SOL High School Assessment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Learn about SOL assessments within high schools
High school students have opportunities to take a variety of assessments to fulfill state testing and graduation requirements. Click on each question below to view the response.
Why is my student identified for a Standards of Learning (SOL) test?
Students who are currently enrolled in SOL-associated courses may take the SOL end-of-course (EOC) test if they have not yet met federal participation requirements or if they need verified credit for graduation.
Students who have previously earned standard credit for a course but have not yet earned a qualifying test score also have the opportunity to take the SOL EOC test.
Students who have already met their testing requirements both for graduation and federal participation are not allowed to test.
What tests can be used for verified credit?
To earn verified credit for a standard or advanced studies diploma, students need two components: standard credit for the course and a qualifying test result.
Virginia law permits students to earn verified credit based on SOL tests, state-approved substitute tests, or state-developed performance assessments. SOL tests are the most common way Virginia students verify credit for graduation.
What SOL score does my student need to receive a verified credit?
A score of 400-600 is "passing" on a SOL test and qualifies a student for verified credit.
Students who score between 350-399 on a SOL test automatically have an opportunity for an expedited retake during the same testing window. Expedited retakes are optional.
In some cases, a student who scores below 400 may be eligible to earn a Locally Awarded Verified Credit (LAVC). To qualify for LAVC, students must meet specific criteria, and these decisions are handled on an individual basis.
How are SOL tests delivered?
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requires that all SOL tests be taken in-person at an approved FCPS site under secure testing conditions.
What if I do not want my student to take the SOL test?
Because SOL tests are the most common way to verify credit for graduation, any decision to refuse participation in an available SOL test could affect on-time graduation for your student. Please contact your student’s school counselor to discuss these potential impacts.
With this understanding, parents and guardians have a right to refuse test participation for their students under federal law. More information about the implications of refusing testing can be found on the Right to Refuse Assessments webpage.
What if my student plans to use a substitute test to verify credit?
The Virginia Board of Education has approved certain substitute tests (such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and WorkKeys) that can be used for verified credit.
If the student earns a qualifying test score on the substitute exam, they no longer need to take a SOL test for verified credit. Some students already have a qualifying substitute test score for a course. Other students may plan to take a substitute test this year.
However, substitute tests do not fulfill federal participation requirements. Students will still be offered a SOL test when they enroll in a SOL-associated English, Biology, or Mathematics course.