and Below Basic. A scale score of 1000 or higher is Proficient in both ELA and Mathematics. Score range: Grade 4 ELA: Below Basic 600–886, Basic 887–999, Proficient 1000–1106, Advanced 1107 and above. Grade 4 Mathematics: Below Basic 600–907, Basic 908–999, Proficient 1000–1106, Advanced 1107 and above.
How much does the PSSA cost?
The PSSA registration fee is No fee: Pennsylvania public schools give the PSSA to all students in grades 3–8 each spring. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the PSSA?
The PSSA covers Literature Text (about 15%), Informational Text (about 15%), Conventions of Standard English (about 7%), Text-Dependent Analysis (about 13%), Numbers and Operations in Base Ten (about 10%), Numbers and Operations—Fractions (about 11%), Operations and Algebraic Thinking (about 13%), Geometry (about 7%), Measurement and Data (about 9%).
Who administers the PSSA?
The Pennsylvania PSSA Grade 4 ELA and Mathematics is administered by PDE. Delivery: Two separate fixed-form tests given online at school (paper only as an accommodation): ELA in three sections and Mathematics in two sections. The tests are untimed; PDE estimates about 70–80 minutes per ELA section and about 78 minutes per math section. Part of the grade 4 math test is non-calculator; the rest allows the online four-function calculator, and an online protractor and the Grade 4 Formula Sheet are provided..
Can you retake the PSSA?
The PSSA is given once a year; students who miss a session test during the make-up window.
Is there a free PSSA practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free PSSA practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real PSSA formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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