FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Florida’s annual requirements for registered homeschool and private school students, Step Up scholarship annual testing obligations, and choosing the right evaluation or testing service.

Find Your Situation

📋 Portfolio Evaluation — $65
Registered homeschool only (FS 1002.41) • Upload work samples • 48-hr turnaround • No appointment
✓ Registered homeschool • FES-UA homeschool
✗ Not for PEP, FES-EO, FTC, or private school
Submit Portfolio →
📊 Annual Testing — from $75
Parent-administered (from $75) or live-proctored via Zoom (from $125) • Results in 24–48 hrs
✓ PEP (required, K–12) • FES-EO • FTC • FES-UA
✓ Registered homeschool • Private school
Book Testing →
Step Up Scholarship Quick Reference
Program Grades Requirement Portfolio?
PEP K–12 Testing required • Parent submits by May 31 No
FES-UA
Homeschool
All Testing or portfolio — if also registered homeschool Yes
FES-UA
Private school
3–10 Testing required • School typically handles No
FES-EO 3–10 Testing required • School typically handles No
FTC 3–10 Testing required • School typically handles No

If your school doesn’t offer testing, book directly with ClearPath. Step Up families page →

Florida Requirements (Registered Homeschool & Private School)

How do I know if I’m a registered homeschool student in Florida?
✓ You ARE a registered homeschool student if:
  • You filed a “Notice of Intent to Establish a Home Education Program” (Form DS2) with your county school district office
  • You received a letter from your district acknowledging your homeschool registration
  • You operate under Florida Statute 1002.41 (registered homeschool)
  • You maintain a portfolio of your student’s work and submit annual evaluations to the district
⚠️ You are NOT registered homeschool if you’re:
  • Enrolled in a private school (even if learning at home)
  • Using an umbrella school or “cover school” (you’re technically a private school student)
  • Only on a Step Up scholarship without filing Form DS2 with your district
  • Using Florida Virtual School (FLVS) full-time as your primary education
  • Enrolled in a public school homeschool program
Why this matters: Portfolio evaluations are ONLY available to registered homeschool students under FS 1002.41. If you’re not registered homeschool, you need Annual Testing instead. Not sure which you are? Contact your county school district office or check if you filed Form DS2. If you haven’t filed it, you’re not registered homeschool.
What are Florida’s annual requirements for REGISTERED homeschool students?
Florida law (Florida Statute 1002.41) requires registered homeschool families to conduct an annual educational evaluation. You have two options:
✓ Option 1: Portfolio Evaluation
A Florida-certified teacher reviews your student’s work samples from the year and provides a signed evaluation letter confirming educational progress. Submit online — no appointment needed, 48-hour turnaround.
Best for: Most homeschool families • Quick turnaround • No testing stress
✓ Option 2: Standardized Testing
Your student takes a nationally normed standardized test (like DORA, ADAM, or Stanford 10). Available parent-administered at home or live-proctored via Zoom.
Best for: Families wanting diagnostic data • Scholarship families • Objective scores
Both options meet Florida’s annual homeschool requirement and are accepted by all 67 Florida school districts. View all testing and evaluation options →
Portfolio evaluation vs testing in Florida — which should I choose?
📋 Portfolio Evaluation — $65
Choose this if:
  • You’re a registered homeschool family (FS 1002.41) or FES-UA registered homeschool family
  • You have work samples from the year
  • You prefer no testing stress for your student
  • You want the fastest turnaround (48 hours, no appointment)
  • You want the most affordable option
📊 Standardized Testing — from $75
Choose this if:
  • You’re on a Step Up PEP scholarship (testing required, grades K–12)
  • You’re a private school student (FES-EO, FTC, or FES-UA private school, grades 3–10)
  • You want diagnostic data on reading/math skills
  • You prefer objective percentile score reports
  • You want to track year-over-year academic growth
Bottom line: Both meet Florida’s homeschool requirement. Portfolio is faster and easier for most registered homeschool families. Testing provides more detailed academic data and is required for PEP and private school students. Learn more →
Are Florida DOE approved tests required for registered homeschool students?
Not for registered homeschool families using the portfolio evaluation option. However, if you choose standardized testing to meet your annual requirement, the test must be a Florida DOE approved norm-referenced test.

All our tests are on the Florida Department of Education approved list:
Diagnostic Online Reading Assessment (DORA)
Adaptive Diagnostic Assessment of Mathematics (ADAM)
Stanford 10 (Achievement Test)

Step Up scholarship families must also use Florida DOE approved norm-referenced tests. See pricing for all tests →
Can I do portfolio evaluation online in Florida?
Yes! ClearPath offers 100% online portfolio evaluations with no appointment, no meeting, no phone call, and no Zoom session required. Here’s how it works:

1. Pay online (private pay or Step Up scholarship funds)
2. Upload your student’s work samples, activity log, and reading list through our secure online form
3. Have your student answer 3 brief written questions (takes 10–15 minutes)
4. Receive your signed FL-certified evaluation letter within 48 hours via email

This is the fastest, easiest way to meet Florida’s annual homeschool requirement. $65 per student. Submit portfolio now →
Do I need a Florida-certified teacher for registered homeschool evaluations?
Yes. Florida Statute 1002.41 requires that portfolio evaluations be conducted by a Florida-certified teacher holding a valid FL DOE Educator Certificate. Standardized tests must also be administered or supervised by a certified teacher.

ClearPath’s evaluator holds an M.Ed. in Reading and a Florida DOE Educator Certificate, making them fully qualified to conduct both portfolio evaluations and standardized testing for Florida families statewide.

Step Up Scholarship Testing Requirements

What are Step Up For Students annual testing requirements?
Step Up testing requirements vary by scholarship program:
⚠️ PEP (Personal Education Program) — Grades K–12
Annual standardized testing REQUIRED for renewal. Parent submits results directly to Step Up by May 31.
Portfolio evaluations are NOT accepted for PEP.
✓ FES-UA (Unique Abilities Scholarship)
Private school students (grades 3–10): Annual standardized testing required. Your school typically handles and submits this. If your school doesn’t offer testing, book with ClearPath.

Registered homeschool families: Several annual evaluation options available. ClearPath offers standardized testing and portfolio evaluations.
⚠️ FES-EO & FTC (Private School Scholarships) — Grades 3–10
Annual standardized testing required. Your private school typically handles and submits testing to Step Up. If your school doesn’t offer testing, book directly with ClearPath.
Portfolio evaluations are NOT available for FES-EO and FTC families.
All Step Up programs accept standardized testing:
• Parent-administered DORA or ADAM (from $75) — you administer at home
• Live-proctored DORA, ADAM, or Stanford 10 (from $125) — FL-certified teacher monitors via Zoom
• One FL DOE approved test per year meets the annual requirement
ClearPath is a Step Up For Students approved provider for all scholarship programs. Book with Step Up funds →
Can I use portfolio evaluation for FES-UA scholarship?
⚠️ Important: You can ONLY use portfolio evaluation for FES-UA if you are ALSO registered as homeschool under Florida Statute 1002.41 (filed Form DS2 with your county district office).

If you’re on FES-UA as a private school student (grades 3–10), standardized testing is required. Your school typically handles this — if yours doesn’t, book with ClearPath.
For FES-UA families who ARE registered homeschool:
Yes, you can use portfolio evaluation to meet your annual requirement. Both portfolio and testing are accepted by Step Up for FES-UA families who are registered homeschool.

Portfolio evaluation is often the easier option:
• No testing stress
• 100% online submission — no appointment, no Zoom, no meeting
• 48-hour turnaround
• Lower cost ($65 vs $75+ for testing)

Learn more →
Does PEP scholarship require annual testing?
⚠️ YES — PEP testing is mandatory for all grades K–12
PEP (Personal Education Program) scholarship families are required to complete annual standardized testing every year to renew their scholarship. This applies to all grade levels K–12.

Portfolio evaluations are NOT accepted for PEP renewal — you must use a Florida DOE approved norm-referenced test.

Results must be submitted in EMA by May 31 to receive funding the following year.
PEP-approved tests we offer:
Parent-Administered (at home, no appointment):
• DORA Reading — $75
• ADAM Math — $75
• DORA + ADAM Bundle — $100 (save $50)

Live-Proctored (monitored via Zoom):
• DORA Reading — $125
• ADAM Math — $125
• DORA + ADAM Combo — $225 (save $25)
• Stanford 10 — $325 Abbreviated / $425 Complete
All tests meet PEP’s annual testing requirement for scholarship renewal. One test per year is all that’s required. Schedule PEP testing →
Can I pay for testing with Step Up scholarship funds?
Yes! ClearPath is a Step Up For Students approved provider. You can use your FES-UA, FES-EO, FTC, or PEP funds to pay for testing and portfolio evaluations through the EMA Marketplace.

To book with Step Up funds, visit our Step Up Families page for direct links to reserve services on the EMA Marketplace. Payment processes through Step Up automatically — no out-of-pocket expense required.
What is the difference between FES-EO, FES-UA, FTC, and PEP testing requirements?
PEP (Personal Education Program) — Grades K–12:
For homeschool families. Annual standardized testing required for renewal, all grades K–12. Parent submits results directly to Step Up by May 31. Portfolio evaluations not accepted.

FES-UA (Unique Abilities Scholarship):
Can be used for private school or registered homeschool. Private school students in grades 3–10 must complete annual standardized testing — your school typically handles and submits this. If you are a registered homeschool family under FS 1002.41, several annual evaluation options are available including testing and portfolio evaluation.

FES-EO (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options) — Grades 3–10:
Private school scholarship. Annual standardized testing required. Your school typically handles and submits scores to Step Up. If your school does not offer testing, book with ClearPath. Portfolio evaluations not available.

FTC (Family Tax Credit Scholarship) — Grades 3–10:
Private school scholarship. Annual standardized testing required. Your school typically handles and submits scores to Step Up. If your school does not offer testing, book with ClearPath. Portfolio evaluations not available.

ClearPath serves all four scholarship programs. View Step Up options →

Tests & Services Explained

What is the DORA reading test?
DORA (Diagnostic Online Reading Assessment) is a computer-adaptive reading test designed for homeschool and virtual students. It measures reading comprehension, vocabulary, phonics, and fluency.

Key features:
• Adaptive testing (adjusts to your student’s level)
• 30–60 minutes
• Florida DOE approved norm-referenced test
• Step Up approved (all scholarship programs)

🏠 Parent-Administered — $75
You administer at home following our step-by-step instructions. No appointment, test on your schedule. Results in 48 hours.
👩‍🏫 Live-Proctored — $125
FL-certified reading specialist monitors the entire test via Zoom with real-time support. Results in 24–48 hours.
DORA provides percentile scores showing how your student compares to peers nationwide. Learn more about DORA →
What is the ADAM math test?
ADAM (Adaptive Diagnostic Assessment of Mathematics) is a computer-adaptive math test. It assesses number sense, operations, geometry, measurement, and algebraic thinking. No calculator allowed.

Key features:
• Adaptive testing (adjusts to your student’s level)
• 30–60 minutes
• No calculator allowed
• Florida DOE approved norm-referenced test
• Step Up approved (all scholarship programs)

Note for grades 8–12: If you only need one annual test, DORA reading is recommended for older students. ADAM focuses on foundational math and pre-algebra skills.
🏠 Parent-Administered — $75
You administer at home following our step-by-step instructions. No calculator allowed. No appointment, test on your schedule. Results in 48 hours.
👩‍🏫 Live-Proctored — $125
FL-certified teacher monitors the entire test via Zoom with real-time support. No calculator allowed. Results in 24–48 hours.
ADAM is ideal for identifying math strengths and areas needing support. Learn more about ADAM →
What is the Stanford 10 Achievement Test?
The Stanford 10 is a comprehensive achievement test covering all five core subjects: reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. It’s one of the most widely recognized standardized tests in the U.S.

Available versions:
Abbreviated Stanford 10: $325 (all 5 subjects, shorter format)
Complete Stanford 10: $425 (full battery with extended subtests)

Testing format:
• Live-proctored via Zoom — two consecutive days
• Florida DOE approved
• Step Up approved
• Book 3+ weeks in advance

Stanford 10 is ideal for families wanting comprehensive testing across all subjects. Learn more →
Can I bundle DORA and ADAM together?
Yes! We offer bundles for both testing options:

🏠 Parent-Administered Bundle — $100 (save $50)
You administer both DORA and ADAM at home on your schedule. Same day or separate days. No calculator allowed for ADAM.
👩‍🏫 Live-Proctored Bundle — $225 (save $25)
Both tests administered live via Zoom by a FL-certified reading specialist. Two sessions. No calculator allowed for ADAM.
💡 One test meets the annual requirement.
You only need one FL DOE approved assessment per year to satisfy the Step Up annual testing requirement. The bundle is a great option if you want diagnostic data for both reading and math — but it is not required.
Both versions are Florida DOE approved and Step Up approved (all programs). See all pricing options →
What does “norm-referenced test” mean?
A norm-referenced test compares your student’s performance to a national sample of students at the same grade level. Instead of pass/fail, you receive percentile rankings.

Example: If your student scores in the 75th percentile, they performed as well as or better than 75% of students nationwide.

Why it matters:
• Step Up For Students requires norm-referenced tests
• Florida DOE maintains an approved list of norm-referenced tests
• Provides objective, comparative data

All our tests (DORA, ADAM, Stanford 10) are Florida DOE approved norm-referenced assessments. You can view the full FL DOE approved assessment list at fldoe.org.
What is the difference between parent-administered and live-proctored testing?
Both options use the same FL DOE approved tests and meet the same Step Up requirements. The difference is who administers and monitors the test.
🏠 Parent-Administered Testing
• You administer the test to your child at home following our step-by-step instructions
• No scheduled appointment — test anytime on your schedule
• No Zoom session required
• Lower cost (DORA or ADAM at $75 each, bundle $100)
• Results in 48 hours
• Test validity depends on proper administration by the parent
👩‍🏫 Live-Proctored Testing
• A Florida-certified teacher administers and monitors the test via Zoom in real time
• Scheduled appointment required
• Real-time tech support and guidance throughout
• Higher level of oversight (DORA or ADAM at $125 each, combo $225)
• Results in 24–48 hours
• Best for families wanting maximum confidence in results
Both options meet Florida DOE requirements and Step Up annual testing requirements. Choose based on your preference for flexibility vs. oversight.

Pricing & Payment

How much does testing cost?
Portfolio Evaluation: $65

Parent-Administered Testing (at home):
• DORA Reading: $75
• ADAM Math: $75
• DORA + ADAM Bundle: $100 (save $50)

Live-Proctored Testing (via Zoom):
• DORA Reading: $125
• ADAM Math: $125
• DORA + ADAM Combo: $225 (save $25)
• Stanford 10 Abbreviated: $325
• Stanford 10 Complete: $425
All prices include: test access or evaluation, professional scoring, detailed reports, and digital delivery. No hidden fees or additional costs.

One test reminder: You only need one FL DOE approved assessment per year to meet the Step Up annual testing requirement.

View complete pricing details →
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept two payment methods:

1. Private Pay (Credit Card)
Pay securely via Stripe (for parent-administered testing) or Calendly (for live-proctored testing and portfolio evaluation). Quick checkout with instant confirmation.
Book private pay →

2. Step Up Scholarship Funds
Use your FES-UA, FES-EO, FTC, or PEP funds through the EMA Marketplace. No out-of-pocket cost.
Book with Step Up funds →
Are there any hidden fees or additional costs?
No. Our pricing is all-inclusive. The price you see includes:
• Test administration, proctoring, or evaluation review
• Professional scoring
• Detailed diagnostic reports
• Official signed letters (for portfolio evaluations)
• Digital delivery of all materials

No setup fees, shipping costs, or surprise charges. What you see is what you pay.

Testing Process & Technology

How does parent-administered testing work?
Parent-administered testing lets you complete FL DOE approved assessments at home on your own schedule. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Pay
Complete payment through our private pay page (Stripe) or Step Up EMA Marketplace.
Step 2: Receive Test Access
Within 24 hours you’ll receive secure test access credentials and step-by-step administration instructions via email.
Step 3: Administer at Home
You administer the test to your child following our provided instructions. No appointment, no Zoom, test anytime on your schedule. DORA and ADAM typically take 30–60 minutes each.
Step 4: Receive Results
Submit completed test results and we deliver official score reports within 48 hours via email.
Important: Test validity depends on proper administration per our provided instructions. Calculators are not permitted for ADAM.
How does live-proctored testing work?
Live-proctored testing is administered via Zoom by a Florida-certified teacher. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Book & Pay
Schedule your test through our booking system and complete payment (private pay or Step Up funds).
Step 2: Receive Zoom Link
You’ll receive a Zoom link and tech setup instructions for your scheduled appointment.
Step 3: Join Test Session
At your scheduled time, join the Zoom meeting. Your FL-certified teacher will verify identity, provide test access, and monitor your student live throughout the session.
Step 4: Complete Test
Your student completes the adaptive test (30–60 minutes for DORA/ADAM). The teacher monitors live via video and provides real-time tech support.
Step 5: Receive Results
Official score reports delivered within 24–48 hours via email.
This method meets all Florida DOE requirements for supervised standardized testing. No in-person appointments, no driving — everything from home.
What technology do I need?
🏠 Parent-Administered Testing Requires:
  • Computer or laptop (Windows, Mac, or Chromebook)
  • Stable internet connection
  • Updated web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
  • Quiet testing environment
  • No webcam or microphone required
👩‍🏫 Live-Proctored Testing Requires:
  • Computer or laptop (Windows or Mac)
  • Stable internet connection
  • Working webcam and microphone
  • Zoom installed and tested before appointment
  • Updated web browser
  • Quiet, well-lit testing environment
⚠️ NOT Compatible with DORA/ADAM:
  • iPads or tablets (require desktop browsers)
  • Phones or mobile devices
Pro tip for live-proctored testing: Test your Zoom connection 24 hours before your scheduled appointment to avoid technical issues on test day.
Can my student take breaks during testing?
DORA & ADAM: Brief breaks are allowed if needed (stretch, bathroom, water). The test will pause and your student can resume where they left off.

Stanford 10: Breaks are built into the testing schedule. The test is administered over two consecutive days with designated break times between subtests.

We want students to perform their best, so reasonable accommodations are always available. For live-proctored sessions, just communicate with your proctor. For parent-administered testing, breaks can be taken at your discretion per our provided instructions.
What if my student gets frustrated during testing?
This is completely normal, especially during adaptive testing! Here’s what to know:

• Adaptive tests adjust difficulty automatically — challenge is expected and means the test is working correctly
• Students can take short breaks as needed
• For live-proctored sessions, your proctor monitors the session live and can provide encouragement
• For parent-administered testing, you’re present and can offer reassurance between questions
• Parents can remain nearby for support during both test types

Remember: the test is designed to find your student’s instructional level, so some questions will feel hard. That’s not your student struggling — that’s the adaptive algorithm doing its job.

Results & Reports

When will I receive test results?
⏰ Result Turnaround Times:
Portfolio Evaluation: 48 hours after submission
Parent-Administered DORA or ADAM: 48 hours after results submitted
Live-Proctored DORA or ADAM: 24–48 hours after testing
Stanford 10: 2–3 weeks (scored by test publisher)
All results are delivered digitally via email as PDF reports. You can download, print, or forward them to your school district or Step Up For Students as needed.
What information do test reports include?
DORA & ADAM Reports Include:
• Overall percentile score (national comparison)
• Grade equivalency scores
• Skill-by-skill breakdown
• Strengths and areas for growth
• Instructional recommendations

Stanford 10 Reports Include:
• Percentile scores for all five subjects
• Stanine scores
• National percentile rankings
• Skill cluster analysis

Portfolio Evaluation Letters Include:
• Certification of educational progress
• FL DOE Educator Certificate number
• Signature and date
• Ready for district submission
Can I submit test results to my school district?
Yes! All our reports and evaluation letters are formatted for official submission to Florida school districts and Step Up For Students.

Your PDF report includes:
• FL DOE certification information
• Test publisher credentials
• All required documentation

Simply download your PDF and submit electronically or print and mail to your district as required. No additional paperwork needed.

Scheduling & Logistics

Can you test students anywhere in Florida?
Yes! Because all our services are 100% online, we serve homeschool and private school families throughout Florida — all 67 counties.

Whether you’re in Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee, or rural Florida, you can access our testing and evaluation services from home. All you need is internet access and a computer.
How far in advance should I schedule or order testing?
Parent-Administered DORA & ADAM: No scheduling needed — pay and receive test access within 24 hours. Test anytime.
Live-Proctored DORA & ADAM: Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
Stanford 10: Book at least 3 weeks in advance (requires ordering test materials).
Portfolio Evaluation: No scheduling needed — submit anytime and receive results in 48 hours.

PEP families: Results must be submitted in EMA by May 31 to receive funding the following year. Book early to allow time for testing and report delivery before the deadline.

Peak season (March–May): For live-proctored testing, book as early as possible. Many families need testing before the school year ends or for scholarship renewal.
Do you offer group testing or sibling discounts?
We currently offer one-on-one testing only to ensure optimal proctoring and individualized attention. Each student requires a separate order or appointment.

We do not offer sibling discounts at this time.

Cost-saving tips:
• Use the parent-administered bundle ($100 for DORA + ADAM) instead of live-proctored to save $150 per student
• Use the live-proctored DORA + ADAM combo ($225) instead of booking separately ($250 total) to save $25 per student
What grades do you test?
Portfolio Evaluation: All grades K–12
DORA (Reading): Grades 1–12
ADAM (Math): Grades K–7 (for grades 8–12 needing a single annual test, DORA reading is recommended)
Stanford 10: Grades 1–12

Not sure which test is right for your student’s grade level? Contact us for guidance.

Private School & Other Questions

Can private school students use your testing services?
Yes! Private school families can use all our testing services. Many private schools and umbrella programs require annual standardized testing, and all our tests meet those requirements.

Available for private school students:
• DORA (reading assessment) — parent-administered or live-proctored
• ADAM (math assessment) — parent-administered or live-proctored
• Stanford 10 (comprehensive achievement test) — live-proctored

For FES-EO and FTC scholarship families (grades 3–10), your private school typically handles testing and submits scores to Step Up. If your school does not offer testing, you can book directly with ClearPath. Book your testing →
Are your services only for homeschool families?
No! We serve:
Registered homeschool families (meeting FL Statute 1002.41 requirements)
Step Up scholarship families (FES-UA, FES-EO, FTC, PEP)
Private school students (school-required testing)
Families seeking diagnostic testing (even if not required)

Anyone can access our testing services — you don’t need to be homeschooling or on a scholarship to book an assessment.
Do you offer testing for college admissions?
We do not offer SAT, ACT, or other college entrance exams. We specialize in:
• Florida homeschool compliance testing
• Step Up scholarship testing
• Diagnostic academic assessments (DORA, ADAM, Stanford 10)

Our tests are designed for K–12 homeschool families meeting state requirements and scholarship obligations, not college admissions.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help you navigate Florida homeschool testing requirements and choose the right option for your student.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (407) 728-5499