How should I administer the diagnostic?

The CommonLit Diagnostic is designed to assess students' general reading aptitude and performance on key skills for their grade level. For test validity purposes, it is best for students to complete their diagnostic in one sitting, within 60 minutes, and with minimal distractions.

Students should not receive any outside help or support from teachers, parents, tutors, peers, or other sources.

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, we know that some students may be completing their tests either from their homes or from school, so we have developed a guide with best practices for administering the test virtually or in person.

For more information, please read our two-page CommonLit Diagnostic Administration Guide.

Note: If your district has chosen to purchase Assessments Series in CommonLit School Essentials or CommonLit School Essentials Pro, you will not have access to the Diagnostic feature on CommonLit.org. Instead, you'll be able to collect baseline data through the first assessment in the Assessment Series.