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Australia · Entry test

Selective school practice tests and past papers from the officials

Each state’s officials publish their own practice material. The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education’s selective school practice test runs online in the same software as the real Selective High School Placement Test, and it also has three PDF sample tests. The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has sample questions for the Victorian exam, but doesn’t release the exam itself.

  • 3NSW PDF sample tests with explained answers
  • 4ACER sample question PDFs for Victoria
  • Online and timedNSW computer-based practice tests
Open the NSW online practice tests

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Are there selective school test past papers?

Only the officials’ sample papers. ACER doesn’t allow access to the Victorian tests after the exam. The NSW PDFs are what the department calls sample practice tests, from older paper-based versions of the test, so they don’t match today’s computer format. Cambridge University Press & Assessment owns their copyright.

Is there an online selective school practice test?

  • Yes: the NSW department’s online tests simulate the real test, so your child learns the software and its tools, including accessibility tools such as text colour and size.
  • They’re timed, with a countdown on screen like the real test, which your child can hide.
  • At the end, your child sees which multiple-choice questions they got right and wrong, and can open each wrong one to see the correct answer.
  • Each response is worth 1 mark, and questions with several responses are worth more.
  • They need a screen of at least 24.6 cm (9.5 inches) and a physical keyboard on laptops and desktops. Apple Pencil isn’t supported. If you can’t use them at home, try your local public library or ask your child’s school.

NSW selective school test papers in PDF

The department has three sample practice tests. Each one has:

  • Reading, mathematical reasoning and thinking skills questions, with an answer key and an explanation of every answer.
  • A writing question.
  • Sections you can download and print one at a time.

For students with disability, the department can provide practice material in large print, black and white or braille. Ask through your application dashboard or call the Selective Education Team.

NSW Department of Education: Selective high school practice tests ↗

Victorian sample questions from ACER

ACER’s download has four PDFs: Mathematics, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading and Verbal Reasoning. There’s no writing set. ACER says the questions show the style and format of the exam but aren’t necessarily as hard as it.

ACER: Victorian sample questions (ZIP) ↗

Other places to practise

The NSW Student Resource Hub has interactive quizzes, practice test items and test-taking tips. Books and online test packs from other publishers are on the study options page. The department says practice test results don’t show how a student will do, and selection committees don’t consider them.

Books, test packs and courses →How to prepare →
Sources: NSW Department of Education · ACER and 3 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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