Looking for genuine NAPLAN past papers? Here's the honest picture. The only official full NAPLAN papers are the 2012–2016 tests released by ACARA — free, with answers. Since then NAPLAN has been online and adaptive, and no full papers are released. This page gives you the real official links, plus realistic online mock tests that match today's test for the 2027 sittings.
The real thing
These are the only genuine, complete NAPLAN past papers available to the public. ACARA — the body that runs NAPLAN — released the full 2012–2016 test papers for free use, and they come with marking answers. Each year (3, 5, 7 and 9) has separate papers for Reading, Language Conventions, Numeracy and the Reading Magazine, so you can download exactly what you need.
Tap a year below to open ACARA's official download page. They're a great starting point for content familiarity — just remember they're paper-based and predate the current online test, which we explain further down.
Reading, Language Conventions & Numeracy, with answers.
Open on ACARA → 5Year 5 past papersReading, Language Conventions & Numeracy, with answers.
Open on ACARA → 7Year 7 past papersReading, Language Conventions & Numeracy, with answers.
Open on ACARA → 9Year 9 past papersReading, Language Conventions & Numeracy, with answers.
Open on ACARA →Important to know
NAPLAN moved online in 2018 and became fully online and adaptive by 2022. ACARA no longer releases full test papers after 2016 — those tests are reused for the program's ongoing development. So for the current online test, the official way to experience the real interface, question types and on-screen tools is the NAP Public Demonstration Site. It's free, official, and the closest you'll get to seeing the real test environment.
Choose the right tool
Both have a place. The 2012–2016 papers are excellent for content review, but because they pre-date the online test, they can't reproduce how test day actually looks and feels. Here's the honest comparison:
Sample the real online experience
Two ways to practise on screen, side by side for each year. The official NAP demonstration test is free and shows the real interface, question types and on-screen tools (no marking or analytics). The Selectivetrial free trial lets your child try a full-length, ACARA-aligned 2027 mock on screen — timed and marked, with performance graphs, no card required. Pick your child's year level:
Note: the official Year 3 demo has no Writing test, as Year 3 Writing is completed on paper. Prefer to start with a free full mock? Start the free 3-day trial →
Online practice tests · NAPLAN 2027
Pro plans add 2 writing tasks marked by Australian tutors with feedback in 3–4 working days. All packs include unlimited attempts, performance graphs and 365-day access.
Make them work harder
Use the 2012–2016 papers early to introduce question styles and spot which domains need the most attention. Don't time these first attempts.
Target the weak domains with short, focused sessions, and review every wrong answer against the official answer key — that's where the gains come from.
In the final weeks, switch to full-length, timed online mock tests so pacing, stamina and the real on-screen tools feel routine on test day.
Selectivetrial gives your child 30+ full-length, ACARA-aligned NAPLAN 2027 mock papers across all four domains — with the same on-screen protractor, calculator and ruler they'll meet on test day, instant marking, performance graphs, and tutor-marked writing on Pro plans. Try it free for 3 days, no card required.
Common questions
The only official, complete NAPLAN past papers are the 2012–2016 test papers released by ACARA, which are free to download and include answers. They cover Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy. NAPLAN tests after 2016 are not released to the public.
No. ACARA does not provide access to NAPLAN tests after 2016, because the assessment moved online and adaptive and the later tests are reused for ongoing program development. To practise in the current format, use the official NAP Public Demonstration Site or realistic online mock tests.
Yes. The official 2012–2016 ACARA past papers are free to download and come with marking answers.
Not exactly. The 2012–2016 papers are paper-based, have no on-screen tools or timer, and predate the current curriculum and online adaptive format. They're useful for content familiarity, but realistic online mock tests better reflect how today's NAPLAN actually looks and feels.
Realistic online practice tests that replicate the current interface, timing and tools. Selectivetrial offers full-length, ACARA-aligned online mock tests for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, with instant marking and performance analytics — and a free 3-day trial so you can sample one first.
Use the 2012–2016 papers early for content familiarity and to identify weak areas, reviewing answers carefully. Then switch to timed online mock tests in the final weeks to build pacing and stamina in the real online format.
Links to ACARA and NAP resources are provided for convenience and are the property of their respective owners. NAPLAN dates, format and availability are sourced from ACARA and subject to ACARA updates for 2027. Selectivetrial's NAPLAN materials are exam-style practice resources created independently and are not an officially endorsed publication of the NAPLAN program.
