Coming in 2026-2027: A New Generation of ACRE

The ACRE (Assessment of Catholic Religious Education) provides schools and parishes with a tool to evaluate how well students are learning and living the Catholic faith. More than an assessment, ACRE helps you walk with your students and understand both their knowledge and their lived experiences.

The 2022 ACRE version and the NCEA Rise brand will sunset after the 2025-2026 school year. A new ACRE version will be launched in 2026-2027.

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ACRE is important because it:

• Measures knowledge (head)
• Assesses beliefs and attitudes (heart)
• Guides curriculum and instruction
• Encourages student reflection
• Supports a culture of faith
• Fosters growth over time
• Informs accreditation protocols, decision-making, and strategic planning
• Promotes accountability in mission

Content for the revised ACRE is being aligned with two essential U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) documents:

1. Handbook on the Catechetical Accompaniment Process (Elementary and Middle School)
2. Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age (High School)

What to Expect

• Assessments available for all grades 2–12
• Individualized student reporting that empowers growth
• More robust and reliable reporting tailored to different users—from classroom teachers to bishops
• Access to Spanish versions for the diverse communities we serve
• Options for both online and paper/pencil versions will be available
• Pre- and post-test students for formative and summative assessment at no extra cost

Each elementary and middle school assessment (grades 2-8) and the six Core Courses of the High School Curriculum Framework will measure both cognitive (i.e., what students know about the faith) and affective (i.e., what students actually believe and practice with regard to faith) dimensions. Question items will correspond to key concepts contained in these documents. In reports to schools and dioceses, multiple-choice answer options and rationales will provide citation references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which will assist teachers and catechists in guiding curriculum and instruction.

Informational Webinar

New ACRE Assessment: Driving Religion Instruction with Actionable Data

Catholic education is about more than knowledge—it’s about forming disciples. The new ACRE Assessment empowers educators with actionable insights that go beyond test scores, helping you strengthen both intellectual understanding and spiritual growth. In this webinar, you’ll discover:

• How ACRE’s enhanced reporting connects data to mission.
• Practical strategies to enrich religious instruction and foster authentic faith formation.
• Ways to use results to guide curriculum and pastoral planning for deeper engagement.

Join us to learn how data can become a powerful tool for evangelization and catechesis—helping students not only know their faith but live it.

Register to Watch On-Demand

FAQ & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

NCEA ACRE Resources