In grades 3, 6, 9, and 10, students write a test from the EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office). This test is completed online at school. These tests give schools and caregivers information about how well students have learned the curriculum for their grade in reading, writing, and mathematics. Schools use the information from these tests to help them plan for teaching students. 

In elementary schools, students in Grades 3 and 6 write math and literacy tests in May or June, and parents and schools receive the results in the Fall.

 In secondary schools, students write a Grade 9 mathematics test in January-February (semester 1 students) or June (semester 2 students), and student results are reported shortly after each student completes the assessment. 

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is completed by Grade 10 students in the Fall and Spring, with individual results reported within a few months of writing the test.

There is no preparation needed for EQAO tests. Some teachers may provide sample questions to help students understand what the tests will look like. 

Some multilingual language learners may not write the test or parts of the test if they have recently arrived in Canada. This is called an “exemption”. Others may have “accommodations” such as extra time, the use of a dual-language dictionary, or a translation tool for translating single words on the test. 

Some students who need Special Education services may also receive accommodations to write the test, or may receive an exemption from the test or parts of the test. 

For more information, please see the EQAO website at: www.eqao.com

EQAO Key Words in Many Languages

The printable word lists below have translations of key academic vocabulary that are used in EQAO testing as well as across the Ontario curriculum.

Screenshot of Punjabi-English EQAO Key Words Resource