Selective high school practice tests
Helping your child prepare for the placement test
The placement test assesses your child’s intellectual abilities. There are 4 test sections: reading, thinking skills, maths, and writing. The questions draw upon concepts from the NSW curriculum up to Year 6 that your child learns at school. We review all questions to make sure students do not need any extra knowledge.
It is important to know that coaching or tutoring for the placement test is not necessary. The test will not need your child to know any new or special knowledge. So, extra paid coaching outside of school will not give your child an advantage.
The department does not recommend or endorse coaching for the placement test. There is no credible research that shows coaching helps a child gain entry. A child who is coached and gets in is likely to have got a place anyway. Many students who get coaching don’t get a place, and too much coaching can harm their wellbeing.
The department provides free resources to help your child prepare for the test. We encourage students to access these in the Student Resource Hub. The resources will help your child:
- understand what to expect on test day
- learn about the test structure
- prepare for the different types of questions
- get tips for taking the test.
Please ensure your child attends school regularly leading up to the test. If they miss too many days without a good reason, we tell the selection committee. The committee may not place students who do not have good attendance.
Going to school regularly has many benefits for your child including:
- helping to maintain a routine
- not missing out on important learning
- supporting their social connetions.
This will help your child's general learning and readiness for the test.
Test dates, centre and locations
To learn about test centres, locations, and what to expect on test day, visit Placement test.
What is in the test?
The Selective High School Placement Test is a computer-based test that has 4 sections. All questions (multiple-choice and the writing question) are answered using the computer. Some items are common across all test versions to ensure consistency and comparability. These items will not affect your child's final scores.
| Section | Questions | Minutes | Type | Weighting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reading Test |
17 (3 questions have multiple parts to answer) | 45 | Multiple-choice | 25% | |
Mathematical Reasoning Test |
35 | 40 | Multiple-choice | 25% | |
Thinking Skills Test |
40 | 40 | Multiple-choice | 25% | |
Writing Test |
1 | 30 | Open response | 25% |
More about the 4 test sections
Reading Test
| Number of questions | Time | Test type |
|---|---|---|
| 17 (3 questions have multiple parts) | 45 minutes | Multiple-choice |
This section tests your child's reading skills. It uses different types of reading material and genres. These include:
- non-fiction
- fiction
- poetry
- magazine articles
- reports.
Mathematical Reasoning Test
| Number of questions | Time | Test type |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | 40 minutes | Multiple-choice |
This section tests your child's mathematical reasoning skills. Your child will use different concepts from maths to solve problems.
Remember that these concepts are based on what your child already learns at school. They do not have to study any extra maths concepts to prepare.
Students cannot use a calculator during this, or any other, test.
Thinking Skills Test
| Number of questions | Time | Test type |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 minutes | Multiple-choice |
This sections test's your child's general critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
No previous knowledge is required for this test.
Writing Test
| Number of questions | Time | Test type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 minutes | Open response |
The Writing Test consists of a topic which the student must write about according to the instructions.
This test assesses the creativity of the student’s ideas and their ability to write effectively for a purpose and audience. The writing test also assesses the student’s use of language for effect.
The student’s writing must address the given topic, otherwise it will be marked lower, regardless of their fluency or creativity.
Video – The Selective High School Placement Test: a guide for students (duration 4:56)
[Transcript of video: ‘Selective High School Placement Test – a guide for students (4 minutes 56 seconds)]
This video about the Selective High School Placement Test will provide an overview of the test sections and types of questions used in the test.
The Selective High School Placement Test has been designed to allow you to demonstrate your reading, reasoning, thinking and writing ability. This means that you do not need to learn or memorise facts about specific subjects. Instead, you need to apply what you know to find the best answer.
There are four tests which are reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills and writing. You will take the tests one after the other on a computer in a test centre. Most test centres will be local high schools. You will read the questions and enter your answers on the computer. You cannot use a calculator or a dictionary, but will be able to do any working out or planning on paper.
Let's take a look at each test.
For the reading test, you'll have 45 minutes to provide 38 answers across 17 questions. The questions are based on a diverse range of texts and assess a range of reading comprehension skills. You will read all texts on screen. Reading questions come in different contexts to test a range of skills. The questions are based on different genres and include non fiction and fiction such as poetry, magazine articles, reports and extracts from books. This is an example of a reading question. It is a comparison type of question where you read 2 short extracts on the same theme and answer multiple choice questions comparing the extracts. More reading example questions are available in the Practise tests on the website.
For the Mathematical Reasoning Test you will have 40 minutes to answer 35 questions. The questions are all multiple choice with five possible answers. This tests mathematical reasoning skills and your ability to apply your mathematical understanding or knowledge to new problems. You can't use a calculator but can use paper for working out. Questions can be drawn from a range of mathematical content areas. This is an example of a mathematical reasoning question. Select the best answer from the five options provided. More mathematical reasoning example questions are available in the Practise test on the website.
For the Thinking Skills test you will have 40 minutes to answer 40 questions. The questions are all multiple choice with four possible answers. This test will assess your ability in critical thinking and problem solving. No previous knowledge is required. There are a range of different question types in the Thinking Skills test. You can see them in the Practise tests available on the website.
For the writing test, you must complete one set writing task within 30 minutes. You'll be marked on the creativity of your ideas and your ability to write effectively for a purpose and an audience. The text structure, grammar, punctuation, chosen style and the vocabulary you use to help you express your message will also contribute to your mark. Here is an example of the writing task. You can brainstorm and make a plan on paper or on screen before typing your response in the space provided. More writing test example questions are available in the Practise Test on the website.
For further information and support, visit the Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes website for students, work through the activities in the Student Resource Hub and view the online Practise tests. You can ask your parents to contact the Selective Education team by sending a message in the application dashboard if they have any questions.
[End transcript]
Student resource hub
Did you know there is a Student resource hub where your child can:
- learn more about whether a selective high school might be a good fit
- take interactive quizzes
- practise test items to help them prepare
- and lots more.
Video – Get the whole picture about selective high schools: the test (duration 2:15)
[Transcript of video animation: ‘Get the whole picture about selective high schools: The test’ (2 minutes 15 seconds)]
[Music]
[Caringbah student 2]
There's no point sitting the test if you're not coached. I don't think that's the case at all. I think most people that were sitting the test probably weren't coached.
[Baulkham Hills student 1]
I have plenty of friends that were not coached and that are doing very well within the school.
[Baulkham Hills student 3]
Definitely. I know a lot of people that aren’t coached. They have the ability and the study skills to be able to do very well just because of their personality and their mindset.
[Caringbah student 3]
I still recommend just looking at some papers and just familiarizing yourself with it. That's really it. You don't have to be coached.
[Caringbah student 1]
You have to practise heaps for the test.
[Baulkham Hills student 1]
I have a testament against that because I did not study for OC or selective in any shape or form.
[Caringbah student 2]
The test is there to see how you can adapt and problem solve and think. So I definitely think getting used to the structure of the test helps. However, you don't have to spend your entire life before the test studying to try and get in
[Caringbah student 3]
I think you just need to know what the structure is and just realise, understand how much time you have.
[Caringbah student 2]
The test isn't testing high school concepts. The test is testing your ability and thinking and problem solving.
[Fort Street student 1]
If you missed out on OC, you won't get in, false.
[Fort Street student 2]
False.
[Baulkham Hills student 3]
Well, that's not right. I definitely didn't get into OC.
[Baulkham Hills student 2]
I didn't either.
[Fort Street student 1]
I bombed my OC test. But I still got into selective school. So the OC how you did in the OC test has no effect whatsoever on how you'd like, how you go in the selective test.
[Caringbah student 2]
You don't need to be Einstein to get in, right?
[Fort Street student 3]
Anyone who's thinking about going to the selective schools test, just give it a go. It doesn't matter if you get in. It doesn't matter if you don't get in, give it a go. If you get into selective school, that's amazing. Come join our cool, quirky cohorts. Yeah, You'll find people that you belong with.
[End of transcript]
Practice tests
The practice tests help your child feel confident and prepared on test day.
There are 2 types of practice test:
- online computer-based practice tests
- PDF practice tests.
If you can't access the practice tests at home, visit your local public library. Or, ask your child's school for support to access the practice tests.
Online computer-based practice tests
The online computer-based practice tests will simulate the actual placement tests. This helps your child get familiar with the test software and its tools.
The test will present the different types of questions that your child might get in the actual test.
When finished, your child will be shown a screen with the (mulitple-choice) questions they got right and wrong. For any they got wrong, they can click on the question to review it again. This will also show the correct answer.
Each individual response is worth 1 mark. Some questions ask for multiple responses and so are worth more than 1 mark.
The tests are timed, with a timer counting down on the screen – just like in the real test. Your child can hide the countdown timer if they prefer.
Before the test begins, there are instructions on how to use the testing software.
Computer requirements
The online computer-based practice tests work on most computers and devices. If you are having trouble, check the computer requirements below.
Equipment, network and browser requirements
The table below outlines these minimum requirements to operate the online practice tests.
Screen
Display must measure 24.6 cm (9.5 inches) diagonally and support resolution of at least 1024 x 768 at 32,000 colours.
Keyboard
Physical keyboard (wired or wireless) is required for laptops and desktop computers.
Physical keyboard (wired or wireless) is required for Windows touch devices.
Pointing device
Mouse, trackpad, touchpad or touch screen or other pointing device that the student is familiar using. Apple pencil is not supported.
Network
Connected to the internet with at least 100 kilobit per second download and 5 kilobit per second upload for each concurrent device in a test session.
Browsers
| Browser | Supported Versions |
|---|---|
Internet Explorer |
Not supported |
Microsoft Edge |
121 or later |
Firefox |
122 or later |
Safari |
17 or later |
Chrome |
121 or later |
Device requirements
| Device type | Supported operating system | Hardware | Not supported |
|---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Windows 10, version 22H2 or later |
PC or tablet capable of running supported operating system, 1GB hard drive space free Note: Physical keyboard (wired or wireless) and mouse (or touchpad) are required for Windows touch devices. |
Windows RT, Windows 10S, Windows CE, Windows Terminal Services, Virtual D |
Mac |
macOS 10.15.6 or later |
Mac capable of running supported operating system, 1GB hard drive space free |
N/A |
Chromebook |
Chromebook version 90 or later |
Manufactured during 2016 or later. Note: Physical keyboard (wired or wireless) and mouse (or touchpad) are required for Chromebook touch devices. |
|
Apple iPad |
iPadOS 15 or later |
iPad Air 2 Pro (1st generation) iPad (5th generation) Note: Apple pencil is not supported. |
iPad Mini (all models) iPad Air (1st generation) |
Android |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
PDF copies of the practice tests
The PDF practice tests below are from older paper-based versions of the test. So they do not reflect the current test format.
All tests are now completed on computers. To experience the current test format, go to the online computer-based practice tests.
The PDF practice tests include the explanation of answers. This is helpful for your child to review to understand why an answer is correct.
You can download and print the PDF versions of each test section.
Copyright in the sample tests and related materials on this webpage is owned by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. The sample practice tests and related materials may contain copyrighted content owned by third parties. For clarity, the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence does not apply to the sample tests, related materials and third party content. You may only download, display, reproduce or use these materials (or any part of them) for your personal or non-commercial use. For any other use not expressly indicated, prior written permission must be obtained from NSW Department of Education and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Sample practice test 1
| Section | Links to practice tests | |
|---|---|---|
Reading |
Reading sample questions (PDF 1.4 MB) Reading sample answers (PDF 77 KB) Explanation of answers - Reading (PDF 1.1 MB) |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
Mathematical reasoning sample questions (PDF 2.6 MB) Mathematical reasoning sample answers (PDF 95 KB) Explanation of answers - Mathematical reasoning (PDF 3.3 MB) |
|
Thinking Skills |
Thinking skills sample questions (PDF 2.1 MB) Explanation of answers - Thinking skills (PDF 2.8 MB) |
|
Writing |
Writing sample question (PDF 1.1 MB) |
Sample practice test 2
| Section | Links to practice tests | |
|---|---|---|
Reading |
Reading sample questions (PDF 1 MB) Reading sample answers (PDF 94 KB) Explanation of answers - Reading (PDF 3.2 MB) |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
Mathematical reasoning sample questions (PDF 1.1 MB) Mathematical reasoning sample answers (PDF 93 KB) Explanation of answers - Mathematical reasoning (PDF 3.5 MB) |
|
Thinking Skills |
Thinking skills sample questions (PDF 2 MB) Explanation of answers - Thinking skills (PDF 3.3 MB) |
|
Writing |
Writing sample question (PDF 1.1 MB) |
Sample practice test 3
| Section | Links to practice tests | |
|---|---|---|
Reading |
Reading sample questions (PDF 1.1 MB) Reading sample answers (PDF 44 KB) Explanation of answers - Reading (PDF 795 KB) |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
Mathematical reasoning sample questions (PDF 1.7 MB) Mathematical reasoning sample answers (PDF 93 KB) Explanation of answers - Mathematical reasoning (PDF 1.4 MB) |
|
Thinking Skills |
Thinking skills sample questions (PDF 1.1 MB) Explanation of answers - Thinking skills (PDF 963 KB) |
|
Writing |
Writing sample question (PDF 738 KB) |
Reasonable adjustments
Students with disability or medical conditions should try the online computer-based practice tests. This is a chance to test any assistive technology they may use. Students can also try the accessibility tools in the software. For example, they can change the colour and size of text.
If your child will need an adjustment to have fair access when taking the test, please send us a request in the application dashboard.
For example, if your child already has an adjustment at school, a similar adjustment can be made for the test. Learn more about the types of support available at Using the application website (see step 4).
How to request a reasonable adjustment
As part of the application process we ask you if your child needs an adjustment to take the test. You enter in the details needed at this question. You may need to submit supporting evidence.
For more help visit Using the application website (see step 4).
Accessible practice test materials
For students with disability, practice materials are available in different formats. For example, we can provide test material in:
- large print
- black-and-white
- braille.
To ask for modified materials, message our team in your application dashboard. Or call us on 1300 880 367.
Video – Preparing for the Selective High School Placement Test (duration 2:55)
Transcript of video: ‘Preparing for the Selective High School Placement Test’ (2 minutes 58 seconds)
[upbeat music]
[on-screen text:]
What did you do to prepare the Selective High School Placement Test?
[music fades]
[STUDENT 2:]
I found lots of practice tests online, and just listened a lot at school.
[STUDENT 3:]
I did some practice tests that we found online and I did some studying around what subjects would be in the test.
[on-screen text:]
What advice would you give to students who are about to sit the test?
[STUDENT 4:]
Take deep breaths, regardless of how you're feeling, it just calms your heart rate down.
[STUDENT 1:]
Be confident and manage your time wisely.
[STUDENT 5:]
Read the question like really carefully. Read it at least twice or three times to get all the keywords out of the questions. And then I think about how I would solve this and that really kept me focused; just keep on doing the strategy.
[STUDENT 1:]
Usually it's taking about a minute a question. I think I found was the sweet spot, and nutting out the easier questions first, then moving on to the harder ones. And if you come in with confidence you’re gonna smash it.
[on-screen text:]
How were you feeling before the test?
[STUDENT 1:]
The night before I was pretty confident but then I got to the test and I was like oh a bit nervous, but I just pushed through it, and it was fine.
[STUDENT 4:]
Slightly nervous cause I knew that I wanted to get in, but I wasn't all too worried.
[STUDENT 2:]
I was a bit nervous, a bit scared, but I knew I was just going to try my hardest and hope I made it in.
[STUDENT 3:]
I was quite anxious, but I was so excited because it was a new chapter of like my life and how I would succeed
[STUDENT 5:]
So I had a lot of butterflies in my stomach and my hands were sweaty and everything, but I did end up doing pretty well.
[STUDENT 6:]
I was feeling really good, I was like I can do it, I got this. Just believe in yourself
[on-screen text:]
Is there anything you wish you’d known before the test?
[STUDENT 1:]
Probably wish [I’d known] how much I really wanted to get into the selective schools.
[STUDENT 4:]
Double check your working-out and just stay calm I guess.
[STUDENT 6:]
Keep on doing it because even if there is a hard question, it is a selective test after all so the questions are supposed to be hard, so just give it a go.
[on-screen text:]
If there’s one thing you think everyone should know about the test, what would it be?
[STUDENT 4:]
For me, the day went by really quick, we did it all in one day and all four tests it was really simple
[STUDENT 1:]
You go in with confidence and you come out with confidence.
[STUDENT 3:]
The time seems very scary because it's counting down constantly, but it's really not that scary
[STUDENT 5:]
Practice tests are basically the key to passing the selective exam.
[STUDENT 6:]
Just try your best.
[NSW Government logo]
[music fades out]
[End of transcript]
Social stories
Social stories are designed to help your child feel comfortable about what to expect on test day.
For many students, this is the first time they have sat a test like this. There will be other students at the test that they do not know. Also, the location may not be at their regular school. These changes may cause your child to feel uncertain.
To help your child feel positive and learn about what to expect, show them the 'social story'.
There is one for students sitting the test in a large test room, and another for a small test room. To personalise it, download the PowerPoint version and add photos of your child.
Read the social story with your child. You can talk about how they might respond to unfamiliar situations during the test.
