Australian Exam Guide
Everything families need to know about NAPLAN, selective school entry tests and academic scholarship exams — what's tested, when to apply, and which schools to target.
Years 3–9
NAPLAN levels
5 States
Selective school systems
100+
Scholarship schools (ACER)
June
ACER test each year
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a nationwide assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It measures skills in reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy against national standards.
Key Facts
Year Levels
Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
When
Weeks 7–9 of Term 1 (mid-to-late March)
Format
Online (most states); some paper options remain
Duration
3 school days across the testing window
Administered by
ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority)
Results released
Term 3 of the same year
What's Tested
Writing
A single extended writing task — either persuasive or informative depending on the year.
Reading
Comprehension of a range of text types: narrative, informative and persuasive.
Language Conventions
Spelling, grammar and punctuation tested in context.
Numeracy
Number, algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics and probability.
Proficiency Levels
Good to Know
- •NAPLAN is not a pass/fail test — it shows where students sit nationally.
- •Results cannot be used for school entry into selective high schools (separate test).
- •Students with a disability or learning difficulty may be eligible for adjustments.
- •Practice tests are available on the NAPLAN Online Practice website.
General Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. School names, exam dates, scholarship details, and other data are sourced from publicly available information and may not reflect the most current state of affairs. Edvora is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any school, education authority, or testing body mentioned on this page. We make every effort to keep this information accurate, but we cannot guarantee its completeness or currency. Always verify details directly with the relevant school or official authority before making educational decisions. If you believe any information on this page is incorrect, please let us know and we will update it promptly.
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