Placement test
Students must sit a test to be placed into an opportunity class in Year 5 or a selective high school in Year 7. Learn how to get ready for test day below.
The following information is about:
- the Selective High School Placement Test for Year 7 entry
- the Opportunity Class Placement Test for Year 5 entry.
If you want to apply for selective high school entry in Years 8 to 11, please contact the schools directly. They can tell you about their entry rules and any tests you need to take. For more details go to Selective high schools – Years 8 to 11 applications.
Test structure and practice tests
Learn about the different test sections and access the online practice tests, and their PDF copies, at the relevant test page below.
Video: Parent talking about how their child prepared for the test (duration 21 seconds)
Test dates
Each student is only required to sit the placement test on one day.
The placement tests are computer-based and held in May. Only one test is held on each test day. See the full list of key dates for exact test dates.
There will be multiple versions of the computer-based test to allow the tests to be conducted on different days and to allow for a make-up test held in late May. There are measures in place to ensure there is no advantage from sitting the test on a particular day and performance can be compared across multiple test versions.
Computers will be provided. Students do not need to bring their own device on the day.
Allocation of students to test days will depend on the availability, capacity and location of test centres. Test dates and locations are not allocated based on the date of application. Once students are allocated to a test centre and test date, it is not possible to make changes unless there are exceptional circumstances beyond your control.
Selective high school – Year 7 entry in 2027
| Date | Activity | |
|---|---|---|
Friday 1 – Saturday 2 May 2026 |
Selective High School Placement Test (students attend one test day only) |
|
Friday 22 May 2026 |
Selective High School Placement Make-up Test |
Opportunity class – Year 5 entry in 2027
| Date | Activity | |
|---|---|---|
Friday 8 – Saturday 9 May 2026 |
Opportunity Class Placement Test (students attend one test day only) |
|
Friday 22 May 2026 |
Opportunity Class Placement Make-up Test |
Test centres and locations
Where is the test held?
Students are allocated to test centres in their local area. Most test centres will be local high schools.
From 2026 the placement tests will only be held in NSW.
Students who are overseas or interstate need to NSW to sit the placement test.
If your child is unable to return to NSW to sit the test, they will not be considered for placement in an opportunity class or selective high school.
How will I find out my child's test centre and test date?
We will email you 2 weeks before the test to advise that your Test Admission Ticket is available in your application dashboard. Log in to your dashboard to view and print your ticket and your test centre location, date and times. All students from your child's primary school will be tested on the same day. Because of this, it's important that you keep both test days free until you are given your test date. See 'Test centre allocation and Test Admission Ticket released' in the Key dates.
If you have not received your test centre allocation 2 weeks before the start of the main test period, send the Selective Education Team a message in your application dashboard.
How is my child's test centre location decided?
Students are allocated to test centres in their local area. Most test centres will be local high schools.
If your address or the school your child attends has changed after submitting your application, please update this information in the application dashboard.
Once students are allocated to a test centre and test date, it is not possible to make changes unless there are exceptional circumstances beyond your control. In these cases, you should message the Selective Education Team in the application dashboard. But, there is no guarantee that a change can be made.
Test day
On test day your child should:
- wear their school uniform (even if it is on Saturday)
- bring their Test Admission Ticket (printed from your application dashboard).
- bring the items listed in the test day checklist below. Students do not need to bring their own computer or mouse to sit the placement test.
Note: each student will be given two A4 pieces of paper for working out at the start of the test. They may ask for more paper if needed.
Test day checklist
All students need:
- a printed copy of the Test Admission Ticket
- two 2B pencils
- eraser
- pencil sharpener
- a clear bottle of water
- to wear their school uniform – even if it is Saturday. Please bring a hat for any breaks and a jumper if the weather is cool.
If required, bring:
- a substantial snack to eat during the longer break – for the selective high school test only
- any items approved as adjustments for disability, e.g. FM transmitters
- EpiPen, asthma inhalers, diabetes or other needed medication
- glasses
- tissues
- a clear plastic bag for stationery (pencil cases are not allowed)
- a wristwatch (that cannot make a noise, calculate, compute, connect to the internet, send or receive messages, or facilitate attempted malpractice).
These items are not allowed:
- pens
- rulers
- calculators
- note paper
- dictionaries or other books
- smart watches, phones or other devices that compute, photograph, communicate or make a noise
- pencil cases.
What if my child is sick on test day?
Please do not bring your child to the test if he or she is ill with respiratory or other contagious disease (e.g. flu or COVID).
If your child presents a health risk to other students, they may not be allowed to sit the test. For more information, see Illness or misadventure below.
Getting to the test centre
It's important to carefully plan your trip to the test centre before the test day. Here are some key steps to consider:
- Review your Test Admission Ticket
Start by thoroughly reading the test centre details on your Test Admission Ticket to confirm the location, time and date and any special instructions.
Your child will not be admitted to the test if they arrive on the wrong test day, time or location. See above: How will I find out my child's test centre and test date? - Download and print your Test Admission Ticket
Your child must bring this ticket printed on paper to the test and show it to the invigilator (test supervisor) at the test centre. A digital test admission ticket on a phone or device will not be accepted. Log in to your application dashboard to download and print your Test Admission Ticket. - Plan your journey
Take the time to plan your route before test day. Here are some helpful suggestions:- Use online maps: like Google Maps or Apple Maps to help you plan your trip to the test centre.
- Choose your mode of transport: decide how you and your child will get to the test centre. Consider options such as driving, taking public transport, or arranging a carpool.
Parking considerations
Be aware that parking may be limited at the test centre. Plan ahead to identify the nearest parking areas and factor in extra time for parking on test day. Please be considerate of others when parking. Obey all parking restrictions. Do not park on school grounds or across driveways.
Public transport information
If you’re using public transport, refer to the NSW Government Trip Planner. The planner provides comprehensive information on routes, timetables, and any potential disruptions.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your child arrives at the test centre feeling calm and prepared.
Student drop-off and pick-up time
Arrival time
Arrive at the test centre on the day and arrival time shown on the Test Admission Ticket.
Log in to your application dashboard to access and print your Test Admission Ticket.
When you arrive at the test centre
For a smooth check-in process, please:
- follow the signs and any directions to the school entrance for the test. Refer to the school map sent with your Test Admission Ticket.
- wait for school staff to greet you at the school gates/entrance and direct you to the assembly area.
- If allowed, remain at the assembly area until your child is led to the test centre entrance by the invigilators.
- leave the school grounds when your child is being taken to the test centre entrance.
Remember you are not allowed in the test room. The invigilators will take your child to the test room. The only exception is if a parent has written permission for medical reasons to accompany their child inside.
Trained invigilators run the tests and school staff will be in the test rooms to ensure a smooth experience for students.
By following these instructions, you help create a supportive environment for your child as they get ready to begin the test.
Picking up your child
Follow any instructions provided by the school staff on where to collect your child after the test. Please arrive on time to pick up your child – they should not be left waiting after the test.
If the test has not finished when you arrive, follow the directions of school staff and wait quietly to avoid disturbing the students.
If you have organised for your child to be collected by someone else, your child needs to bring a signed note from you to confirm who is picking up your child.
During the test
There are short breaks between the test sections where students remain in the test room.
For the selective high school placement test there is a longer break in the middle of the testing period where students can go outside (if an outside area is available) and eat the food they have brought.
Malpractice
Malpractice is defined as cheating on the test.
- copying answers from another student or allowing another student to copy your answers during testing
- collaboration and or communication between students during testing
- using or trying to use unauthorised material during testing such as notes, study guides, mobile phones and electronic devices
- altering or attempting to alter any software, hardware devices or test materials, e.g. laptops or test software.
- using technology devices such as smart watches, hidden cameras, audio recorders, digital glasses or other wearable technology to capture test content or access information during the test
- not following the instructions of invigilation staff during testing
- student impersonation (pretending to be someone else) or arranging for another person to take the test on your behalf
- obtaining or trying to get the test questions before the test
- individual or multiple students submitting another person’s work as if it were their own
- removing test materials from the test room without authorisation, e.g. test materials, working out paper and Test Admission Ticket.
- sharing answers or test content with others (individuals or educational business entities) before, during, or after the test
- any other conduct that provides an unfair advantage
Students who are found to be cheating (also called 'malpractice') on the test will not be considered for placement.
For more information about malpractice see the Selective high schools and opportunity class placement procedures.
Illness or misadventure
Parents and carers should submit a request for illness/misadventure in situations where:
- illness, injury or a medical condition at the time of the test has:
- impacted the student’s performance on the day of the test, or
- resulted in the student missing the test
- a student missed the test or part of the test due to another incident (for example, Sorry Business or other bereavement)
- a student experienced test centre problems such as disruptions during the test or suspected shorter time given for the test
- a student experienced technical difficulties during the test
- unexpected, unscheduled, unavoidable activities and/or events that stopped the student from sitting the test. For example, participation in representative sporting events or school excursions.
Parents and carers must submit the request in their application dashboard by the due date – see Key dates.
This is typically 5 business days after the test or make-up test. Late requests will not be accepted.
If a student misses the placement test or their test is affected because of illness or another problem, they must provide proof. This proof can be:
- a medical certificate for the test day (if the problem is health-related)
- other documents that show why they missed or had trouble with the test on that day.
You must upload these documents when you fill out the Illness or misadventure request in your application dashboard by the due date. See the question above, 'When does the request need to be submitted?'
Documents sent in any other way, like by email or messages, will not be accepted.
These reasons are not considered valid for illness or misadventure requests:
- A parent or carer forgot the test date, didn’t read emails or messages, doesn’t know the process or was busy with work or family life.
- The family was on holiday during the test period.
- The student was taking part in school or local sports, school events, or school photo days.
- The student missed both the main test and the entire make-up test. If a student misses both, they cannot be placed in a selective high school or opportunity class.
Important: you can only send your request for a short time after missing all, or part of, the test – see Key dates. Be sure to include all your evidence with your request because you cannot add more later.
- Log in to your application dashboard.
- Select Illness/misadventure: Select the 3 dots in the Action column next to your submitted application and select Illness/Misadventure.
- Read the information: A new screen will appear. After reading, select Complete illness/misadventure form.
- Choose your reason: Your child’s details will be at the top of the form. Pick the best reason from these :
- Absent for the test (did not go to the test centre)
- Absent for part/s of the test
- Encountered issues that affected test performance
Note: If you choose Absent for the test (did not sit the test centre), you will need to answer Yes or No if it was for a medical reason. If Yes, upload a medical certificate for the test day in Step 6.
If you missed the make-up test, choose either Absent for part/s of the test or Encountered issues that affected test performance.
- Describe the issue: Write a short explanation of the problem or why your child missed the test. You have a limit of 1,000 characters.
- Upload supporting evidence: Attach any documents you have, like a medical certificate. You can upload up to 3 files.
Note: Do not send documents by email or dashboard message – they will not be accepted. Only upload them here. - Review and Submit: After filling in Steps 4 to 6, check everything carefully. Then select Submit request.
Note: You must submit before the deadline – see the Key dates.
You will get the result of your request through the Application dashboard after it is reviewed.
Important: You cannot edit or change your Illness or misadventure request once you submit it. Make sure you include all supporting documents (up to 3 attachments) before selecting ‘Submit’. Documents sent outside of this request will not be accepted.
Parents and carers will get a message in their application dashboard telling them the result of their illness or misadventure request. If the request is approved, the student might:
- be allowed to sit a make-up test, or
- have their score adjusted, if they sat some, or part of, the test.
The test provider will investigate all illness or misadventure requests relating to test performance.
All student work is automatically saved every 30 seconds. If the technical problem is minor, the above Illness or misadventure process is followed.
In the unlikely event that the problem stops many students from starting or finishing the test, the test may be postponed. Parents and carers will be sent more information to help their child take the make-up test.
Students who miss the make-up test cannot be placed in a selective high school or opportunity class.