This section contains a summary of updates for the 2025-2026 OSSLT administration.
Practice test
The practice test has been updated. It is available here. Prior to writing the OSSLT, students can become familiar with the test by taking the practice test on the EQAO website. Teachers can also organize a practice session through the e‑assessment system. The practice test contains sample questions similar to those on the OSSLT.
The alternative version of the practice test may be used by students with special education needs or special circumstances who require adjustments to the format of the test. Details about available formats can be found in this User Guide for the Administration of the OSSLT.
The online format of the alternative practice test is available at eqao.com.The alternative practice test in all other formats (e.g. Braille) may be requested through the e-assessment system approximately three weeks prior to the first day of the administration. If a format of the alternative version is required before the e-assessment system opens to school administrators, they may email info@eqao.com to make the request.
Framework
The Framework document has been updated and can be found here. It provides a detailed description of EQAO’s OSSLT (including how the test is grounded in the Ontario Curriculum’s expectations for literacy skills for all subjects up to the end of Grade 9) as well as sample individual student reports (ISRs).
Scheduling Assessment Sessions
The dates of the administration window for fall and spring are found at EQAO.com. The last two days of the administration window should be reserved for students who may have missed the originally scheduled dates or for extenuating circumstances (e.g., students who were absent).
Split-screen mode
The split-screen mode will now be set as the default view during the OSSLT. This change ensures that students can see both the reading passage and the questions side by side. Students have the ability to toggle between split screen and full screen view at any time. Students can experience the split-screen mode in advance of the OSSLT by trying the practice test.
Quality Assurance Monitors
Quality-assurance procedures help to ensure that an EQAO assessment or test produces valid and reliable data, which in turn produces confidence in the reliability and validity of EQAO data.
As such, EQAO is reinstating its practice of contracting quality-assurance (QA) monitors to visit a random sample of schools to observe the assessment or test administrations. A QA monitor may be reaching out to your school to schedule a visit.
Principal Accounts
EQAO has introduced separate accounts for Principals and School Administrators within the e-assessment system. The biggest distinction between the two roles is that only Principals can complete the Principal Questionnaire, while School Administrators retain most existing permissions but are excluded from this responsibility. Going forward, Principals will serve as the main point of contact for all EQAO notifications. Refer to the Principal and School Administrator Accounts section for more information.
Safe Exam Browser and Windows 11 24H2
Due to a recent update to the Windows 11 system, devices using Windows 11 24H2 will need to update their Safe Exam Browser to 3.8.0 in order to run the assessment. The previous version of Safe Exam Browser, 3.4.0, is not compatible with Windows 11 24H2. You can find installation instructions for public schools here and for private and First Nation schools here. If you are using Windows 10 or any Windows 11 versions below 24H2, you can proceed using SEB 3.4.0.
Chromebook Technical Requirements
Recent updates regarding Google’s support of Kiosk has prompted a change to the technical readiness for the OSSLT. There are two methods to configure Chromebooks in order to administer the EQAO assessments. Each method has a set of pre-requisites. Refer to this section to follow the required steps for publicly funded schools before the assessment administration.