 Visit COVID-19 advice (https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families) for the latest information.

NSW Department of Education

The test

The Selective High School Placement Test for placement in Year 7 in 2023 is expected to
be held on 10 March 2022.

Test date
The next Selective High School Placement Test is expected to be held on Thursday 10 March 2022. The test is
held only in NSW and only on the test date each year.

Applicants are advised of test arrangements two weeks prior to the test. If the test date or location is changed
due to NSW Health restrictions we will notify parents of new arrangements individually.

Test authority
An 'Authority to sit the Selective High School Placement Test' letter is sent to applicants on 24 February 2022,
along with the test centre location and information about the test.
The test information consists of:

• a Test authority letter which must be taken to the allocated test centre on test day

• a Test information sheet for parents and students that explains the test and lists what your child should
and should not bring. It also gives instructions for how to show the answers to the test questions.

• information about reasonable adjustments to the test for disability, if relevant

• a notice about special parking restrictions if they apply to your test centre.

Test information
The Selective High School Placement Test has been designed to allow students to demonstrate their abilities
across a range of areas, including reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills and writing.

In 2022 the placement test is expected to be in a paper-based format.

Test structure
The test consists of four sections and is structured as follows:

Section Minutes Questions Type

Reading 40 30 Multiple choice

Mathematical reasoning 40 35 Multiple choice

 Section Minutes Questions Type

Thinking skills 40 40 Multiple choice

Writing 30 1 Open response

Reading Test
The reading test consists of 30 questions. Students have 40 minutes to complete the test. The questions are
based on a diverse range of texts and assess a range of reading skills.

The reading test questions are based on different genres such as non-fiction, fiction, poetry, magazine articles
and reports.

Mathematical Reasoning Test

The mathematical reasoning test consists of 35 questions. Students have 40 minutes to complete the test. The
questions are all multiple choice.

The mathematical reasoning test assesses the student’s ability to apply mathematical understanding and
knowledge to problems, with questions drawn from a range of mathematical content areas.

Calculators are not used in the mathematical reasoning test.

Thinking skills Test

The thinking skills test consists of 40 questions. Students have 40 minutes to complete the test. The questions
are all multiple choice.

The thinking skills test assesses the student’s ability in critical thinking and problem solving. There are a range
of different question types in the test.

No previous knowledge is required for this test.

Writing Test
The writing test consists of a topic about which students must write according to the instructions. Students
have 30 minutes to complete the test. The test assesses the student’s creativity of ideas and ability to write
effectively for a purpose and audience. The test will also assess grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary.
Students who do not address the topic in their writing, regardless of fluency or creativity, will receive low
marks.

Students use pencils to show their answers. Multiple choice tests are marked by computer.

Preparing for the test

Students will be more comfortable with the test process if they are familiar with the format of the test, the
types of questions and what the answer sheet looks like. Practice test questions and answer sheets are
provided to help students become familiar with the test and to practise answering quickly. However, the
Department of Education does not recommend any specific coaching for the test.

Results of practice tests do not show how a student will score in their Selective High School Placement Test.
The selection committee will not consider scores on any type of practice tests.
Practice tests
The practice test papers indicate the types of questions to expect from the Selective High School Placement
Test but are not the questions that will be asked on test day. You can view the questions, the answer sheets,
the answers and an explanation of the answers for the multiple choice tests. Practice Writing Tests and answer
sheets are also included. Students are expected to write no more than two pages.

(The practice test papers are intended for printing and may not meet WCAG 2.0 
(https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/) accessibility requirements. Students are provided with modified test materials
as reasonable adjustments for disability in the test if required.)

Section Links to practice tests

Section Links to practice tests

Reading Reading sample questions (PDF 476KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/c485bd4e-cb57-4daf-862c-0d819ee72a68/1/reading-
sample-test-questions.pdf)

Reading sample answer sheet (PDF 663.5KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/7a839ad4-d0eb-476b-b11a-9e073412bd21/1/reading-
sample-answer-sheet.pdf)

Reading sample answers (PDF 52KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/761aba48-5239-47d1-83f6-939ef404eb8b/1/reading-
sample-test-answers.pdf)

Explanation of answers - Reading (PDF 521KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/62a6c1cb-05f3-42d3-aa74-33ea15de0e43/1/reading-
sample-explained-answers.pdf)
Section Links to practice tests
Mathematical Mathematical reasoning sample questions (PDF 1.15MB) 
reasoning (https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/daadad0f-668e-4aaa-9732-c40b270f43d9/1/maths-
sample-test-questions.pdf)

Mathematical reasoning sample answer sheet (PDF 651KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/77d7d764-8a30-45b9-baed-87f8d813bd65/1/maths-
sample-answer-sheet.pdf)

Mathematical reasoning sample answers (PDF 85KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/57efc5c8-ae93-4a04-90c2-145b0eee3a84/1/maths-
sample-test-answers.pdf)

Explanation of answers - Mathematical reasoning (PDF 997KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/df3351e6-ec73-483b-853b-7bb2fb44d640/1/maths-
sample-explained-answers.pdf)
Section Links to practice tests

Thinking Thinking skills sample questions (PDF 3.54MB) 

skills (https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/f4c0e88c-c6a3-48fc-b4f0-
38bb606e430a/1/thinking-sample-test-questions.pdf)

Thinking skills sample answer sheet (PDF 641KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/2d2ac7f1-88c2-450a-b904-3afdc38f51d8/1/thinking-
sample-answer-sheet.pdf)

Thinking skills sample answers (PDF 83KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/080b5f5f-c585-4605-b1b8-21bb319d77d3/1/thinking-
sample-test-answers.pdf)

Explanation of answers - Thinking skills (PDF 641KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/4667279a-d566-4258-a6d7-27159195957c/1/thinking-
sample-explained-answers.pdf)

Writing Writing sample question (PDF 239.5KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/652f0419-e1e7-4d42-b1be-de7aee1e00f9/1/writing-
sample-test-questions.pdf)

Writing sample answer sheet (627.6KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/b529c3d0-fbe1-49f7-b931-8eac089d662c/1/writing-
sample-answer-sheet.pdf)

Practice tests from the 2021 Selective High School Placement Test
Section Test links

Reading Reading practice test questions (PDF 1413KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/5187d7d2-b3e7-4ff6-a0c4-
3302b032a171/1/Practice%20test%202021%20Reading%20questions.pdf)

Reading practice test answer sheet (PDF 67KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/a958f625-a9f2-418a-a760-704a6bc4e0bb/1/Practice-
test-2021-Reading-answer-sheet.pdf)

Reading practice test answers (PDF 85KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/a0b1119c-b646-446e-b1de-b13af34397be/1/Practice-
test-2021-Reading-answers.pdf)

Mathematical Maths practice test questions (PDF 1.91MB) 

reasoning (https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/38021c44-36e8-4600-91f8-3dcadb6c4b73/1/Practice-
test-2021-Maths-questions.pdf)

Maths practice test answer sheet (PDF 67KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/4f6a212c-0567-4e61-937f-c053a16b9dc3/1/Practice-
test-2021-Maths-answer-sheet.pdf)

Maths practice test answers (PDF 87KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/c9a31659-a916-4256-8a2c-ec5fb293fbe3/1/Practice-
test-2021-Maths-answers.pdf)
Section Test links

Thinking Thinking practice test questions (PDF 3MB) 

skills (https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/49554072-4ef9-4599-8902-c9477d5bcf7e/1/Practice-
test-2021-Thinking-questions.pdf)

Thinking practice test answer sheet (PDF 67KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/ebd5c9bc-8b33-465c-a029-450caa8a8b2c/1/Practice-
test%20-2021-Thinking-answer-sheet.pdf)

Thinking practice test answers (PDF 85KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/ec83bc70-201e-4cca-aa0a-d89c425bd4c6/1/Practice-
test-2021-Thinking-answers.pdf)

Writing Writing practice test questions (PDF 713KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/27f52876-01fe-44de-8cfe-b5f73d11e3b5/1/Practice-
test%20-2021-Writing-question.pdf)

Writing practice test answer sheet (PDF 63KB) 

(https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/d7cd8113-cf28-4895-a1f2-c89fd71b9098/1/Practice-
test-2021-Writing-answer-sheet.pdf)

Answer sheets
Students answer the multiple-choice questions on a separate answer sheet by shading in the circle for the
alternative that best answers the question. Students use their pencils to fill in their answers. To change an
answer they must rub out the incorrect answer thoroughly and show the new answer clearly.

The test invigilator (The person in charge of running the test) shows how to record answers on the answer
sheets at the start of the test. Students must raise their hands if they have any questions or problems during
the test.

Students must show their answers on the answer sheet and not the question paper instead. If students need
to work anything out they may write in the question paper but they must show answers on the answer sheet.
If your child does not follow instructions and marks the answers on the question paper instead of the answer
sheet, the marks will not be counted.

Reasonable adjustments for disability

At the time of submitting a selective high school application, applicants may request reasonable adjustments
for disability for the test because of a diagnosed disability, medical condition, injury or behavioural condition. In
the case of potentially life-threatening medical conditions, parents must request reasonable adjustments for
disability at the time of applying.

If a student is injured or diagnosed after 17 November 2021, parents should contact the High Performing
Students Team for advice about late requests for reasonable adjustments.

Find out more about reasonable adjustments. (/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-

classes/year-7/application-process/disability-adjustments)

Test centres
Parents will be notified of their child's test centre location on the evening of 24 February 2022. Candidates
from the same primary school are usually sent to the same test centre, with some individual exceptions.

Students must attend the test centre they have been allocated to. The test centres cannot usually be changed
after allocation.

If you have not received notice of your child's test centre by 3 March 2022, please contact the Team.

Test day
Students should wear school uniform, including a jumper if it is a cool day and a hat for the break.

Parents must drop students off at the entrance to the test centre by 9.00am. If parents are required to wait at
the test centre as a reasonable adjustment for disability they will receive specific instructions with their letter of
authority to sit the test.

Students who arrive late may be allowed to take the test but will be required to finish at the same time as
other students.

Students found to be involved in malpractice risk disqualification from the test. Find out more about
malpractice (/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7/the-test/malpractice).

If something occurs to delay or disrupt the test parents will be informed by mobile phone text message as
soon as possible.
There is a break approximately half way through the tests and short breaks between tests. In the longer break
students may leave the test room and should go to the toilet. They should not run or play vigorous games.
Students should eat food they have brought with them. Students should not share food or bring food
containing nuts or nut products.

The finishing time will be approximately 1:30pm. The finish time will vary according to the size of the test
centre. If the test is delayed, please wait quietly at the test centre entrance and take care to avoid disruption to
the school. Students are not to be left waiting after the test. If the test finishes early, students will be
supervised.

If you arrange for your child to be collected by someone else, please send a note with the child advising of the
arrangement and taking responsibility for your child's safety.

Parking
Parents must observe any parking restrictions near the test centre. Parents must not enter the school or park
on school grounds unless authorised by the High Performing Students Team prior to the test.

What should students bring to the test

Items to bring will be notified to parents on 24 February 2022 along with additional test information. Students
must bring:

• two 2B pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener

• a printed copy of their Test authority letter with their application number

• a substantial snack to eat during the break between the two sessions of the test. This is important if the
test is running late
• a clear bottle of water to keep under the desk during the test

• any items approved as adjustments for disability , including anaphylaxis kits containing an EpiPen, the
Action plan for anaphylaxis and the medication.

Students who wear glasses and those who require asthma inhalers and spacers, tissues, diabetes equipment, or
FM transmitters should bring them to the test.

Students should not bring pens, pencils, rulers, note paper, or books. Smart watches, phones or other devices
that compute, photograph, communicate or make a noise will not be allowed at or near the student's desk in
the test centre.

A wristwatch that does not make a noise, calculate, compute, communicate or photograph can be worn but
the test centre clock is the official time-keeper.

Information for students

A short video shows an overview of the test 
(https://players.brightcove.net/6110393209001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6236233857001) format and
content and shows what to expect on the test day. Updates to the information in the video include:

• You will not receive a pencil and eraser to use during the test. Bring with you two 2B pencils, and eraser
and a sharpener.

• You must show your answers on the answer sheet, otherwise they will not be marked.

• Make sure you don't look at or copy another student's work.

• Cover your answer sheet as you work to make sure nobody can copy your answers.
Tips for the test

• There is nothing you should study especially for the test. It is most important to think clearly and to use
your ability to deal with new problems and situations to choose an answer.

• Pay attention when the test invigilator (the person in charge of running the test) or other supervisor talks to
you and shows you where to record the answers for each test.

• Do NOT open the question paper until the presiding officer tells you to do so.

• Read each test question carefully and think about what it asks you to do.

• If you have any problems understanding the instructions keep calm and read the question over again. The
supervisor cannot help you read the question or choose your answer.

• Use your time wisely. Work steadily. Choose the answer that you think is best. If you find a question too
difficult, do not spend a long time on it. Mark the answer you think is best and come back to that question
later if you have time.

• If you change your mind about your answer, rub out the incorrect answer completely and mark the new
answer clearly.

• Stop work immediately when you are told to.

• Marks are awarded for each correct answer. Incorrect, double or blank answers score zero. Marks are not
taken off for wrong answers. It is better to have a guess rather than leave an answer blank. Not leaving any
answers blank helps you make sure you are answering on the correct line.

• Keep checking that the number of the question you are working on in the question paper is the same as
the number you are marking on the answer sheet. If you find you are answering a question at the wrong
place, start the next question at the correct place and come back to fix the problem later if you have time,
changing one question at a time. You should not rub out a whole group of answers at once as you could
run out of time correcting them.
• If you want to work anything out in the multiple-choice tests you can make notes on the question paper or
on the back of your personal details sheet. Any notes that you make in the question paper or on the
personal details sheet will not be marked.

• In the writing test you must write only about the question you are given. The question will ask you to write
for a particular purpose and audience. Markers will pay attention to creative ideas, the structure of the
writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation as well as effectiveness for the purpose and audience.

• There will be no time warnings during the test. You will need to check the test centre's clock to find out
how much time you have left. The test invigilator will tell you which test centre clock is the official one. Put
your hand up if you cannot see it clearly.

• Put your hand up if you have any other problems or any questions at any time.

• Be careful not to look at the work of others or talk to others during the test. Try not to let others see your
answers. Students found to be copying will not have their test marks counted.

• Follow the test invigilator's and supervisors' instructions both during the tests and in the breaks.

• If something happens to prevent you doing your best in the test, tell your parents about it so they can
decide whether to make an illness/misadventure request.

Illness or misadventure
If your child is affected by events that occurred to prevent him or her from performing their best or attending
the test, you must get a medical certificate on the test day. If the events affecting performance on the test are
not about medical issues, you will need to supply other relevant evidence.

Depending on the circumstances, it may be advisable for the student to sit the test and make an
illness/misadventure request afterwards. However, students must not attend the test if there is a risk to their
health or the health of others, such as in cases of contact with contagious disease. Students with signs of
respiratory illness cannot be admitted.

To make a request for special consideration of illness/misadventure you will need to submit the request via the
application dashboard within 5 working days of the test, by 17 March 2022.

Find out more about illness/misadventure (/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-

7/the-test/illness-or-misadventure) and how to submit a request.

Marking of the test

The multiple-choice tests are computer marked. The writing test is marked by at least two independent
markers.

The placement score is out of 120. See the selection process (/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-
opportunity-classes/year-7/selection-process) page for information about scoring.

Placement outcome
It is expected that parents will be notified of the release of the outcome (/public-schools/selective-high-schools-
and-opportunity-classes/year-7/outcome) of the placement process in early July 2022.

Last updated: 19-Oct-2021

This information is current as at "2/11/2021 9:55:40 AM", AEDT. For the most up-to-date information, go to
https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7/the-test

© State of New South Wales (Department of Education), 2021. For more information go to
https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/rights-and-accountability/copyright.