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Iowa Test of Basic Skills Partnership

The Davidson Institute has partnered with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) to offer a Davidson-specific, above-grade level version of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills for 3rd-5th graders. 

This Davidson-specific testing opportunity is limited to the dates listed on the Eligibility Assessment page. We have worked with CTD to establish a remote, online testing environment that is in line with the testing and eligibility requirements of Davidson programs. As a result, we will only be accepting ITBS results from Davidson-specific testing dates.

Who is eligible to register for this opportunity?

Based on the eligibility testing accepted by Davidson programs, this opportunity is open to students in 3-5 grades.

The following Davidson programs do accept scores from Davidson-specific ITBS test dates. However, the grade levels for which ITBS is an acceptable test varies by program. Visit the website of any Davidson program you are considering applying to in order to review the specific application and testing information for that program:

As each Davidson program has its own application process and criteria, please be sure to check each program's website for more information about their application criteria and process. 

What is this testing opportunity? What does it cost?

This is a Davidson-specific, above-grade level administration of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). We have worked with CTD to ensure that the Davidson-specific, above-grade level ITBS is in line with the other tests Davidson programs accept. As such, this Davidson-specific ITBS will be administered three grade levels above a student’s current grade level. For example, 3rd graders will take the 6th grade exam. 

These scores can be used for eligibility for Davidson-affiliated organizations or CTD programs but are not guaranteed to be a substitute for ITBS required by other programs requiring eligibility. We have worked with CTD to establish a remote, online testing environment that is in line with the testing and eligibility requirements of Davidson programs. 

There is a $150 test registration fee. 

When is this testing opportunity happening?

You can always find the up-to-date list of available testing dates on our Eligibility Assessment page.

To ensure that this opportunity is open and available to as many eligible testers as possible, testers are not allowed to participate in two consecutive testing dates.  

That is, if you register your child to take the ITBS and then want them to retest, you must wait one testing session before doing so. 

Additionally, students can only participate in a maximum of two test dates during this 2023-2024 testing season (August 2023-January 2024). 

We will update available test dates as quickly as possible as testing dates fill up and close to registration. However, if you attempt to register for one of these dates and it is not showing as available on the CTD registration site, that means that testing date is full and no longer open for registration. 

Please note: Currently, there is only one ITBS scheduled for this 2023-2024 testing season, and seating is limited. Do not request to register if you do not plan on having your child test. 

Where does this testing opportunity take place?

This is a fully remote testing experience.

How do I learn more and register?

If you are ready to register for the ITBS, please fill out our Registration Request Form, and a member of our Outreach team will respond within 10 business days with all the information you need to know about registration, how to prepare for test day, and how to apply your student’s scores to the application of the Davidson program of your choosing. 

Please note: Currently, there is only one ITBS scheduled for 2023, and seating is limited. Do not request to register if you do not plan on having your child test. 

REGISTRATION REQUEST FORM CLICK HERE

If you have questions that have not been answered here, please contact our team at Outreach@DavidsonGifted.org.