SHSAT PrepFree official SHSAT practice
NYCPS offers four full-length online practice tests for students taking the SHSAT in grade 8 in fall 2026. Two of them have new content this year. Each one comes in timed and untimed versions, can start with ELA or Math, includes answer explanations, and has a printable PDF.
| Resource | What it is | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| NYCPS Student Readiness Tool | A tutorial on the real TestNav testing platform | Learning every tool and question type before a full test |
| Official practice tests A to D | Four full-length online tests, timed or untimed, ELA-first or Math-first, with explanations | A baseline test and a final dress rehearsal |
| Grade 9 mini forms | Two short math forms for 9th grade testers, used with the grade 8 tests | Grade 9 math content |
| NYC Guide to the SHSAT for 2027 Admissions | The official 31-page guide from NYCPS | Rules, test-day items, and sample questions |
| SHSAT Prep free sample | A 16-question sample in the digital format, no account needed | A quick look at interactive question types |
How to use the official tests well
Do the Student Readiness Tool tutorial first, so a practice test measures the student and not their first time using the highlighter. Then take one official test, timed, as a baseline. Review it the same day.
Save at least one official test for a dress rehearsal two to three weeks before the exam, with the section order the student plans to use. Four tests go fast, so do not spend them on weeks without real review.
What about older free SHSAT tests?
Older NYCPS handbooks contain paper SHSAT practice tests. They can still help with content, especially reading and math word problems. They do not train the digital tools, interactive question types, or the rule that most questions cannot be revisited.
Use older paper tests for content review, and use the digital tests for timing and format. Do not compare scores between paper and digital practice, because they measure different things.
When free practice runs out
Most students need more full-length review cycles than four tests allow. That is when extra digital practice helps: the student can measure again after fixing a weak area without spending an official test.
SHSAT Prep offers full-length digital practice exams with the same structure, 50 ELA and 50 Math questions on a 180-minute clock, and an instant score report. Start with the free sample to see the format, then decide whether more practice is worth it.
Official sources
SHSAT policies and digital testing details can change. Confirm current information with NYC Public Schools:
- NYC SHSAT Portal practice tests page
- NYCPS Student Readiness Tool tutorial
- NYC Guide to the SHSAT for 2027 admissions
- NYCPS SHSAT overview
SHSAT Prep is an independent practice product and is not affiliated with NYCPS.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free SHSAT practice tests?
Yes. NYCPS offers four free full-length online practice tests for the fall 2026 exam, plus a tutorial. SHSAT Prep also has a free 16-question sample.
Are the official practice tests adaptive?
NYCPS does not say they are. Use them to learn the platform, content, and timing. The live fall 2026 exam is computer-adaptive.
Continue your study plan
NYCPS has a tutorial and four official online practice tests. Use those first, then add extra digital exams for more review cycles.
Next guideSHSAT Practice Tests: How to Use ThemUse official NYCPS tests first, then independent digital exams. Review the same day. Do not sit another full test until the last one changed the work.
Next guideUsing Paper SHSAT Books for a Digital ExamPaper books can still teach content. They cannot train digital tools, no-return navigation, or adaptive item selection. Use each format for the job it can do.