Testing and evaluation can seem overwhelming at first. Start by checking with your state's Department of Education regarding which tests and/or evaluations your state requires/accepts, what grade they must be started in, and with what frequency you must complete them. Whether you go the test or evaluation route, also find out whether the results must be submitted by a certain date within the school year. Your school district might be able to recommend evaluators and test administrators, and talk to other homeschoolers in your area too. More things to consider if you go with testing include whether to use a paper test or online test, timed vs. untimed test, and whether your child(ren) need accomodations.
If you go with testing you can also find out if your state allows you to administer your own child's test. If they do, I highly recommend going through BJU Press Homeschool as long as your state accepts the tests they offer (Iowa Assessments and Stanford). They truly have amazing customer service. A homeschool mom friend told me about them and after watching a short video and submitting my bachelor's degree information, within 24 hours I became a certified test administrator. I administered a Stanford Test at home because it was untimed and on paper, and I felt that this would be the most comfortable format for our child. Stanford Tests are being phased out now (they were written decades ago and have many obsolete references). I called BJU Press about this and they certified me to administer Iowa Assessments on the spot (same certification requirements as Stanford). I'm not sure yet whether we'll do an evaluation or assessment for our next go round, but if I gain any more insights that might help others I will post them here.
Here are some links to other websites I found helpful in learning about testing and evaluations:
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