Test Instructions
At-Home
The following instructions are for families and students taking the ISEE in the online format at home. Since December 2020, more than 85,000 ISEE At-Home exams have been administered on our tried-and-true testing platform with a 99% successful completion rate.
Read the Family Guide.
Read the full ISEE At Home Family Guide to familiarize yourself with the at-home testing process. The exam is designed to work on most personal computers and tablets, but full system requirements are available in the guide.
Prepare your testing device.
Download the ISEE by ERB testing app. You will use this to access your test. Once the test launches, the secure testing application "locks down" the testing device so that students are unable to access any websites, applications, or screen capture exam content. You can also complete a system check to ensure your device can support testing.
Complete a practice check-in.
At least three days before your test, open the ISEE by ERB app that you downloaded on your testing device and select "Practice Check-In." This will check if your device is ready for testing and if you and your student a chance to practice the test check-in process.
Start Your Test
30 minutes before your test's scheduled start time, open the ISEE by ERB secure browser testing application and begin the check-in process below. Refer to the ISEE At Home Family Guide for full details about checking-in.
You must download the secure browser application to check-in to your test. You will use this secure browser to take your test. If you have not already done so, download the secure browser now.
1. Open the secure browser.
Open the secure browser that you downloaded to start your test. If you have not already done so, you must download the secure browser now.
Download Browser →
2. Enter your Session Number.
Your Session Number is either in your Verification Letter or sent in a separate email or text message one day to one hour before your test's start time. You may need to check your SPAM folder. For additional assistance, refer to the ISEE At Home Family Guide.
Get my Verification Letter →
3. Enter your student's ISEE ID.
Your student's ISEE ID is found in your ISEE Verification Letter emailed to you. You can find a copy of your Verification Letter with your ISEE ID in your online account at iseeonline.erblearn.org.
Get my Verification Letter →
4. Provide identification for your student.
You must present an approved form of identification for your student. Students taking Upper Level exams must provide a photo ID. Please refer to the ISEE At Home Family Guide for more details.
For All Levels (includes photo):
- School ID
- State-issued ID, Passport, or Green Card
- Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit
- Military Dependent ID
- Visa
- Global Entry Card
- National Identity Card
- Employment Authorization Card
- Tribal Card
For Primary, Lower, and Middle Levels Only:
- Birth certificate
- Social security card
- School report card
- Health Insurance Card
5. Conduct a Testing Area Scan
The proctor may ask your student to conduct a testing area scan during check-in to ensure the test is taken in a secure environment and that the student’s testing area does not have any prohibited items. A parent or guardian must assist their student with the testing area scan.
If you’re using a laptop or tablet...
Students using a laptop or iPad with a built-in webcam will need to move their device around to show the proctor their testing area.
If you’re using a desktop computer...
Students using a desktop computer will need an external webcam that can be detached and moved around to show the proctor their testing area.
If you have questions or concerns before or during testing, please refer to our Family Guide or FAQs to get the help you need!
Checking-In To Your Exam
Review our convenient tutorial video about how to log in to your ISEE at Home exam.
Rest and relax.
Families should try to keep test day as stress-free as possible. Students should get a good night's sleep, eat a nutritious meal before the test, and refrain from any last-minute "cramming."
It's okay to guess.
No one is expected to answer every question correctly. Students in a lower grade taking the same test as students in a higher grade are expected to obtain fewer correct answers. Remember, a student’s test performance is compared only to the performance of students at their own grade level.
Try to answer every question.
Students should attempt to answer every question as there are no penalties for incorrect answers. But don't spend too much time on any one question; it is better to move on to the next question and return to skipped items within a test section if time permits.
Rules and Regulations
To preserve the integrity of the test and to create a safe and productive testing environment, students who do not adhere to the rules and regulations may be excused from the test. Some personal items are permitted if the student is approved for testing accommodations that allow for the express use of those items.
Test Proctors
All at-home test proctors are trained in remote exam administration with a support system in place to address any issues that might arise during testing. All proctors are fully vetted by ERB; they are either staff at independent schools that belong to our member-school community or they are other professionals trained directly by ERB.
Need additional support?
Inside the U.S.: (800) 446-0320
Outside the U.S.: 1 (646) 503-2691
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST
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