Five things to Know About MAP Testing

By : Natalie Lo

Published On: February 16, 2026

1. What is MAP testing?

   MAP, which stands for Missouri Assessment Program, is a set of standards based assessments that are administered online across the state of Missouri.

2. Who takes the MAP test?

   All Missouri students in grades 3–8 take the MAP test, which consists of two assessments for all students—one in Mathematics and one in English Language Arts (ELA)—with students in grades 5 and 8 completing an additional Science assessment. Moreover, there are alternative MAP tests for students with cognitive disabilities and English Language Learners.

3. When is the MAP test administered?

   The MAP test is administered in April-May of every year during school hours.

4. What does the MAP test measure?

   The MAP test measures students’ skills in math, ELA, and science. These skills are designed to show progress and mastery of the Missouri Learning Standards, which the state of Missouri defines as expectations (standards) of knowledge and skills that students need to learn in each grade level to prepare for success in postsecondary life.

5. Why does the MAP test matter?

   The Missouri State Board of Education states the purpose of MAP testing as identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses, serving as a basis for accountability plans, evaluating programs, and measuring student mastery towards post-secondary readiness. Data gathered from the MAP tests are used to evaluate student achievement according to the Missouri Learning Standards at the student, class, school, district, and state levels. By consistently testing all students every year, the MAP test serves as a consistent indicator of student progress over time.

MORE FROM THE PRiME BLOGS