Provincial Achievement Tests

Student writing in a notebookUpdated: October 23, 2025

The schedule for the 2026 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) has not been released yet.

Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) are administered yearly to all Alberta students in Grades 6 and 9. These standardized tests reflect the essential skills that all Alberta students are expected to achieve, regardless of their school choice or location.

The tests take place in January, May, and June for English and Français/French language arts, math, science, and social studies. Some Grade 9 students write PATs in January of each year.

Grade 9 achievement tests based on the Knowledge and Employability programs of study in English language arts, math, science, and social studies are also administered.


Provincial Achievement Tests help:

  • determine if students are learning what they are expected to learn
  • report to Albertans how well students have achieved provincial standards at given points in their schooling
  • assist schools, authorities, and the province in monitoring and improving student learning

More information:

Alberta Education has several resources to assist students and their families with Provincial Achievement Tests including:

For detailed information on Provincial Achievement Tests, visit Alberta Education's website