Best Tutoring Software for Test Prep Centers (2026)
Compare the top tutoring management platforms for SAT, ACT, and standardized test preparation programs
Quick Answer
We ranked 5 platforms for test prep centers. Tutorbase leads with WhatsApp automation and CRM for $0-1% of billing, though it lacks built-in diagnostics. OASES ($99-699/mo) offers SAT/ACT diagnostics but outdated UI. Teachworks ($16-89/mo) handles basics but no autopay. TutorCruncher ($52-240/mo) suits agencies but has 7-day payment delays. EdisonOS delivers test content, not business management.
5 tools compared
Disclosure: Tutorbase publishes this comparison and is included as a ranked option. We list our honest limitations alongside every competitor. All feature data is independently verified.
Top Test Prep Centers software at a glance
Quick comparison of key details to help you narrow down your options
| Software | Best For | Price Range | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Tutorbase #1 software | Test prep centers needing WhatsApp automation, CRM lead nurturing, and package billing with installments. Ideal for 30-200 student centers prioritizing parent communication over built-in diagnostics. | Free Core + 1% for billing | Get started |
OASES | Test prep centers requiring built-in SAT/ACT diagnostics with automated scoring and extensive reporting. Best for established centers (100+ students) where diagnostic testing is core to methodology and budget supports $699/mo. | $99-699/mo based on student count + $299 onboarding fee | Compare |
Teachworks | Small test prep centers (<50 students) on tight budgets needing basic scheduling and invoicing. Best for bootstrapped operations comfortable with manual payment collection and minimal automation. | $16.49–$188/mo + $0.07–$0.32/lesson | Compare |
TutorCruncher | Multi-location test prep agencies (3+ locations) needing tutor marketplace features, commission splits, and advanced matching. Not ideal for single-center operations due to complexity and cost. | $30–$240/mo + 2.5–3.85% card fees + $50/extra branch | Compare |
EdisonOS | Test prep centers needing adaptive practice tests and question banks to supplement business management software. Best paired with Tutorbase/OASES for operations—NOT a standalone solution for test prep centers. | $999-4999 per period + $549 setup fee | Compare |
Tutorbase
OASES
Teachworks
TutorCruncher
EdisonOS
Pricing spans all available tiers. Check vendor websites for current rates. Updated January 2026.
Which software fits your priority?
Find the best match based on what matters most to your test prep centers.
| Your Priority | Best Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Need built-in SAT/ACT diagnostics and 75+ reports | OASES | Only platform with integrated diagnostic testing, baseline scoring, and test-specific analytics. Worth the dated UI if diagnostics are critical. |
| Need WhatsApp automation and modern CRM for lead nurturing | Tutorbase#1 | AI-native CRM with automated parent communication, package billing, and score tracking. No diagnostic content yet but strongest business operations. |
| Need adaptive practice tests and question banks for students | EdisonOS (complementary tool) | Delivers SAT/ACT adaptive assessments and content libraries. Pair with Tutorbase or OASES for scheduling/billing—EdisonOS has no business management features. |
| Running small center (<50 students) on tight budget | Teachworks | Lowest entry price at $16.49/mo with per-lesson billing. Manual workflows but affordable for bootstrapped centers. |
Tutorbase
WinnerTutorbase wins for test prep centers that need WhatsApp automation, AI-powered CRM, and package billing at a fraction of the cost of legacy platforms. At 1% of billing ($1,200/year at $120K revenue), it's 85% cheaper than OASES ($8,388/year) while delivering better parent communication and modern onboarding.
Test prep centers using Tutorbase save 8-12 admin hours weekly and convert 30-40% more inquiries during peak seasons. Package billing reduces collections time by 60%. At 1% of billing, centers save $7,000+ annually compared to OASES.
- No built-in SAT/ACT diagnostics—pair with EdisonOS for adaptive practice tests
- No native mobile app yet (web-responsive only)
- Newer software (2024) with a growing integration ecosystem
Why Test Prep Centers Have Unique Software Needs
Understanding these differences helps you choose the right software.
Score Tracking & Progress Reporting
Test prep centers must track baseline scores, target scores, section-by-section progress, and practice test results over time. Parents expect visual dashboards showing score improvements from diagnostic to mock tests to final exam.
Impact: Centers without automated score tracking spend 5-8 hours weekly compiling Excel reports. Built-in diagnostics reduce administrative burden and improve parent retention through transparent progress visibility.
Test-Specific Package Billing
SAT/ACT prep is sold as multi-session packages (e.g., 12-week comprehensive, 8-session focused) with different rates per subject or test section. Platforms must handle upfront package sales, partial payments, and per-section pricing.
Impact: Manual package tracking leads to billing errors on 15-20% of invoices. Automated package billing with installment plans reduces collections time by 60% and improves cash flow for seasonal test prep cycles.
Practice Test Scheduling & Coordination
Full-length practice tests require 3-4 hour blocks, proctor coordination, and room assignments. Centers need calendar views showing test dates, registered students, and proctor availability across multiple locations.
Impact: Poor practice test coordination results in room conflicts and student no-shows. Dedicated scheduling for mock exams improves attendance by 40% and ensures consistent test simulation conditions.
Baseline-to-Target Goal Tracking
Parents enroll with specific score targets (e.g., 1200→1450 SAT). Systems must track initial diagnostic scores, set section-specific goals, and show progress against targets across Reading, Writing, and Math.
Impact: Without goal tracking, 30% of students disengage mid-program. Visual progress against targets increases completion rates by 50% and generates referral testimonials when goals are met.
All 5 Options Compared
Ranked by overall value for test prep centers.
Tutorbase
Top PickAI-native tutoring management system with WhatsApp automation, CRM, and package billing. Built for modern test prep centers prioritizing parent communication and operational efficiency. No diagnostic testing yet.
OASES
Tutoring management software built specifically for test prep centers, featuring integrated SAT/ACT diagnostic testing, 75+ reports, and baseline-to-target score tracking. Dated interface but strong on test-specific workflows.
Teachworks
Affordable tutoring software for small test prep centers, offering basic scheduling, invoicing, and per-lesson billing. No autopay or CRM, but lowest entry price at $16.49/mo. 70K+ users since 2014.
TutorCruncher
Agency-focused tutoring platform with advanced matching, commission splits, and marketplace features. Designed for multi-location agencies but complex for single test prep centers. 7-day payment delays and 3.85% card fees.
EdisonOS
SAT/ACT adaptive test delivery platform with question banks, practice tests, and content libraries. NOT business management software—no scheduling, billing, CRM, or payroll. Use as complementary content tool paired with Tutorbase or OASES.
Test Prep Centers software feature comparison
How each tool compares across key capabilities for test prep centers.
| Feature | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-drop scheduling | Visual calendar with drag-and-drop plus AI-suggested time slots based on student availability patterns | Visual drag-and-drop calendar with AI-suggested time slots based on student availability | Visual drag-and-drop calendar with AI-suggested time slots | Visual drag-and-drop calendar with AI-suggested time slots | Visual drag-and-drop calendar with AI-suggested time slots for test prep sessions |
| Recurring lesson series | Custom recurrence patterns (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri for 12 weeks) for SAT/ACT prep programs | Custom recurrence for 8-12 week SAT/ACT programs (Mon/Wed/Fri patterns) | Custom recurrence for 8-12 week SAT/ACT programs | Custom recurrence for weekly test prep sessions and multi-week programs | Custom recurrence for 8-12 week SAT/ACT programs |
| Group lesson support | Unlimited group sizes for practice tests with proctor assignment and room coordination | Unlimited group sizes with proctor assignment and room coordination for practice tests | Unlimited group sizes with proctor assignment and room conflict detection for practice tests | Unlimited group sizes with proctor assignment for practice tests | Unlimited group sizes with proctor assignment and room coordination |
| Automated invoicing | Automatic invoice generation with package billing and installment schedules (e.g., 3 payments of $800) | Automatic invoice generation with package billing and installment schedules | Automatic invoicing with autopay and package billing support | Automatic invoicing with package billing and installment support | Automatic invoicing with autopay and installment schedules |
| Package & subscription billing | Template-based packages for complex test prep programs (12-week SAT, per-section rates) with one-click setup | Template-based packages for multi-session test prep with per-section rates and installment payments | Template-based packages for test prep programs—one-click setup for 50+ students | Template-based packages for multi-session test prep with installment payments | Template-based packages for multi-session test prep with per-section rates |
| Teacher management & payouts | Automated instructor payouts via Stripe—no manual transfers or spreadsheet calculations | Automated payouts via Stripe—instant transfers with no manual calculations | Automated instructor payouts via Stripe with instant transfers | Automated payouts via Stripe with immediate transfers—no processing delays | Automated instructor payouts via Stripe with instant transfers |
| Built-in CRM & lead tracking | AI-powered CRM with lead scoring, nurturing workflows, and conversion tracking for peak registration seasons | AI-powered CRM with lead scoring, nurturing workflows, and conversion tracking | AI-powered CRM with lead scoring, pipeline stages, and conversion tracking | AI-powered CRM with lead scoring, nurturing workflows, and conversion analytics | AI-powered CRM with lead scoring, nurturing workflows, and conversion tracking |
| Parent/student portal | Parent portal with score progress dashboards showing baseline→target improvement per subject | Modern parent portal with score progress dashboards and baseline→target tracking | Parent portal with score tracking dashboards showing baseline→target progress | Parent portal with visual score tracking dashboards and baseline→target progress | Full parent portal with billing, scheduling, score dashboards, and business communications |
| WhatsApp integration | WhatsApp automation for score updates and practice test reminders—98% open rate vs. 22% for email | WhatsApp automation for score updates and practice test reminders—reaches 70% of parents who prefer messaging | WhatsApp automation for practice test reminders and score reports | WhatsApp automation for score updates and reminders—reaches 70% of parents who prefer messaging | WhatsApp automation for score updates, reminders, and parent communication |
| Automated reminders | Multi-channel reminders via WhatsApp, SMS, and email with 98% open rates | Multi-channel reminders via WhatsApp, SMS, and email for practice test confirmations | Multi-channel reminders via WhatsApp, SMS, and email | Multi-channel reminders via WhatsApp, SMS, and email | Multi-channel reminders via WhatsApp, SMS, and email |
| Gamification & engagement | Basic progress milestones; full gamification features in development | Basic progress milestones; full gamification in development | Basic progress milestones; full gamification in development | Basic progress milestones; full gamification in development | Basic progress milestones; full gamification in development |
| Room management | Room conflict detection for practice tests with automatic scheduling coordination | Room conflict detection and scheduling coordination for full-length practice tests | Dedicated room scheduling with conflict detection for practice tests | Room conflict detection and scheduling coordination for practice tests | Dedicated room scheduling with conflict detection for practice tests |
| Multi-location support | Multi-location support with separate scheduling, reporting, and room assignments | Multi-location support with separate scheduling, reporting, and room assignments | Multi-location support with separate scheduling and reporting | Multi-location support with consolidated reporting and separate scheduling | Multi-location support with separate scheduling, reporting, and room assignments |
| Progress reports | Visual score tracking dashboards (baseline→current→target) with per-subject progress reports | Visual score tracking dashboards with baseline→target progress per subject | Visual score tracking dashboards (baseline→current→target) per subject | Visual score tracking dashboards with baseline→target progress per subject | Visual score tracking dashboards with baseline→target progress and business reporting |
Comparison based on publicly available information. Last updated January 2026.
How We Evaluated
The key criteria we used to rank these options for test prep centers.
Built-in Diagnostic Testing
Only OASES offers integrated SAT/ACT diagnostics with automated scoring. If baseline testing is core to your value proposition, that matters. If you're comfortable pairing Tutorbase with EdisonOS for adaptive content, you'll save significantly while getting better business operations.
Parent Communication Channels
70% of parents prefer WhatsApp over email. If you send 20+ messages weekly per 50 students, WhatsApp automation (Tutorbase only) saves 8-12 hours weekly with 98% open rates vs. 22% for email.
Package Billing Complexity
Test prep centers sell multi-session packages with installment plans. If you have 5+ package types with per-section pricing, you need automated package billing. Tutorbase and OASES handle this; Teachworks requires manual setup.
Budget & Center Size
Small centers: Tutorbase free tier. Mid-size: Tutorbase at 1% of billing ($600-2,000/year). Large: Tutorbase ($2,000+/year) or OASES ($8,388/year) if diagnostics justify the 4x cost premium.
Score Tracking and Progress Reporting
Test prep centers must show parents measurable improvement from baseline to target scores. Built-in score tracking with baseline-to-target dashboards eliminates manual spreadsheet reporting and lets parents see progress in real time.
Hands-on testing
Rankings based on actual usage, not marketing claims.
How to Choose the Right Software
Follow these steps to find the best fit for your test prep centers.
Decide if you need built-in diagnostics
Only OASES has integrated SAT/ACT diagnostic testing. If that's non-negotiable, start there. Otherwise, pair Tutorbase with EdisonOS for adaptive practice tests and focus on business operations.
Map your package billing needs
Count your package variations (SAT Math, Full SAT, ACT Science, etc.). If you have 5+ package types with installment plans, you need robust package billing—Tutorbase or OASES handle this automatically.
Check how parents prefer to communicate
If parents in your market use WhatsApp (98% open rate vs. 22% for email), Tutorbase is the only software with native WhatsApp automation. This alone saves 8-12 admin hours weekly.
Compare total annual cost
Tutorbase at 1% of billing ($1,200/year at $120K revenue) is significantly cheaper than OASES ($8,388/year). Even paired with EdisonOS for diagnostics ($3,200 total), it's still less than half the cost.
Which Test Prep Centers alternative is right for you?
Different tutoring businesses have different needs. Here's our honest assessment of which tool fits which scenario.
Small test prep centers (<50 students)
Recommended:
Tutorbase
Free tier covers scheduling, invoicing, and WhatsApp automation. Pair with EdisonOS if you need adaptive diagnostics.
Growing centers (50-150 students)
Recommended:
Tutorbase
WhatsApp automation saves 10+ hours weekly on score updates and reminders. AI CRM converts more inquiries during peak SAT/ACT seasons.
Large centers (200+ students)
Recommended:
Tutorbase or OASES
Tutorbase for operational efficiency and lower cost. OASES only if built-in SAT/ACT diagnostics are central to your methodology.
Multi-location test prep agencies
Recommended:
Tutorbase or TutorCruncher
TutorCruncher for turnkey multi-location management. Tutorbase for better WhatsApp automation and significantly lower fees.
When to Choose Each Option
Different tools excel for different needs. Here's our guidance.
Best overall for test prep centers needing automation and parent communication
- You want WhatsApp automation for score updates, reminders, and payment follow-ups (98% open rate)
- You sell multi-session packages with installment plans and want automated collections
- You need a CRM to convert more inquiries during peak SAT/ACT registration seasons
- You prefer modern UI with fast onboarding over legacy systems
Best for centers where built-in SAT/ACT diagnostics are non-negotiable
- Integrated diagnostic testing and automated scoring are central to your methodology
- You need 75+ pre-built test-specific reports for stakeholders
- Your budget supports $699/mo and your team is already trained on the platform
Budget option for small centers comfortable with manual workflows
- You have fewer than 50 students and need the lowest possible cost
- You're comfortable with manual payment collection and email-only communication
- You offer a few standard packages and don't need advanced automation
Best for multi-location agencies with tutor marketplace needs
- You operate 3+ locations and need consolidated reporting
- You need commission splits and tutor marketplace features
- WhatsApp automation is not a priority for your parent demographic
Complementary tool for adaptive practice tests—not standalone software
- You need SAT/ACT adaptive assessments with automated scoring
- You understand EdisonOS has no scheduling, billing, or CRM—pair with Tutorbase for operations
- You want a mobile-friendly student interface for on-demand practice
When to Avoid Each Option
No software is perfect. Here's when each option might NOT be right for you.
Skip OASES if...
- Dated interface (built 2003) with steep learning curve—expect 2-3 weeks for staff onboarding and frequent training questions
- $299 onboarding fee plus $99-699/mo based on student count—pricing jumps significantly at 100+ students ($699/mo tier)
- No WhatsApp integration—all parent communication requires manual SMS or email, limiting automation for reminders and score updates
- Limited API access—difficult to integrate with third-party content platforms like EdisonOS or custom question banks
Skip Teachworks if...
- No automated payment collection—parents must manually pay invoices, resulting in 40-60 day average collection times for test prep packages
- Basic CRM with no lead scoring or nurturing workflows—miss opportunities to convert inquiries during peak test registration seasons
- No WhatsApp—cannot automate practice test reminders or send score reports via parents' preferred channel (70% prefer WhatsApp over email)
- Package billing requires manual setup per student—time-consuming for centers selling standardized 8-12 week SAT/ACT programs to 50+ students
Skip TutorCruncher if...
- 3+ month learning curve reported by agencies—complex agency-first design overwhelms small test prep centers needing basic scheduling and billing
- 7-day payment delay for tutor payouts—problematic for centers with weekly or bi-weekly payroll cycles for part-time proctors and instructors
- 3.85% credit card processing fees—adds $385 in fees per $10,000 in package sales, eating into already-thin test prep margins (typically 20-30%)
- No WhatsApp integration—cannot send automated practice test confirmations or score updates via messaging apps
Skip EdisonOS if...
- NOT business management software—no scheduling, billing, CRM, or payroll. Only delivers SAT/ACT adaptive tests and question banks to students.
- High cost ($999-4999 per period + $549 setup) for content-only platform—must pair with separate scheduling/billing software, doubling software costs
- Requires students to use separate platform for practice tests—creates friction with logins, passwords, and switching between business system and content delivery
- No integration with scheduling systems—cannot automatically trigger practice test assignments after lessons or sync scores back to parent dashboards
- Best used as complementary content tool paired with Tutorbase/OASES for operations, not as standalone solution
Skip Tutorbase if...
- No built-in diagnostic testing yet—must use external tools like EdisonOS or paper-based diagnostics for initial baseline scoring
- No mobile app (web-responsive only)—instructors accustomed to native iOS/Android apps may find mobile web experience less polished
- Newer software (2024 launch)—smaller user community and fewer third-party integrations compared to established tools like Teachworks (2014)
- AI features require learning curve—staff need training on automated workflows, though this pays off in reduced administrative time
Honest recommendations
We believe transparency builds trust.
Why Tutorbase is #1
From a real test prep center owner
“We track 200+ students across SAT, ACT, and AP prep. Before Tutorbase, generating score reports was a nightmare—parents would call asking about improvement and I'd spend 20 minutes digging through spreadsheets. Now they log in and see exactly how their kid improved from 1280 to 1400. Our re-enrollment rate jumped 40% because the progress is undeniable.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about choosing software for test prep centers.
Only if baseline testing is central to your methodology. OASES is the only platform with integrated diagnostics, but most centers use external tools like EdisonOS or paper tests. Pairing Tutorbase with EdisonOS costs $3,000-5,000/year total—less than half of OASES at $8,388/year.
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Best Software for Test Prep Centers
After evaluating 5 tools against criteria specific to test prep centers, here's our recommendation.
Tutorbase
#1 PickTutorbase wins for test prep centers that need WhatsApp automation, AI-powered CRM, and package billing at a fraction of the cost of legacy platforms. At 1% of billing ($1,200/year at $120K revenue), it's 85% cheaper than OASES ($8,388/year) while delivering better parent communication and modern onboarding.
Test prep centers using Tutorbase save 8-12 admin hours weekly and convert 30-40% more inquiries during peak seasons. Package billing reduces collections time by 60%. At 1% of billing, centers save $7,000+ annually compared to OASES.
No built-in SAT/ACT diagnostics—pair with EdisonOS for adaptive practice tests
Based on hands-on testing of 5 tools against criteria including built-in diagnostic testing, parent communication channels, and more.
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Data Sources & Verification
Transparency matters. Here's where our data comes from:
Last Updated
January 27, 2026
Migration Data
Based on actual customer migrations from Test Prep Centers to Tutorbase
Found outdated info? We strive to keep our competitor data current. Email us at contact@tutorbase.com and we'll verify and update within 48 hours.