Selectivetrial | NSW Selective, OC, HAST & NAPLAN Practice 2026
NSW Selective 2027 Β· Applications open Oct 2026 OC Test 2026 Β· Held late July VIC Selective (SEHS) Β· Held June 2027 NAPLAN 2027 Β· 10–22 March HAST Β· Multiple sittings throughout year Edutest scholarships Β· Open year-round NSW Selective 2027 Β· Applications open Oct 2026 OC Test 2026 Β· Held late July VIC Selective (SEHS) Β· Held June 2027 NAPLAN 2027 Β· 10–22 March
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Practise 35,000+ real-style questions across NSW Selective, OC, HAST, NAPLAN, ACER, Edutest, VIC Selective & ASET-WA. Time-scored mocks, tutor-marked writing, detailed analytics β€” built by qualified Australian tutors.

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Eight major selective & scholarship exams across Australia. Pick your state or jump to a national exam.

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NSW6 EXAMS New South Wales Selective Β· OC Β· NAPLAN Β· ACER Β· HAST Β· Edutest View Exams β–Ύ
VIC5 EXAMS Victoria VIC Selective Β· ACER Β· HAST Β· Edutest Β· NAPLAN View Exams β–Ύ
QLD4 EXAMS Queensland ACER Β· HAST Β· Edutest Β· NAPLAN View Exams β–Ύ
SA4 EXAMS South Australia ACER Β· HAST Β· Edutest Β· NAPLAN View Exams β–Ύ
WA5 EXAMS Western Australia ASET (GATE) Β· ACER Β· HAST Β· Edutest Β· NAPLAN View Exams β–Ύ
ACT4 EXAMS Aus. Capital Territory ACER Β· HAST Β· Edutest Β· NAPLAN View Exams β–Ύ
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Pick from 8 packages β€” Selective, OC, HAST, NAPLAN, ACER, Edutest, VIC Selective or ASET. Start free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything Parents Need to Know

22 comprehensive answers about selective tests, OC, NAPLAN, ACER, HAST, Edutest, VIC SEHS and ASET.

Q1: What is the NSW Selective High School Placement Test?

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a competitive entrance test for Year 6 students seeking entry into one of the state's Selective High Schools. The test is designed to measure academic potential and higher-order reasoning rather than just curriculum knowledge, determining placement based on performance rankings. It is a computer-based assessment consisting of four equally weighted sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing.

Q2: When is the NSW Selective Test in 2026 and 2027?

The 2026 and 2027 NSW Selective High School Placement Test schedules are as follows:

  • 2026 Test: Conducted on Friday, 1st May & Saturday, 2nd May 2026 (students are allocated to one of these days).
  • 2027 Test: Official dates will be confirmed by the NSW Department of Education approximately 6 months prior. Expected to follow the same pattern and occur in early May 2027. Applications expected to open October 2026.
Q3: What are the NSW Selective Test sections and duration of each?

The NSW Selective Test has four sections:

  • Reading (45 minutes, 17 questions β€” 3 questions have multiple parts to answer)
  • Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes, 35 questions)
  • Thinking Skills (40 minutes, 40 questions)
  • Writing (30 minutes, 1 task)
Q4: How is the NSW Selective Test scored?

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is scored based on four equally weighted components: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing, each contributing 25% to the total placement score.

Raw results are standardised and scaled to ensure fairness across different test versions. Students are then ranked against all other applicants to determine placement offers based on their school preferences. Parents receive a performance report categorising results into four bands β€” Top 10%, Next 15%, Next 25%, and Lowest 50%.

Q5: Is the NSW Selective Test now computer-based?

Yes, the NSW Selective High School Placement Test is now fully computer-based as of 2026. Students complete all four components β€” Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills & Writing β€” at designated test centres using provided computers rather than paper.

Practising on a computer-based platform (like Selectivetrial) closely mirrors the real NSW Selective Test interface.

Q6: How is the OC Test different from the NSW Selective Test?

The OC (Opportunity Class) Test is designed for Year 4 students seeking placement in Year 5, focusing primarily on Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills.

In contrast, the NSW Selective High School Placement Test is for Year 6 students seeking Year 7 entry to NSW Selective High Schools. It includes a Writing component alongside more advanced versions of the Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills sections.

Q7: What is the difference between HAST and Edutest?

The main difference lies in their focus:

  • HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test), developed by ACER, emphasises abstract reasoning and critical thinking to identify academic potential.
  • Edutest focuses more on curriculum-based knowledge and speed, testing a student's ability to apply learned skills across verbal, numerical, and reading tracks under tight time constraints.

While both are used for selective entry and scholarships, HAST is often preferred for secondary placements, whereas Edutest is a common standard for many independent and Victorian selective schools. Check with your child's prospective school to confirm which one they use.

Q8: What is the VIC Selective Entry test (SEHS)?

The Victorian Selective Entry High School (SEHS) exam is a competitive academic assessment for high-achieving Year 8 students seeking Year 9 entry to one of four prestigious Victorian Selective High Schools:

  • Mac.Robertson Girls' High School
  • Melbourne High School
  • Nossal High School
  • Suzanne Cory High School

The test administered by ACER evaluates advanced proficiency in Reading Comprehension, Writing, Mathematics, & General Ability (Verbal & Quantitative), focusing on higher-order reasoning rather than just curriculum knowledge.

Q9: What is ASET in WA?

The Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET) is the state-wide competitive test in Western Australia for Year 7 entry to select students for the Gifted and Talented (GATE) secondary programs.

It assesses academic potential rather than just curriculum knowledge through four sections: Reading Comprehension, Communicating Ideas in Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning.

Q10: How does the NSW Selective Reserve List work?

The NSW Selective High School reserve list serves as a ranked waiting list for students who narrowly missed an initial offer. Understanding how it works:

  • Ranked Allocation: Students are placed into Reserve Bands (A–F) based on their test scores. As initially successful students decline their offers, the Department of Education offers those spots to the next highest-ranked student on the list.
  • Duration: The list remains active until the end of Term 1 in the year of entry, though movement typically slows down significantly after the "Reserve Decision Date" in December.

Strategic Choice: You can accept an offer for a lower-preference school and stay on the reserve list for a higher-preference school, but you will be automatically removed from all lists in mid-December unless you decline your current offer.

Q11: How early should my child start preparing for Selective School entrance tests?

Generally, starting early provides a balanced 12-to-18-month window to build foundational skills without causing burnout. This timeline allows for a steady transition from learning core concepts to mastering the specific speed and reasoning techniques required for the exam format.

However, if your child already has strong academic foundations, a 6-month intensive focus can be effective for fine-tuning test-taking strategies and time management. The quality of practice matters more than duration β€” consistent weekly practice with detailed feedback is more effective than last-minute cramming.

Q12: Does Selectivetrial offer a free trial?

Yes, we offer a 3-day free trial across all major tests β€” NSW Selective, OC, HAST, NAPLAN, ACER, Edutest, VIC Selective & ASET-WA. No credit card required. Simply sign up at selectivetrial.com.au/free-trial.

Q13: When is NAPLAN 2027?

NAPLAN 2027 is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, 10th March to Monday, 22nd March 2027.

Schools typically aim to complete the testing as early as possible within this window. Key things to keep in mind:

  • Test Window: The 9-day window allows schools flexibility to manage technical requirements and student catch-up sessions.
  • Writing Test Priority: For Year 3, the writing test is still conducted on paper and is usually held on Day 1. For Years 5, 7, and 9, the online writing test must also start on Day 1.
Q14: Is NAPLAN compulsory?

Technically NAPLAN is not compulsory, but it is expected that all Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 appear for this national assessment. However, parents or carers may withdraw their children from the testing for religious beliefs, philosophical objections, or specific educational needs.

Formal exemptions can also be granted for students with significant disabilities or those from a non-English speaking background who have been in Australia for less than a year. Ultimately, this is a decision for parents/carers but is best done in collaboration with the school.

Q15: What is the difference between the NSW Selective Test & NAPLAN?

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a competitive entrance test for high-achieving Year 6 students seeking Year 7 placement in elite NSW Selective government schools. The NSW Selective Test is designed with much higher difficulty to distinguish academic excellence among the state's top performers.

In contrast, NAPLAN is a nationwide diagnostic assessment that measures basic literacy and numeracy standards for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, & 9. NAPLAN identifies whether young Australians are meeting the minimum curriculum benchmarks.

Q16: What is the difference between the OC Test & NAPLAN?

The OC (Opportunity Class) Test is a competitive placement exam in New South Wales (NSW) for high-potential Year 4 students seeking entry to specialised Year 5 classes. OC Test features more challenging questions focused on advanced mathematical reasoning, reading, and thinking skills.

In contrast, NAPLAN is a national assessment for all Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7, & 9 designed to measure literacy and numeracy benchmarks rather than for school placement. NAPLAN primarily focuses on basic curriculum proficiency.

Q17: What is the ACER scholarship test?

The ACER scholarship test is a competitive academic examination used by many independent and government schools across Australia to identify high-achieving students for fee-reduction scholarships. It typically assesses core abilities in reading, writing, mathematical and abstract reasoning rather than testing specific curriculum knowledge.

Q18: How hard is the ACER scholarship test?

The ACER scholarship test is considered highly challenging because it prioritises abstract reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving over standard school curriculum. Since it is designed to differentiate the top-performing students, the questions are often intentionally complex and strictly timed to test speed and accuracy.

Q19: How to prepare for the ACER scholarship test?

To effectively prepare for the ACER scholarship test, focus on a balanced approach that addresses both academic skills and test-taking mechanics:

  • Master Core Disciplines: Focus on high-level reading comprehension, creative and persuasive writing, and mathematical reasoning that emphasises problem-solving.
  • Simulate Test Conditions: Regularly complete full-length practice tests under strict time constraints to build stamina and familiarity with digital or paper-based formats.
Q20: What is the difference between the Victorian Selective test & ACER scholarship test?

The Victorian Selective Entry High School Test is a state-run entrance test for students seeking admission to one of Victoria's four Selective High Schools. It focuses on higher-order reasoning rather than just curriculum knowledge β€” Reading Comprehension, Writing, Mathematics, & General Ability (Verbal & Quantitative).

In contrast, ACER Scholarship Tests are highly challenging assessments used by approximately 250 independent schools across Australia to award individual scholarships. This evaluation examines a candidate's critical thinking and problem-solving proficiency.

Q21: What is the difference between the HAST & ACER scholarship test?

While both tests are developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), they serve different administrative purposes and vary slightly in their focus:

FeatureACER ScholarshipHAST
PurposeUsed by independent schools to award financial scholarshipsSelective entry into specific programs (SEAL, gifted streams)
Test LevelsPrimary (Level P) for Years 4–6; Secondary (Levels 1–3) for Years 7–11Primary for Year 5 & 6; Secondary for Years 7–11
Primary SectionsReading & Viewing, Mathematics, WritingMathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression
FocusHumanities and Mathematics/Science emphasisDedicated Abstract Reasoning section (unique to HAST)
Key EmphasisAcademic achievement & interpretationIntellectual potential & reasoning
Q22: Which is the best ACER scholarship test preparation website in Australia?

Selectivetrial is widely regarded as a top choice for ACER Scholarship Test preparation in Australia due to its highly specialised focus on the unique reasoning-based format of ACER exams. Here are three key reasons why it stands out:

High-Fidelity ACER Simulations: Unlike generic tutoring platforms, Selectivetrial's practice tests are specifically engineered to mirror the ACER Scholarship test structures. This includes timed test sections with question types and patterns that mirror the actual test.

Expert Writing Feedback: The Writing/Writing Expression section is often the most difficult to self-assess. Selectivetrial offers professional marking by experienced teachers who provide detailed feedback on structure, quality of thought, and mechanics.

Diagnostic Analytics: The Selectivetrial platform goes beyond simple right or wrong scoring β€” it offers personalised performance analytics and graphs. After each practice test, students and parents receive detailed reports that pinpoint specific weaknesses in sub-topics, allowing for targeted revision.

Initiate a wholesome ACER Scholarship test preparation journey for your child with Selectivetrial TODAY!

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