The naming convention for the test score variables is in the form SMMBTGYY, where

• S is the subject,
• MM is the measure,
• B is the tested population (i.e., breakdown),
• T indicates which test if more than one is used,
• G is the grade level (e.g., 1 for grade 10, A for grade 11, and B for 12), and
• YY is the spring of the school year of testing ("05" indicates scores from the 2004-05 school year)

For example, RNTT0805 is Reading Number Tested for the Total population in grade 8 in 2004-05. Documents with complete information about characteristics of the database can be accessed through the links below:

• Naming convention for the test score variables
• Years of data in the database for each state
• Population breakdowns for which 2004-05 scores are included, by state