Note: In March 2025, we updated the names of IXL’s diagnostics to better reflect the capabilities of our assessments! The assessment names, report titles, and other related terminology in this blog post may not be current. Get more information on the IXL Diagnostics here.
IXL’s Diagnostic is flexible and can be used in two ways: Real-Time mode and Snapshot mode.
While teachers can use the Real-Time Diagnostic at any time to assess students, the Diagnostic Snapshot allows administrators to get up-to-date diagnostic data within a set timeframe. This means that schools and districts can easily get all the benefits of a benchmark assessment, but in a lightweight and flexible format. And, Snapshot mode is available for the US, Canadian, United Kingdom, and Australian editions of IXL!
Using the Diagnostic Snapshot, administrators can:
Capture student knowledge levels at a fixed point in time
Administrators can select specific times during the year for students to complete their Diagnostic Snapshot. This benchmark data enables administrators to identify areas for improvement and hold more data-driven conversations.
Assess students efficiently
The IXL Diagnostic pinpoints students’ knowledge levels in as little as 45 minutes per subject. This allows district and school leaders to get the insights they need without placing a large burden on teachers or students.
Track student performance over time
Insights from Snapshots captured during this school year and the previous year are always available in IXL Analytics, allowing administrators to track student progress between each Snapshot.
Personalized next steps for each student
Based on students’ work in the Diagnostic Snapshot, IXL provides each student with a personalized action plan that contains specific skill suggestions for remediation and enrichment. This gives teachers a simple way to differentiate instruction, fill knowledge gaps, and facilitate meaningful progress.
Implementation strategies
The Diagnostic Snapshot can be used in key points during the year as a benchmark assessment—for example, to evaluate baseline knowledge at the beginning of the year, and assess progress at the end of the year. To get always-accurate data on student knowledge levels that informs daily instruction, teachers can use the Real-Time Diagnostic on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Learn how to successfully administer the Diagnostic Snapshot in our step-by-step implementation guide. Plus, share this teacher guide with instructors to help them understand their role in facilitating the Snapshot.
See it in action
But wait, there’s more! Take a look at IXL’s full assessment suite, which includes our Real-Time Diagnostic, Diagnostic Snapshot, and an universal screener. (The universal screener is only available for IXL US)