On the California Science Test (CAST), High School CAST Science is reported on a scale from 550 to 650 (2026), and each score falls into one of 4 performance levels. Reaching Proficient, at 615 or above, is the state's proficiency line.
The score ranges changed during these years, so each period has its own table below, newest first.
In 2026, California renamed the levels; the score ranges did not change.
| Level | Score range | What it means | Statewide 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal | 550–575 | The lowest level, well below the state standard | 9% |
| Developing | 576–614 | Approaching the state standard | 54% |
| Proficient | 615–635 | Meeting the state standard (the proficiency line) | 27% |
| Advanced | 636–650 | The highest level, above the state standard | 11% |
| Level | Score range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Not Met | 550–575 | The lowest level, well below the state standard |
| Standard Nearly Met | 576–614 | Approaching the state standard |
| Standard Met | 615–635 | Meeting the state standard (the proficiency line) |
| Standard Exceeded | 636–650 | The highest level, above the state standard |
Statewide in 2026, about 37% of the students counted for High School CAST Science reached Proficient or Advanced. The bar above shows the share at each level (left = lowest).
ELA and Math: the Smarter Balanced tests taken by 11th graders. Science: the California Science Test (CAST), which students take once in high school, in grade 10, 11 or 12; each year counts every high-school student who took it that year, whatever their grade.
More on who is counted, and how: see how we count.
A score's meaning depends on where it lands in the ranges above, and on how it compares to other students who took the same test. Our free tool turns a High School CAST Science score into an estimated percentile versus the school, district, county and the whole state, so you can see where a score stands, not just its level.
Look up a High School CAST Science percentile →