Transition Assessments List

Transition assessments are tools that help students identify their strengths, interests, skills, and/or knowledge needed to reach their goals for life after high school. Postsecondary goals and transition services in the IEP must be based on the results of age-appropriate transition assessments, which can be formal or informal.

Other NextSteps resources on transition assessment:

General assessment resources

Self-determination assessments

Formal:

Informal:

Assistive technology assessments

Independent living asessments

Formal:

Informal:

Vocational & career exploration assessments

Formal:

Informal:

College readiness assessments

Student Resource Guide (PDF, 30 pages, 2018) from Routledge has a College Readiness Assessment starting on page 14, and a series of college readiness activities. (free)

Landmark College developed a Guide to Assessing College Readiness (PDF, 6 pages, 2009) to help parents and students assess readiness for college work. (free)

Compilations of assessments

  • The Transition Assessment Matrix from the Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center has a wealth of information. It’s well-designed – you can explore assessments by domain (employment, education, independent living), grade level, type of disability, or any combination of the above.
  • Age-Appropriate Transition Assessments and Resources (PDF, 23 pages, 2021), from Wisconsin, has a straightforward overview of transition assessments plus an extensive listing (with links) of assessments and resources organized into transition planning areas.
  • The Transition Assessments Chart: Formal and Informal (PDF, 2 pages, 2021) from Project 10: Transition Education Network in Florida breaks down assessments into different areas and designates them as informal or formal.
  • The Transition Coalition maintains a list of assessments with user reviews. You can see what other people think and also add your own opinions.
  • Quickbook of Transition Assessment (PDF, 175 pages, 2005) from South Dakota’s Transition Services Liaison Project.

Updated 10-16-23