Hello folks…I’ve been wondering what happens to old tests, like Regents and SATs, after students graduate. Do they just throw them out after a certain number of years, or is there some process for keeping them?
If anyone has insights into how schools or testing organizations handle old tests, I’d love to know 
Old tests can be recycled in several ways. The plastic casings are turned into new items like pens and rulers. The swabs are often recycled into polyester fibers, which are used to make clothes, carpets, and other household products.
I’ve wondered about what happens to old tests like Regents and SATs after graduation too. From what I’ve learned, most schools and testing organizations follow strict protocols for handling and storing test materials. Typically, student test papers are kept for a few years for administrative and archival purposes, but they are eventually destroyed or securely disposed of to protect privacy. For standardized tests like the SAT, individual test papers are usually not retained for long, but records of scores are kept in databases for future reference if needed. It’s always a good idea to check with specific institutions for their particular policies.
Old tests are typically kept for 1–3 school years, depending on state requirements. They serve as documentation of achievement and evidence for any questions that might arise. Sometimes, tests are retained to prevent outdated versions from being publicly available.