Placement test

Latest updates – 2026 placement tests

Check here for the latest updates before and on the test days.

**Arrival and pick-up times**
Test	Arrival	Pick-up (expected)
Opportunity class test	9:30 am	12:35 pm

The Test Admission Tickets for the opportunity class test were sent to parents and carers on Friday 24 April 2026.

Translated resources

Go to — Resources in other languages

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 requirements and any tests you need to take. For more details go to Selective high schools – Years 8 to 11 applications.

Video: Parent talking about how their child prepared for the test (duration 21 seconds)

Test structure and practice tests

Students take the placement test on computers provided by the department.

To learn about the test sections and to access the practice tests, go to the relevant page below.

Go to – Selective high school practice tests

Go to – Opportunity class practice tests

Test dates

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

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.

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. Some items are common across all test versions to ensure consistency and comparability. These items will not affect your child's final scores.

Test centres and locations

Where is the test held?

Students are allocated to local test centres based on their primary school location. Most test centres will be in local public high schools.

From 2026 the placement tests will only be held in NSW.

Students who are overseas or interstate need to sit the placement test in NSW.

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 send your Test Admission Ticket to you 2 weeks before the test. We will email you to let you know when it is available in your application dashboard. Refer to the Key dates. When available, log in to your dashboard to view your ticket, test centre location, and date and time. Download and print your child’s Test Admission Ticket.

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 Admission Ticket 2 weeks before the test period, please contact us. Send us a message in your application dashboard.

How is my child's test centre location decided?

Your child's test centre location and date is based on:

your child's primary school address
the location of the test centres
the student capacity at the test centres.

You cannot change the location or date, unless there are reasons outside your control. In these rare cases, contact us through your application dashboard. But there is no guarantee that a change can be made.

If your child's school has changed, please update this in your application dashboard.

Video – Getting ready for test day: a guide for parents and carers

VIDEO – Getting ready for test day: a guide for parents and carers (duration 2:22)

Transcript

[Transcript of video: ‘Getting ready for test day: a guide for parents and carers' (2 minutes 22 seconds)]

This video helps you get ready for your child’s placement test. Knowing what happens on test day will help you and your child to feel calm and prepared.

The test will be held in a local NSW public school. These will mainly be high schools.

Two weeks before the test, you will get an email about your Test Admission Ticket. You need to log in to your application dashboard and print the ticket. Your child must bring this printed ticket to be allowed to sit the test.

Your ticket will show the location, date and time of the test. You will also receive travel and parking details. Start planning how you will travel to and from the test centre. If you arrive late, your child will not get extra time for the test.

Before the day, review the test day checklist on our website so you know what your child can and can’t bring. Make sure your child wears their school uniform on test day, even if their test is on a Saturday.

On the day of the test, review the checklist again to make sure your child has everything they need, including their printed Test Admission Ticket and any medications.

We recommend using public transport, but if you are driving, carefully read the parking suggestions sent with your Test Admission Ticket. Remember to follow all parking signs and restrictions. Do not park illegally.

Follow the signs and directions from school staff.

School staff will take students to the test room. Parents and carers must then leave the school grounds.

Arrive back at the test centre in time to pick up your child when the test ends. Follow the signs and staff directions to the pick-up area and wait for your child.

If the test runs late and the pick-up time changes, we will contact you by SMS to let you know the new time.

By being prepared for test day, you will help your child feel calm and ready for the test.

[End transcript]

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.

If the weather is cool, pack a jumper. If sitting the selective high school test, bring a hat for the longer break.

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
nuts, or products containing nuts, for your child's snack

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?

If your child is sick and it affects their test – or they miss it – you can submit an Illness or misadventure request. Students with an approved illness or misadventure request can sit the make-up test. You need to submit the request within 5 business days after the test in your application dashboard.

Please don’t bring your child to the test if they are sick, for example, they have COVID or flu. This is because they may disrupt other students or make them sick. If you do bring your sick child, they may not be allowed to sit the test.

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
Read the test centre details on your Test Admission Ticket to confirm your test location, time and date and any special instructions. If you arrive at the wrong location or on the wrong date or time, your child will not be allowed to sit the test. 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 their printed ticket to be allowed to sit the test. A digital copy on a phone or device will not be accepted. Access and print your ticket from within your application dashboard.
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 being prepared for test day, you will help your child feel calm and ready for the test.

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.

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.
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 a school staff member takes your child to the test room.
leave the school grounds when your child is being taken to the test centre entrance.

Remember you are not allowed in the test room. If you have special written permission for medical reasons, you may take your child to the test room.

Trained test supervisors will run the tests. School staff will also be in the test rooms to support students.

By following these instructions, you help create a calm and supportive test environment.

Picking up your child

Follow all instructions from school staff on getting to the pick-up area.

Arrive on time at the pick-up area. Don't leave your child waiting. If the test has not finished when you arrive, please wait quietly at the pick-up area.

Your child must have a signed note from you if they are being picked up by someone else.

The signed note should be kept in their bag during the tests.
After the tests have finished, your child should show the note to the test staff member who will guide them to the pick-up area.

During the test

There are short breaks between the test sections where students remain in the test room.

There is a longer break in the middle of the selective high school test. During this break students can eat their snack. If there is an outside area available, students can have their break there.

Example test timetable

(including breaks)

Selective high school test
Opportunity class test

Selective high school test

Selective high school test – example timetable

Students arrive
9:30 am	Student arrival and check-in	30 mins
Reading test
10:05 am – 10:50 am	Reading Test	45 mins
10:50 am	10 min break	10 mins
Mathematical reasoning test
11:05 am – 11:45 am	Mathematical Reasoning Test	40 mins
11:50 am – 12:10 pm	Long break (snack allowed)	20 mins
Thinking skills test
12:20 – 1:00 pm	Thinking Skills Test	40 mins
1:00 pm	10 min break	10 mins
Writing test
1:15 pm – 1:45 pm	Writing Test	30 mins
Close
1:55 pm	Students dismissed

Opportunity class test

Opportunity class test – example timetable

Students arrive
9:30 am	Student arrivals and check-in	30 mins
Reading test
10:05 am – 10:45 am	Reading Test	40 mins
10:45 am	10 min break	10 mins
Mathematical reasoning test
11:00 am– 11:40 am	Mathematical Reasoning Test	40 mins
11:40 am	10 min break	10 mins
Thinking Skills test
11:55 am – 12:25 pm	Thinking Skills Test	30 mins
Close
12:35 pm	Students dismissed

Malpractice

Malpractice is defined as cheating on the test.

Examples of student malpractice (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

You should submit an illness or misadventure request when:

illness, injury or a medical condition at the time of the test:
- affected your child’s performance on the test; or
- caused your child to miss the test
your child missed the test, or part of the test, due to another incident
(for example, Sorry Business/bereavement or another unavoidable and unexpected event)
your child experienced test centre problems
(for example, disruptions during the test or shorter time given for the test)
your child experienced technical difficulties during the test.

When does the request need to be submitted?

You must submit the request in your application dashboard by the due date – see Key dates.

This is usually 5 business days after the test or make-up test. Late requests cannot be accepted.

Required supporting documents

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.

These documents must be uploaded in the illness/misadventure section of your dashboard. Do not send them separately in emails or messages as they will not be considered with your request. You must upload all your evidence and complete the form in your dashboard by the due date. See the question above, 'When does the request need to be submitted?'

Reasons that cannot be accepted

You forgot the test date.
You were busy with work or family life.
You didn’t know the processes and relevant due dates. For example, you didn’t read our webpages, emails or messages.
Your family was on holiday during the test period.
Your child was taking part in school or local sports, school events, or school photo days.
Your child missed both the main test and the entire make-up test. If both tests are missed, they cannot be placed in a selective high school or opportunity class.

How to submit an illness/misadventure request

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 then 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
  
  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.

Important: Do not send documents separately in emails or messages as they will not be considered with your request.
Review and Submit: After filling in Steps 4 to 6, check everything carefully. Then select Submit request. You must submit before the deadline – see the Key dates.

Important: once submitted, you cannot change your Illness or misadventure request. Be sure to include all your supporting documents. You can include up to 3 documents.

After reviewing your request, we will send the outcome to your application dashboard.

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.

Example screenshot — Image: Screenshot of Step 2: Select Illness/misadventure in the application dashboard (see above).

How will I find out the outcome of my request?

We will send the outcome of your request to you in your application dashboard.

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.

What happens if there is a technical problem with the computer-based test on the day?

All student work is automatically saved every 30 seconds. If the problem is minor, the Illness or misadventure process is followed – see above.

If the problem stops many students from starting or finishing the test, the test may be postponed. These students will be re-scheduled to sit the make-up test. Parents and carers will be sent more information if their child is re-scheduled to take the make-up test.

Students who miss the make-up test cannot be placed in a selective high school or opportunity class.

Category:

Teaching and learning

Topics:

High school
Primary school

Business Unit:

Teaching and Learning Support