Since their inception, the Selective and Opportunity Class entrance tests have been paper-based and held on one day for students across NSW. This will change for the first time from 2025 as the tests become computerised in a similar fashion to the NAPLAN tests. In this post we will delve into:
- What to expect from the new testing format and changes to dates
- Key methods of preparation for the computerised format
What to expect from the new testing format
The change from single version paper-based tests to computer tests will take effect for students sitting the Selective and OC tests in 2025 for entry in Term 1 of 2026.
The change brings many benefits for students going forward:
- A better test-taking experience for students with features like question flagging and blank alerts, and no risk of mistakes filling in bubble sheets.
- A longer application period to enrol your child for the tests and earlier outcomes thanks to computerised marking systems.
- More choices for days to sit the tests.
More specifically, in 2025 both the Selective and OC tests will be held on 2-4 May (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). To ensure fairness for later test-takers, each session will have a different test. The tests will no longer be held at local high schools. They will be held at test centres in major NSW cities, with more options being available in Sydney. Tests are administered by Janison, an Australian educational testing company providing the infrastructure for the NAPLAN and ICAS tests, and created by Cambridge University Press as before.
A make-up test is available on Monday 19 May for students who miss the mainstream testing dates and have an approved illness or misadventure request.
Outcomes for 2026 entry will be made available in Term 3 of 2025 with the same style of performance reporting found on our Selective and Opportunity Class information pages. Applications for selective high school and opportunity class entry in 2026 will be open from 7 November 2024 to 21 February 2025 and late applications will no longer be accepted under any exception.
Note: These changes are not applicable to Selective School entry for students in years 8 to 11. Selective School entry after year 7 is still conducted via Edutest.
Key methods of preparation for the computerised format
With most students conducting the majority of their learning and test-taking on paper, the new computerised format may seem unnatural and clunky without sufficient preparation. Adapting to the standard sections (Reading, Mathematical reasoning, and Thinking skills) is quite straightforward, however, the Selective test's Writing section may pose a challenge for students with poor typing skills.
If this is your child, we strongly recommend practicing typing speed and accuracy regularly on specialised websites like Monkeytype which gamify the mundane process. It also helps to use an external keyboard and monitor over a laptop for practice, as this is exactly how the actual computerised tests will be conducted.
The testing centres will contain boxed workstations with a computer and invigilator in each section. Students must raise their hand if they are experiencing difficulties or need to use the bathroom. For reference, this is what an Australian Pearson testing centre looks like:
(Credit: Pearson VUE)
We strongly recommend Test Academy for online mock tests. Our intuitive test-taking platform imitates the actual experience with interactive features such as question flagging, question overviews, automatic test saving, working out spaces, and a WritingHub with 100 practice prompts and marking with feedback. The WritingHub is an excellent resource for practising formulating ideas on a computer and improving typing speed and accuracy.
Our 300+ tests contain detailed, step-by-step working out for every single question and provide excellent exposure to the various question types assessed in the actual tests. The explanations make it easy to learn new skills and concepts.
Each test attempt provides insights into performance across different question categories and normal distributions provide a ranking estimate. The dashboard provides insights into weekly test activity for consistency, section averages, weakest section, daily averages, and a featured leaderboard for friendly anonymised competition against fellow peers.
You can practice free Selective Tests and Opportunity Class tests to try our platform and see it for yourself!
Conclusion
Drastic changes are coming to the Selective and OC tests as they move to a computerised format. This comes with many benefits, but preparation is required to ensure confidence on the day. If you would like to receive crucial test updates and free materials, sign up for an account now and get started with free tests, including free marked writing tests.
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Information sourced from NSW Education's official page for changes to the Selective and Opportunity Class tests.