About the Keystone Exams
The Pennsylvania Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments in three subjects: Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. Students typically take each exam at or near the completion of the related high school course. These exams are part of Pennsylvania’s statewide high school accountability and graduation system. Students who do not earn a proficient score on the first attempt have multiple opportunities to retest, and Pennsylvania also provides Act 158 graduation pathways when needed.
Algebra I
2 modules | 60 total points | equations, functions, slope, systems, probability, and data analysis.
Literature
2 modules | 52 total points | fiction and nonfiction reading, evidence, central idea, and analysis.
Biology
2 modules | 66 total points | STEELS-aligned life science concepts, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
For First-Time Test Takers
Review class materials, complete teacher-assigned study work, and practice with official online testing tools ahead of time. The best preparation is steady review, not last-minute cramming.
For Re-Testers
Focus on the areas that need improvement. Re-testers often benefit most from using previous score information, targeted practice, and school supports such as tutoring or intervention sessions.
Keystone Algebra I
The Algebra I Keystone Exam measures student understanding of operations, equations, inequalities, functions, coordinate geometry, and data analysis.
| Module | Focus | Points | Question Types | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Operations and Linear Equations & Inequalities | 30 | 18 MC/TE + 3 constructed-response items (12 points total) | 149 minutes total (including field-test items) |
| Module 2 | Linear Functions and Data Organization | 30 | 18 MC/TE + 3 constructed-response items (12 points total) |
What to Study
- Operations
- Linear equations and systems
- Linear inequalities and systems
- Functions and patterns
- Coordinate geometry
- Probability and data analysis
Official Practice Resources
Khan Academy Scope & Sequence with Practice Links
- Algebra 1 Full Course Overview
- 1.1 Operations: Solving Equations & Inequalities
- 1.2 Linear Equations & Graphs
- 1.2 Systems of Equations (Graphing & Substitution)
- 1.3 Linear Inequalities & Systems of Inequalities
- 2.1 Functions and Patterns
- 2.2 Finding Slope from a Graph
- 2.2 Forms of Linear Functions
- 2.2 Analyzing Linear Functions
- 2.3 Scatter Plots and Lines of Best Fit
- 2.3 Statistics and Probability (Data Analysis)
Tip for students and families: Start with teacher-assigned materials and the official item sampler, then use Khan Academy for targeted extra practice in weaker skill areas.
Keystone Literature
The Literature Keystone Exam is divided evenly between fiction and nonfiction and measures reading comprehension, analysis, evidence-based reasoning, vocabulary in context, and written response.
| Module | Focus | Points | Question Types | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Fiction Literature | 26 | 17 MC + 3 constructed-response items (3 points each) | 146 minutes total (including field-test items) |
| Module 2 | Nonfiction Literature | 26 | 17 MC + 3 constructed-response items (3 points each) |
What to Study
- Reading for meaning in fiction
- Analyzing and interpreting literature
- Reading for meaning in nonfiction
- Author’s purpose and argument
- Vocabulary in context
- Text evidence and written responses
Official Practice Resources
Khan Academy Scope & Sequence with Practice Links
- 9th Grade Reading & Vocabulary Full Course
- 10th Grade Reading & Vocabulary Full Course
- Making Inferences in Literary Texts
- Determining Central Idea, Summary, and Theme
- Citing Text Evidence (Best Evidence Practice)
- Analyzing an Author’s Purpose (Nonfiction)
- Central Ideas and Details (HS / SAT-Aligned)
- Analyzing Presentation of Ideas & Argument
- Inferences in SAT Reading
- Words in Context: Literature & Nonfiction (Indiana Supplemental Course)
Recommended Reading & Practice Resources
- Odell Education OER – a free OER literacy curriculum for grades 6–12 that can support close reading, discussion, evidence-based writing, and text analysis.
- ReadWorks – a free reading resource with fiction and nonfiction passages, question sets, and comprehension supports. Students need an account, but it is free to use with no paid upgrade required. You can also browse the ReadWorks content finder.
- Newsela – useful for nonfiction and current-events reading practice, especially central idea, vocabulary, and evidence-based comprehension. Free access may be limited. Families can also explore Newsela Lite.
Suggested Literature study plan: Start with teacher-assigned materials and the official PDE sampler, then use Khan Academy, ReadWorks, Odell, or Newsela for extra targeted reading practice.
Keystone Biology
The Biology Keystone Exam is STEELS-aligned and focuses on life science concepts, structures and functions, genetics, biodiversity, natural cycles, and changes over time.
| Module | Focus | Points | Question Types | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Molecules to Organisms — Structures, Functions, and Natural Cycles | 33 | 27 autoscored points + 2 constructed-response items (6 points total) | 154 minutes total (including field-test items) |
| Module 2 | Continuity and Unity of Life — Biodiversity, Genetics, and Changes over Time | 33 | 27 autoscored points + 2 constructed-response items (6 points total) |
What to Study
- Cells, molecules, and organisms
- Structures and functions
- Natural cycles
- Genetics and inheritance
- Evolution and changes over time
- Ecology and biodiversity
Official Practice Resources
Khan Academy Scope & Sequence with Practice Links
- High School Biology Full Course
- From Cells to Organisms
- Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
- Intro to Photosynthesis (Detailed)
- Cell Division: Mitosis, Meiosis, and the Cell Cycle
- Phases of the Cell Cycle
- Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis
- Meiosis: Phases and Genetic Diversity
- Inheritance and Variation of Traits
- Mechanisms of Evolution
- Ecology and Natural Systems
- Ecology Archive
- Cellular Respiration Archive
Tip for students and families: Use class notes and official samplers first, then move into Khan Academy modules that match the science concepts your teacher says need the most review.
Official Practice Tools and Score Information
Students should become familiar with the testing platform and online tools before test day. These official resources support preparation across all three Keystone exams.
Understanding Score Reports: Students should review school-issued score reports carefully and contact their counselor or the principal if they have questions about retesting, interventions, or graduation pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for students and families.
Who takes the Keystone Exams?
Students typically take Keystone Exams at or near the completion of the related high school course in Algebra I, Literature, or Biology.
What if a student does not score proficient the first time?
Students may retake the exam, and schools can provide support such as tutoring, intervention, or review sessions. Families may also ask about Pennsylvania’s graduation pathways under Act 158.
How long are the tests?
There is no time limit, but local schools schedule testing sessions. Estimated total testing times including field-test items are about 149 minutes for Algebra I, 146 minutes for Literature, and 154 minutes for Biology.
What kinds of questions are on the tests?
The exams include selected-response items and constructed-response questions. Algebra includes multiple-choice/technology-enhanced items and 4-point responses. Literature includes multiple-choice and 3-point written responses. Biology includes autoscored items and 3-point written responses.
How should students prepare at home?
Students should review class materials, complete school-assigned practice, use the official item samplers, and work through targeted skill practice on resources such as Khan Academy, ReadWorks, or other teacher-recommended materials.
Where can families find school-specific dates and support information?
Contact their counselor or the principal for current testing windows, tutoring sessions, and support details.
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