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United States · Admissions test

SHSAT practice tests from NYC Public Schools

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) publishes four full-length Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) practice tests, A to D, free on its NYC SHSAT Portal, and two of them have new content this year. They run in a web browser with no login and no download, mirror the real test in form and content, and finish with a summary of what you got right and wrong.

  • 4Full-length official tests, A to D
  • 3 hoursTimed version, like the real test
  • 2Mini forms for 9th graders
Open the NYC SHSAT Portal

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Which SHSAT practice test version should you pick?

  • Timed or untimed. The timed version runs three hours, like the standard test. The untimed one suits extended time, which is six hours, or going through answers at your own pace.
  • English Language Arts (ELA) first or math first. On the real test you choose the order, so practice the order you plan to use.
  • Translated directions and footnotes, in 12 languages, for English Language Learners (ELLs) and eligible former ELLs. The questions themselves aren’t translated.
  • Text to speech, which on the real test is only for students with an approved accommodation in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.

Each test has 50 questions in ELA and 50 in math, the same as the real test.

Free SHSAT practice tests online

All four tests are free online on the NYC SHSAT Portal, with no name to enter. Your answers aren’t saved, so when the summary report appears, use “Print this page” to print it or save it as a PDF if you want to look back at it.

Before you start, NYC suggests the Student Readiness Tool tutorial, which shows how each item type and tool works in the digital test.

SHSAT practice test PDFs with answers

Each test also comes as a Printable Test PDF and an Explanations Appendix PDF, which explains every correct answer. For math questions answered with the equation editor, the appendix is where you check the correct answer.

The NYC Guide to the SHSAT has more sample questions with explanations, for reading comprehension, revising and editing, and math.

The NYC Guide to the SHSAT →

Reviewing a practice test

  1. Open the summary report and find the questions you got wrong.
  2. Read the explanation for each one to see what kind of mistake it was.
  3. Look for a pattern, such as missed author’s purpose questions in ELA or miscalculations in math.
  4. Do more practice in the areas that gave you trouble.

Those steps come from NYC’s guide. If you’re testing in 9th grade, NYC also has mini practice tests to use alongside these.

The SHSAT for 9th graders →
Sources: NYC Public Schools and 3 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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