What is HAST Test? All About HAST Test. By Selectivetrial.
HAST · Higher Ability Selection Test

HAST Test by Selectivetrial

Everything you need to know about the ACER Higher Ability Selection Test — its purpose, structure and levels — plus the NSW selective and non-selective schools that use HAST for Gifted & Talented entry.

Published 27 November 2022 Updated 25 June 2026

The HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) program assembled by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is one of the most competitive exams wherein the students undergo rigorous tests for getting selected to accelerated learning programs.

About the HAST Test

The HAST test is essentially an ability test, which is used by the secondary schools as a benchmark in identification of academically gifted students. The test has been designed in a unique manner to assess both intrinsic inherent abilities and academic potential of the candidates. It is unlike the curriculum-based tests that specifically tests only what the student has been able to memorise.

Purpose of HAST

The HAST Test is essentially designed to identify academically gifted students who would benefit from the intellectually challenging and enhanced learning educational programs like Selective High Schools. Also some schools use the HAST scores as a placement criteria in High Performing & Gifted Education Programs.

HAST Test Structure

The extensive HAST tests is nearly a mandate at all secondary level schools, which includes the first level entry. The different levels of HAST Test are available at:

7
Junior Secondary HAST TestFor Year 7 students seeking entry to Year 8.
9
Middle Secondary HAST TestFor Year 8 & Year 9 students seeking entry to Years 9 & 10.
11
Senior Secondary HAST TestFor Year 10 & Year 11 students seeking entry to Years 11 & 12.

The HAST Test is a paper based, multiple choice question (MCQ) test consisting of the following components:

Mathematical Reasoning

25questions
30minutes

In this section the mathematical abilities are put to test where logical and strategic thinking must be applied.

Reading Comprehension

25questions
30minutes

The students’ capacity to understand and interpret ideas through language is put to test.

Abstract Reasoning

30questions
30minutes

This section tests the student’s reasoning skills in recognising relationships and perceiving ideas at an abstract level.

Writing

1task
30minutes

The students’ capacity to express their thoughts and ideas in the most exciting way through a visual stimulus is put to test.

Preparation for the HAST Test

Being an extremely competitive test, the HAST requires sincere and dedicated preparation to score well. The parents are often concerned about the correct skill development patterns and techniques.

Ending all your worries, Selectivetrial has brought the most well-equipped and updated HAST preparation resources for the appearing students. Selectivetrial’s excellently prepared practice sets and mock tests for all levels of the HAST test are among Australia’s best — covering HAST practice questions, HAST mock tests and full HAST exam preparation. For all details and subscription information visit www.selectivetrial.com.au.

HAST for Gifted & Talented Entry in NSW

HAST isn’t only a private-school scholarship test. Across New South Wales, a growing number of selective-stream and non-selective government high schools use the ACER HAST as the entry assessment for their Gifted & Talented and High Potential programs — particularly for Year 8 entry and for transferring into a selective class after Year 6. Below are some of the NSW schools that accept HAST.

Other NSW HAST schools include Hornsby Girls’, St George Girls, Sefton, Northmead, Pennant Hills, Beverly Hills Girls, Ryde Secondary College and more. See the full official directory on the ACER participating schools list, and always confirm the test level directly with each school.

What’s New with HAST Right Now

The HAST landscape has shifted. Here are the current points every NSW family should know before they sit the test.

NSW Inspire (HPGE) rolled out statewide

In March 2026, NSW rolled out the Inspire / High Potential & Gifted Education program across all 2,200+ public schools — and HAST remains one of the assessments some schools use to place students into extension and gifted streams.

A key path for Year 8–11 transfers

If a student missed a selective place in Year 6, HAST is the main route into a selective stream later. Many top NSW selective schools require HAST as part of the application for entry beyond Year 7.

Highly competitive — preparation matters

With roughly 4,000 selective places against 15,000+ applicants each year, acceptance rates sit around 10–20%. Familiarity with the ACER question style is a real advantage.

Ranking, not a raw score

HAST is paper-based: multiple-choice sections are machine-scored and the writing task is independently double-marked. Families receive a general ranking against other candidates rather than a numeric score.

Start your HAST preparation today

ACER-style HAST practice tests, mock exams and tutor-marked writing for every level — built for NSW selective and Gifted & Talented entry.

HAST exam preparation for Castle Hill & all of Australia

Based in Castle Hill, Sydney, Selectivetrial offers complete HAST exam preparation and HAST online tutoring for families across Australia. Our ACER-style HAST practice tests, realistic HAST mock tests and graded HAST practice questions cover every section of the Higher Ability Selection Test — so whether you’re preparing for the HAST scholarship test, sitting the HAST exam for a Castle Hill selective stream, or starting HAST test preparation from anywhere in the country, your child practises with the exact question style they’ll face on the day.

School participation and test levels sourced from the official ACER HAST participating schools directory. Always confirm details with each school. © 2026 Selectivetrial Pty Ltd.