FAQs About Keystone Exams in Cyber School

Published May 11, 2026

Every year, all school districts and charter schools in Pennsylvania are required to offer standards-based assessments, including Keystone exams. These end-of-course assessments are designed to evaluate student progress in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.

Keystone exams are a central component of Pennsylvania’s graduation requirements, making your child’s participation extremely important. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in the exams or fulfill one of the other graduation pathways.

PA Cyber families are strongly encouraged to speak to their Academic Advisor about days, times, and locations for their student’s exam(s).

Read on for a list of frequently asked questions that families have about the Keystones.

Do PA Cyber students take Keystone Exams?

Yes! As a public online school, PA Cyber is required to offer these tests. A student must attempt each Keystone exam at least once to meet federal and state requirements.

Which students will take the Keystones?

Students in Pennsylvania public schools take these exams at or near the end of Algebra, Biology, and 10th-grade English. These tests generally apply to high school students.

When will students take the exam?

PA Cyber offers Keystone exams every spring and makeup exams in the winter.

What should my child bring to their Keystone exam?

They will bring a calculator for the Algebra and Biology exams. Students should know how to clear the memory of graphing calculators.

How long does each test take to complete?

There is no time limit for a student to complete a Keystone Exam, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Each test should take a typical student two to three hours to complete.

Where will PA Cyber students take the exams?

PA Cyber students must come to a school-designated site to complete the test online. Computers will be set up at the testing sites for each student.

My child attends school online. Can they take the Keystone exams online, too?

While students can’t take the Keystones from home, they can complete them online at school-designated locations.

What are the benefits of taking the Keystone Exams?

The exams provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate postsecondary preparedness. They also help teachers identify areas where students need extra support, and they provide valuable information to parents and guardians about their child’s academic progress.

Two students and a PA Cyber employee hold microphones and inflatable guitars and wear retro glasses. — Students get pumped before taking the Keystones.

What is a passing score on the Keystones?

To meet Graduation Pathway 1, students must score Proficient or Advanced on each Keystone, including Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. If your child does not achieve a Proficient score across the three tests, they can explore another graduation pathway with their advisor.

Can my student retake a Keystone Exam?

Yes, students may retake these exams.

How can cyber charter students prepare for the exams?

Sample questions are available online. Visit the PDE Keystone Exams webpage, scroll down to Resource Materials, then Item and Scoring Samplers, and select your test subject.
Students can familiarize themselves with navigating the online testing platform at https://portal.te.drcedirect.com/PA/paott.
On the day before the test, be sure of your test site location. Get plenty of rest the night before.
On the day of the test, eat a hearty meal before arriving.

How do Keystones differ from PSSAs?

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is for grades 3-8, and Keystone exams are based on older students’ enrollment in three specific courses. PSSAs and Keystones are both mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

How do the Keystones affect my child’s ability to graduate from high school, and what are the alternatives?

The Keystone Exams are a central component to Pennsylvania’s graduation requirements. A student must attempt each Keystone exam at least once. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in these exams or fulfill one of the other graduation pathways.

Will the scores be on my child’s high school transcript?

Yes, Keystone Exam scores will be listed by proficiency level on student transcripts.

What if my child has medical needs at testing locations?

Your school nurse will create a plan for your child. Health needs may include allergies, diabetes, seizure disorders, or asthma. PA Cyber parents are asked to complete the Medical Needs at Testing form.

More Keystone exam information is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education webpage: Information for Parents or Guardians.

Learn More about Our Accredited Online School

Accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, PA Cyber is a K-12 public school with a strong focus on student achievement. The quality curriculum is designed to engage and support learners of all kinds. Enroll now in a school that offers real classes, teachers, and peer interaction. Join an information session to learn more or begin the enrollment process today.