cbollin wrote:I can say that it is easy to become a certified tester through Bob Jones Univ. I'm not sure in MN if parent administered tests are ok or not to meet requirements. Wish we lived closer, I'd help

I've known MInnesotans who have administered their own tests, although I'm not sure if they were former school teachers. I know some places will only sell the tests to school teachers, but not sure about administration requirements. I think HSLDA might be helpful, too?
I also know folks in Minnesota who hire one-on-one private testers, which aren't always pencil tests - some are oral.
But we've always used "group testing" because my kids needed to be in an environment where "everybody's doing it." It's a sort of reverse peer pressure. I could envision their dragging on the floor telling me how terrible it was at home

We used
Iowa basics in elementary/middle school, and the PSAT & PLAN for high school, all with groups. Most public schools will allow you to test with them, but I've so far used homeschool groups only.
TriciaMR wrote:I would start with the CAT... Our state requires 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th grade testing. Up through 3rd grade, the students fill in the circle directly in the book, unlike the Iowa Basics. Also, it is a MUCH shorter test, time wise, than the Iowa. I will switch to the Iowa Basic Skills through BJU this next year.
Trish, Iowa Basics starts with circles on a separate page in 3rd grade, as I recall. It did help to practice that skill for a day or two in advance.
I have heard that the CAT is shorter, which sometimes can be good (we're done already!) but sometimes can be not-so-good (there was only one question on that topic & I didn't remember it!).
Julie