NSW Selective

It is computer-based. Students take the test on computers provided by the department and do not need to bring their own computer or mouse. Each student is given two A4 pieces of paper for working out at the start of the test and may ask for more paper if needed.

Both tests run in May. For 2028 placement, the selective test is Thursday 13 to Friday 14 May 2027 and the opportunity class test is Tuesday 11 to Wednesday 12 May 2027, with make-up tests in June 2027. Students attend one test day only, and the date is allocated, not chosen.

Students are allocated to local test centres based on their primary school location, and most centres are local public high schools. From 2026 the placement tests are held only in NSW, so students who are overseas or interstate must sit the test in NSW or they will not be considered for placement.

The Test Admission Ticket is sent two weeks before the test and is available in your application dashboard. You must download and print it, because a digital copy on a phone will not be accepted. All students from the same primary school are tested on the same day, so keep both test days free.

The published example timetables show the selective test as 45 minutes reading, 40 minutes mathematical reasoning, 40 minutes thinking skills and 30 minutes writing, with a 20-minute long break for a snack. The opportunity class test shows 40 minutes reading, 40 minutes mathematical reasoning and 30 minutes thinking skills.

There is no ordinary retake. If illness, misadventure, test centre problems or technical difficulties affected performance or caused a missed test, submit an illness or misadventure request in your dashboard within 5 business days after the test, with up to 3 supporting files. Approved students may sit the make-up test.

Bring the printed Test Admission Ticket, two 2B pencils, an eraser, a pencil sharpener, a clear bottle of water and wear school uniform, even on a Saturday. Selective test students should also bring a hat and a substantial snack for the longer break. Pens, rulers, calculators, note paper and pencil cases are not allowed.

All student work is automatically saved every 30 seconds. A minor problem is handled through the illness or misadventure process. If a problem stops many students from starting or finishing, the test may be postponed and affected students re-scheduled to the make-up test.

Start with the official practice tests for the relevant test to learn the computer format and section timing. Then build accuracy in reading and mathematical reasoning before adding timed thinking skills sets, and finish with short, timed writing practice. Regular short sessions with review of errors beat occasional long cramming.

Running out of time because they dwell on one question, misreading multi-step questions, and losing working-out discipline on screen. Practical slips also matter: arriving late gains no extra time, and a forgotten printed ticket or prohibited item such as a smart watch can prevent a student from sitting.