As most NJ students will be taking the NJSLA or NJGPA tests this spring, here is some information about these tests. Read on to learn what's new in 2026 and to see results from last year's testing.

NJSLA/NJGPA Rundown & Changes

The Basics

NJSLA tests are administered to public school students in grades 3-9 and measure how well students meet the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.  The NJGPA, the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment, is administered to students in grade 11. Passing the NJGPA is a NJ requirement for graduation.

Both NJSLA and NJGPA consist of:

• two sessions of English Language Arts (ELA) – Reading,
• one session of ELA – Writing, and
• two sessions of Mathematics

In addition, NJSLA Science is administered to grades 5, 8, and 11

2026 Testing Window:

NJSLA............ April 27 - May 22
NJ GPA............March 16 - 20

New in 2026: Computer Adaptive

New this year, the ELA and math tests will adapt to each student’s ability level in real time. As the student answers each question, their responses are used to determine the difficulty of future questions. Students are still assessed on grade level content.

Science will remain unchanged as a non-adaptive test.

Timing and Format

Time Limits

These are the NJSLA and NJGPA times in 2026 for all grade levels:
 

Total testing time for ELA and math is 6.5 hours (not including time for set up, etc…)
The two ELA-Reading and math sessions can be administered on the same day (with a break), or over two days.

Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 also take the NJSLA Science. For grades 5 and 8, science is tested in 4 units 45 minutes each, for a total of 3 hours. 11th grade students take 4 units of science that are 60 minutes long, for a total of 4 hours.

NJSLA Format

NJSLA and NJGPA are computer based tests and are administered on school supplied devices. They have a mix of multiple choice, writing, and interactive tasks. Students have access to built-in tools such as highlighting, digital note taking, zoom, and text to speech

ELA - Reading

• 2 sessions, 75 minutes each
• Students read 2 literary texts and 2 informational texts
• Students answer a total of 32 to 36 comprehension questions
• Texts range from "accessible" to "very complex" and comprehension is measured through Evidence-Based Selected Responses and Technology Enhanced Constructed Responses. 

ELA - Writing

• 1 session, 90 minutes
• Essays must demonstrate full understanding of the text, cite specific textual evidence to support conclusions drawn, and demonstrate knowledge of grammar conventions and usage.

Mathematics

• 2 Sessions, 75 minutes each
• Students answer a total of 41 to 46 questions. Questions are designed to assess concepts/skills/procedures, mathematical reasoning, and modeling/applications.
• Grades 3-8 and Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2
• Students take the NJSLA math test that matches their current course enrollment. For example, a student taking Algebra 1 in 7th grade would take the Algebra 1 assessment that year.  
• All high school students must take the Algebra 1 assessment when they are enrolled in the course for the first time.
• NJSLA content for grades 3-5: Number & Operations in Base Ten and Fractions; Operations and Algebraic Thinking & Measurement; Geometry and Data Literacy
• NJSLA content for grades 6-8: Ratios % Proportional Relationships; Number System; Expressions and Equations; Geometry, Statistics & Probability
• NJSLA content for Algebra 1: Number & Quantity & Algebra; Functions; Statistics & Probability
• NJGPA math consists of Algebra 1 and Geometry

Science

• Multiple choice, constructed response, technology enhanced items
• Questions relate to passages about physical science, life science, and earth science.

Results

Reporting of Results

Traditionally, ELA and math results are reported in five separate categories:

• Level 1: "Not yet meeting grade level expectations"
• Level 2: “Partially meeting grade level expectations”
• Level 3: “Approaching grade level expectations”
• Level 4: “Meeting grade level expectations”
• Level 5: "Exceeding grade level expectations" 

Each category has a scaled score, or a cut score, connected to it. The lowest NJSLA score possible is 650, and the highest is 850. Levels 4 and 5 are considered passing scores.  

For the NJGPA, Students earning 725 or above on the ELA and math are considered "graduation ready".

How did NJ students do in 2025?
 

NJSLA
% NJ Students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations 
(Level 4 or 5)

Questions About Your Child?

If you are concerned about your students' NJSLA scores, or would to give them a boost for the upcoming tests, don't hesitate to contact Somerset Learning Center.  We know how to prepare students for the test and our state certified, experienced teachers can help your child improve skills and obtain the best possible score! 

Contact Us to learn more about the NJSLA/NJGPA tests and our approach