NAPLAN – General
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What is NAPLAN?
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Why do students do NAPLAN tests?
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What will be tested?
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What types of questions are in the tests?
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Can I download and print previous NAPLAN test papers?
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Can my child be prepared for the NAPLAN tests?
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Does ACARA endorse any commercial ‘test preparation’ products or services?
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How are NAPLAN tests developed?
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Who will run the tests?
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Who will mark the tests?
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How can I apply to be a marker?
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If I have more questions, whom do I ask?
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. All students in these year levels are expected to participate in tests in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. All government and non-government education authorities have contributed to the development of NAPLAN materials.
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NAPLAN is the measure through which governments, education authorities, schools, teachers and parents can determine whether or not young Australians have the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community.
The tests provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. They also provide schools, states and territories with information about how education programs are working and which areas need to be prioritised for improvement.
NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process, and do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance.
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NAPLAN is a skills test. It tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. The content of each test is informed by the National Statement of Learning for English and National Statement of Learning for Mathematics which underpin state and territory learning frameworks. For more information on the types of skills and understandings that students are generally expected to demonstrate at their particular year of schooling, see the About Each Domain section.
NAPLAN tests will be aligned with the Australian Curriculum once it has been substantially implemented in schools.
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Questions are multiple choice or require a short written response for all tests except the Writing test. Students are expected to write a continuous text for the Writing task. For more information about the Writing test, see the relevant FAQs at NAPLAN - Writing Test.
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ACARA does not provide copies of the tests online. This is to discourage excessive test preparation. ACARA has developed a set of example tests to enable students/teachers/parents to understand the look and feel of the NAPLAN tests and to become familiar with the type of questions that may be asked in the tests.
These example testsare available in PDF format and may be downloaded and printed for non-commercial, educational purposes. They can be found in the The Tests section. ACARA does not supply example tests in hard copy from the website unless there are special circumstances. In such cases, please contact ACARA.
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NAPLAN is not a test of content. Instead, it tests skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum. Teachers will ensure that students are familiar with the test formats and will provide appropriate support and guidance. Excessive preparation is not useful and can lead to unnecessary anxiety. If you have any questions about your child's preparation for NAPLAN, you are encouraged to make a time to speak with their teacher.
NAPLAN tests are constructed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate skills they have learned over time through the school curriculum, and NAPLAN test days should be treated as just another routine event on the school calendar. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day.
For tips on things you can do at home to help your child develop their literacy and numeracy skills, see Preparing for NAPLAN.
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Neither the Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC), nor the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) endorses any organisation which may be offering NAPLAN-type tests and answers, diagnostic tools or any other product or service to teachers or students in connection with NAPLAN. These organisations are not authorised by and do not represent SCSEEC or ACARA. Teachers and students who are considering purchasing such products or services do so at their own risk and need to make their own assessment as to their suitability.
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The development of NAPLAN tests takes a long time and involves experts from across Australia. Specialist writers are engaged to develop test questions (items), and possible questions are carefully considered to make sure curriculum coverage is appropriate for the relevant year levels. Many test items are trialled by small samples of students to inform decisions about which items will be used in the final tests. This process ensures the quality of the tests. The final test forms are reviewed by experts (including experienced teachers) and approved only after they meet strict criteria.
For more information on this process, see the Test Development section.
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NAPLAN tests are conducted at schools and administered by classroom teachers, school deputies or the principal. Each state and territory is responsible for marking the tests in accordance with strict guidelines and processes.
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Student answers to multiple choice questions will be scanned and the data captured electronically. All other responses and the Writing task will be marked by trained, independent markers.
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Administration of the NAPLAN tests, including marking, is managed by the Test Administration Authority in each state or territory.
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If parents have additional questions they should contact their school. If the school is not able to help, questions can be directed to the Test Administration Authority in their state or territory.
Schools should contact the Test Administration Authority in their state or territory with any queries.
Questions about the administration of NAPLAN tests should be directed to the appropriate Test Administration Authority.
Questions about the overall National Assessment Program can be directed to ACARA.
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