California Science Test (CAST)

  • CAST Overview

    The California Science Test (CAST) is part of California’s system of assessments called the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The CAST measures what students know and can do using the California Next Generation Science Standards, which focus on understanding the scientific concepts found in the Earth and Space Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences. These standards integrate the Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts to help students understand how science works in the natural world.

    The purposes of the CAST are to assess student knowledge and skills in science and to foster science education at every grade level. In addition, the CAST encourages students to build the knowledge and skills needed for college and careers.

    Resources

    A student taking the CAST can access the embedded Desmos calculator during the entire test. The calculator that appears in the test delivery system is assigned on the basis of the student's grade level. The student can resize and reposition the calculator on the screen as needed.

    The CAST assessments for grade eight and high school include a periodic table of the elements and a reference sheet of formulas that students may access during online testing as universal tools. The reference sheet provides all formulas that a student may need to use in responding to a test item; however, this does not imply that the student will receive a specific item type. 

    Testing Window

    CAA Science: Quarterly

    Gen Ed: March 17-21, 2025

    Makeup: 3/24-3/28