Spring 2025 End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) for All Middle and High Schools

The South Carolina Board of Education requires participation in the End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) for students enrolled in gateway courses which are awarded credit in English 2, Algebra 1, Biology 1, and the United States History and the Constitution (USHC). The EOCEP examination scores count 20 percent in the calculation of the student’s final grade.

EOCEP testing will be conducted at brick-and-mortar schools during specified test days in April-May for Greenville County students who are enrolled in one of the participating courses. Refer to your student’s school website for a listing of exam dates and times. Students enrolled in the GCS Virtual Program (GCSVP) will test at their school of enrollment on the dates identified on the district’s testing calendar. Additional information regarding testing for GCSVP students will be provided by your child’s school of enrollment. Each school will share additional scheduling details. Per the SC Department of Education (SCDE), remote testing is not available. Please ensure your student is on time each day, and refrain from scheduling any early dismissals or appointments on test days.

The EOCEP tests are untimed; however, 2-3 hours is the estimated test administration time for most students to complete the test. Students are expected to complete the test during a single day unless the student has an IEP or 504 Accommodations Plan specifying administration of a single test over multiple days.

Tests will be administered via the online testing format unless the student has an IEP, 504 Accommodations Plan, or Individualized Language Acquisition Plan specifying the paper format is needed. Students will need to bring their charged district-issued device (e.g., Chromebook) to school each day. 

EOCEP tests consist of mostly selected-response items but may include some technology-enhanced and scenario-based items. The English 2 test contains separate reading and writing sections which are administered on separate testing days. The English 2 writing test includes a Text-Dependent Writing item and selected-response writing items. 

Students may not use their testing device (e.g., Chromebook) for any purpose other than testing, even after they have finished the test. Additionally, students are expected to follow the district’s personal electronic devices policy and must refrain from bringing any electronic device that can be used for communicating, timing, or imaging (e.g., cell phone, smart watch) into the testing location. Students must turn off and put electronic devices in their backpacks. Students may not access their devices until after the test session is complete. In accordance with the SC Department of Education (SCDE) Test Administration Manual, GCS Board Policy JCDA, GCS Administrative Rule JCDA, and GCS Administrative Rule EFE, if a student is in possession of and/or uses a personal electronic device during an active test session or utilizes their district-issued testing device for any purpose other than testing, penalties may include the following: disciplinary action up to and including expulsion at the school and/or not receiving a test score/test invalidation. Additionally, the SCDE could pursue criminal investigation and possible criminal charges or civil or legal sanctions. 

To prepare students for online testing, a public version of the Online Tools Training (OTT) is available so students can interact with the testing software and tools before the “real” administration of the assessment. While the OTT simulates the test experience, correct answers and scores are not provided. A public version of the OTT is available at https://wbte.drcedirect.com/SC/portals/sc (use Google Chrome to access this site). This public version includes audio for oral administration (TTS) and video for sign language (VSL-ASL).

To learn more about the EOCEP tests, access the SCDE's Parent Resources page. The EOCEP Assessment Brochures, among other resources, are available on this site in multiple languages and formats.

Testing Tips

Students and parents can work together to make sure they are well prepared by following these suggestions:

Students should:

• Rest on the nights before these tests.
• Eat a nourishing breakfast on the morning of each test.
• Be in school and on time, except in cases of illness.
• Listen attentively to the teacher’s directions so they will know exactly what to do.
• Read each test question and each response carefully before marking an answer choice.
• Stay calm if there are questions that seem difficult.
• Mark the best answer.
• Refrain from bringing any electronic device that can be used for communicating, timing, or imaging into the testing location. Per the SCDE test administration requirements, students will be directed to turn in their electronic devices (e.g., cell phones) prior to the start of the test session.

Parents should:

• Meet with your child’s teachers as often as necessary to discuss their progress.
• Check or review your child’s homework, projects, or other school work.
• Ask teachers to suggest activities for you and your child to do at home to help prepare for tests and to improve your child’s understanding of schoolwork.
• Talk with your child about school.
• Provide positive feedback by praising your child for what he/she does well.

Help us help your child perform to the best of his or her ability. For more information about testing or your child’s progress, please call your child’s school.