SOL Testing

2024-2025 SOL Testing

SOL End of Course Exams are used by the state to verify credits needed for graduation and to satisfy federal accountability requirements for all FCPS schools. Usually, students need 5 verified credits (one per subject) to be ready for graduation:

  • Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Geosystems)
  • English Reading
  • English Writing
  • History and Social Studies (World History 1, World History 2, or USVA History)

However, depending on your student's course history and date of enrollment, verified credits can be earned using substitute tests or credit accommodations and your student may not need to take an SOL at the end of the year. More information regarding testing requirements will be sent out throughout the school year. You may also reach out to your student's counselor or to the Assessment Coach, Laura Fitzsimmons ([email protected]). 

The calendar for end-of-course SOL exams will be made available after the start of the school year. Please check back at a later date, and encourage your students to check their email for testing schedules and updates. 

Substitute Exams

VDOE has approved several "substitute exams" as alternative ways for students to earn verified credits, dependent upon student scores. Some examples are listed below: 

  • AP Exams
  • WorkKeys Exams
  • IB Exams
  • IGCSE
  • CLEP

If you have recently moved to FCPS, please include your student's previous standardized testing results in your registration documents. Our Assessment Coach will ensure that any qualifying scores are loaded into your student's test history.

 

WorkKeys vs SOL Exams

In FCPS, many schools frequently use the ACT WorkKeys Writing and Reading assessments as substitute exams for the Writing and Reading SOLs. Below is a quick comparison between the exams: 

Reading Exams: 

  • SOL EOC English: Reading 
    • Required to fulfill federal participation requirements in Reading - all students MUST attempt this exam at least once during their junior year.
    • Test Administration: Fall (limited to seniors and students enrolled in a semester-long course) and Spring (open to all students enrolled in the course)
    • Format: untimed, online assessment; multiple choice assessment with technology enhanced items
  • WorkKeys Workplace Documents (aka WorkKeys Reading)
    • Test Administration: Offered to seniors still missing the Reading verified credit, with retakes available on a monthly basis
    • Format: timed, online; multiple choice authentic workplace-related questions

Writing Exams: 

  • SOL EOC English: Writing 
    • Test Administration: Fall (limited to seniors and students enrolled in a semester-long course) and Spring (open to all students enrolled in the course)
    • Format: untimed, online assessment administered over two days; multiple choice assessment/ technology enhanced items and short paper writing response
  • WorkKeys Business Writing
    • Test Administration: Offered throughout the academic year (for seniors) and in the Spring (for all juniors in English 11 and students who opt out of the AP English Language exam). Retakes available on a monthly basis.
    • Format: timed, online; a single authentic business-related writing prompt