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  • 2027 test, 2028 entry

How does the OC test work?

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The OC test is one computer-based test for children in Year 4, sat on one day in May at a test centre in NSW, with three multiple-choice sections worth a third each: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills, and no Writing. For Year 5 entry in 2028, children sit the 2027 test; the date is not yet announced and is expected between 30 April and 16 May 2027.

Facts checked Last updated Sources

Practice: the Department publishes free OC practice tests. SelectiveReady's practice tests are for the selective test.

What is different about the OC test?

The OC test is built for children in Year 4: it is shorter than the selective test, it has no Writing, and it asks only about what children learn at school up to Year 4. For opportunity classes, parents usually apply at the end of Year 3 or the start of Year 4. The child sits the test in Year 4 and starts in Year 5.

  • The OC test has 3 sections (Reading, Thinking Skills and Mathematical Reasoning). Unlike the selective test, there is no Writing section. Every answer is a choice on the screen, so your child does not type any extended piece.
  • The questions draw on concepts from the NSW curriculum up to Year 4, and the Department says students do not need extra knowledge.
  • The day is shorter. In the Department's example OC timetable, students are dismissed at 12:35 pm. For comparison, In the Department's example selective timetable, students are dismissed at 1:55 pm.

For a child in Year 4, the biggest new things are usually the setting, not the questions: a test centre at another school, a computer they have not used before and a timed session with other children they don't know. That is where a little familiarity helps most.

What is in the OC test?

The test has three sections, and each one counts for a third of your child's result. The Opportunity Class Placement Test is a computer-based test with 3 sections. All questions are multiple choice.

The three sections of the Opportunity Class Placement Test, in the Department's order
SectionQuestionsTimeWeight
Reading14 questions (33 answers)40 minutes33.3%
Mathematical Reasoning35 questions40 minutes33.3%
Thinking Skills30 questions30 minutes33.3%

Read the table as a time budget. Thinking Skills gives your child about one minute per question. Mathematical Reasoning gives a little more than that. Reading has the fewest questions but the most reading, because each question comes with a text, and some questions need several answers. In Reading, students give 33 answers across the 14 questions in 40 minutes.

  • Every Mathematical Reasoning question is multiple choice with five possible answers.
  • Every Thinking Skills question is multiple choice with four possible answers.
  • Thinking Skills tests critical thinking and problem solving. No previous knowledge is required, and the question types vary.

The same structure is set out in the Department's placement procedures: The Department's placement procedures (Table 7) set out the same test structure, starting with Reading: 40 minutes, 14 questions, multiple choice, 33.3%. Each section has its own page on what the questions ask: OC Reading, OC Mathematical Reasoning and OC Thinking Skills.

Is the OC test on a computer or on paper?

It is on a computer: your child reads and answers every question on screen, using a computer the test centre supplies. Both placement tests are computer-based and held in May. Only one test is held on each test day.

  • Students do not bring their own computer or mouse.
  • Each student is given two A4 sheets of paper for working out at the start of the test, and can ask for more. Paper is for working out only; answers go into the computer.
  • Calculators are not allowed in any part of the test.
  • All student work is saved automatically every 30 seconds. If a computer stops, your child's answers up to that point are kept.

Many Year 4 children have not sat a timed test on a computer before. The online practice tests simulate the real test, so your child can get used to the test software and its tools. The PDF practice tests come from older paper-based versions of the test, so they do not reflect the current format. So the online practice tests are the closest way to see the real screen before the day. They are linked from the Department's placement test page.

When and where is the OC test held?

The OC test is a single sitting in Year 4, on one day in May, at a local test centre in NSW. For Year 5 entry in 2028, the date of the 2027 test is not yet announced (Expected: 30 April to 16 May 2027, our estimate from past years). Last cycle, For Year 5 entry in 2027, the Opportunity Class Placement Test was held on 8–9 May 2026. Each student sat on one day only. Dates are tracked on OC test dates.

  • Each student sits the placement test on one day only.
  • Students are allocated to a local test centre based on their primary school's location. Most centres are local public high schools.
  • All students from the same primary school sit the test on the same day, so keep both test days free until you receive your child's test date.
  • You cannot change the test centre or date unless there are reasons outside your control, and even then a change is not guaranteed.

Does every child sit the same OC test?

No. The test runs over more than one day, so children see different versions of it, and the Department checks that results can be compared across them. There are several versions of the test so it can run on different days. The Department says no test day gives an advantage and performance is compared across versions.

Some questions are common to all test versions, to keep the versions consistent. These questions do not count towards your child's score. Put simply, some questions are shared between versions so the Department can check they match up. Nothing marks those questions out, so your child treats them like every other question: answer it and keep going.

How is the OC test marked?

The test is used to rank applicants for the places available, not to pass or fail anyone. There is no pass or fail mark on the placement test. Offers are based on placement test performance and the order of your school choices. Because there is no Writing, every section is multiple choice.

Practice and sample test results do not show how a student will perform, and selection committees do not consider them. A low or high score on a practice test is a guide to what to look at, not a forecast. How results are reported and what the bands mean is on OC results.

What happens on OC test day?

Your child arrives at the centre and time shown on the ticket, with the printed ticket and the listed kit, and sits the three sections with short breaks in between. Here is the day in order.

  1. Before the day: print the ticket

    The Test Admission Ticket is sent 2 weeks before the test. You are emailed when it is in your application dashboard. Your child must bring a printed Test Admission Ticket. A digital copy on a phone or device is not accepted.

  2. Arrive at the right place and time

    If you arrive at the wrong location, or on the wrong date or time, your child will not be allowed to sit the test. If you arrive late, your child will not get extra time.

  3. Sit the three sections, with breaks

    There are short breaks between the test sections, and students stay in the test room.

  4. Pick up your child

    In the Department's example OC timetable, students are dismissed at 12:35 pm. Your child's ticket has the real times.

What to bring

  • Every student needs a printed Test Admission Ticket, two 2B pencils, an eraser, a pencil sharpener and a clear bottle of water, and must wear school uniform, even on a Saturday.
  • Students may bring a clear plastic bag for stationery (pencil cases are not allowed) and a wristwatch that cannot make a noise, compute or connect to the internet.

What not to bring

  • Not allowed: pens, rulers, calculators, note paper, dictionaries or other books, smart watches, phones or other devices, and pencil cases.
  • Nuts and products containing nuts are not allowed in your child's snack.

Pack the night before and check the ticket is on paper, not just on a phone. Tell your child what the room will be like: a supervisor, a computer each and quiet breaks in the room.

What if my child is sick on OC test day?

If your child is sick, or something outside your control happens on the day, you can ask for an illness or misadventure review — an approved request can mean a seat at the make-up test, so act quickly because the window is short.

  • An illness or misadventure request is usually due 5 business days after the test or make-up test. Late requests are not accepted.
  • A misadventure request can include up to 3 supporting documents and cannot be changed once submitted. Documents sent separately are not accepted.
  • If a request is approved, the student may sit the make-up test, or have their score adjusted if they sat some of the test.

For the 2027 test, the make-up date is not yet announced (Expected: 14–28 May 2027, our estimate from past years).

Reasons that are not accepted

  • Forgetting the test date, being busy with work or family, or not knowing the process and due dates are not accepted reasons.
  • A family holiday, school or local sport, school events and school photo days are not accepted reasons for missing the test.

A fault on the Department's side works differently. If a technical problem stops many students starting or finishing, the test may be postponed and those students moved to the make-up test. The steps for making a request are on the Department's placement test page.

Does my child need coaching or time off school?

No. The Department says coaching is not necessary, and it asks parents not to take children out of school to prepare. The Department says coaching or tutoring for the placement test is not necessary, and that extra paid coaching will not give a child an advantage.

If a child misses too many school days without a good reason before the test, the Department tells the selection committee, which may not place students with poor attendance. The placement procedures say parents must not take their child out of school to prepare for the tests, and too many unjustified absences may put an offer at risk. Any practice belongs outside school hours.

The Department offers 2 types of practice test: online computer-based tests and PDF tests. For a Year 4 child, a short look at the online practice test is mostly about the screen and the timer, so the real day holds fewer surprises.

How is it different from the selective test?

The selective test follows the same rules for tickets, test centres, illness and the make-up test, but it is sat two years later, has a fourth section (Writing) and runs longer. For selective high schools, parents usually apply at the end of Year 5 or the start of Year 6. The child sits the test in Year 6 and starts in Year 7. A place in an opportunity class does not give automatic entry to a selective high school. You apply again, separately, in Year 5 for Year 7. The selective version of this page is how the selective test works, and the two tests are set side by side on OC vs selective. The main OC guide covers applying, results and offers.

Sources

Each fact on this page, the page we checked it against and the source's own words. An “Expected” date is our estimate from past years, not the Department's.

  1. Opportunity classes (list of schools)

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 23 July 2026

    • When families apply for OCPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “at the end of Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4 at the time of applying - in Year 4 when sitting the test.”
    • OC does not lead to a selective placePublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “No. You will need to apply separately for selective high school placement when your child is in Year 5 for placement in Year 7.”
  2. Opportunity class practice tests

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 22 July 2026

    • No Writing sectionPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “There are 3 test sections: reading, thinking skills and maths.”
    • Concepts up to Year 4PublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “The questions draw upon concepts from the NSW curriculum up to Year 4 that your child learns at school. We review all questions to make sure students do not need any extra knowledge.”
    • Three sections, all multiple choice on computerPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “The Opportunity Class Placement Test is a computer-based test that has 3 sections. All questions are multiple-choice and are answered using the computer.”
    • Reading: 14 questions, 40 minutes, 33.3%PublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Reading Test 14 (3 questions have multiple parts to answer) 40 minutes 33.3%”
    • Mathematical Reasoning: 35 questions, 40 minutes, 33.3%PublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Mathematical Reasoning Test 35 40 minutes 33.3%”
    • Thinking Skills: 30 questions, 30 minutes, 33.3%PublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Thinking Skills Test 30 30 minutes 33.3%”
    • Reading: 33 answers across 14 questionsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “For the reading test, you'll have 40 minutes to provide 33 answers across 14 questions.”
    • Mathematical Reasoning: five optionsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “For the Mathematical Reasoning test you will have 40 minutes to answer 35 questions. The questions are all multiple choice with five possible answers.”
    • Thinking Skills: four optionsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “For the Thinking Skills test, you'll have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions. The questions are all multiple choice with four possible answers.”
    • Thinking Skills: critical thinking, no prior knowledgePublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “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.”
    • Online practice simulates the real testPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “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.”
    • PDF tests are from the old paper testPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “The PDF practice tests below are from older paper-based versions of the test. So they do not reflect the current test format.”
    • Official practice: online and PDFPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “There are 2 types of practice test: online computer-based practice tests PDF practice tests.”
  3. Placement test

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 18 August 2026

    • OC: example timetablePublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “12:35 pm | Students dismissed |”
    • Selective: example timetablePublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “1:55 pm | Students dismissed |”
    • Computer-based, held in MayPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “The placement tests are computer-based and held in May. Only one test is held on each test day.”
    • No need to bring a computerPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Students do not need to bring their own computer or mouse to sit the placement test.”
    • Two A4 sheets of working paperPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “each student will be given two A4 pieces of paper for working out at the start of the test. They may ask for more paper if needed.”
    • Work saved every 30 secondsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “All student work is automatically saved every 30 seconds.”
    • OC test (expected)ExpectedChecked

      Our estimate: In 2025 the OC test was on the same weekend as the selective test; in 2026 it was one week later (8–9 May, after selective on 1–2 May). With selective expected 30 April – 9 May 2027, OC is expected 30 April – 16 May 2027 (our confidence about 0.5; only one year of the new pattern).

    • Each student sits on one dayPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Each student is only required to sit the placement test on one day.”
    • Local test centres, mostly public high schoolsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Students are allocated to local test centres based on their primary school location. Most test centres will be in local public high schools.”
    • Whole primary school tested on one day: keep both days freePublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “All students from your child's primary school will be tested on the same day. Because of this, it's important that you keep both test days free until you are given your test date.”
    • Centre and date can't usually be changedPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “You cannot change the location or date, unless there are reasons outside your control. In these rare cases, contact us through your application dashboard. But there is no guarantee that a change can be made.”
    • Held only in NSW from 2026PublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “From 2026 the placement tests will only be held in NSW. Students who are overseas or interstate need to sit the placement test in NSW.”
    • No placement without sitting in NSWPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “If your child is unable to return to NSW to sit the test, they will not be considered for placement in an opportunity class or selective high school.”
    • Several test versions, compared fairlyPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “There are measures in place to ensure there is no advantage from sitting the test on a particular day and performance can be compared across multiple test versions.”
    • Unscored common itemsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Some items are common across all test versions to ensure consistency and comparability. These items will not affect your child's final scores.”
    • Ticket sent 2 weeks before the testPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “We will send your Test Admission Ticket to you 2 weeks before the test. We will email you to let you know when it is available in your application dashboard.”
    • Printed ticket onlyPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Your child must bring their printed ticket to be allowed to sit the test. A digital copy on a phone or device will not be accepted.”
    • Wrong place or time means no testPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “If you arrive at the wrong location or on the wrong date or time, your child will not be allowed to sit the test.”
    • No extra time for late arrivalPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “If you arrive late, your child will not get extra time for the test.”
    • Short breaks between sectionsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “There are short breaks between the test sections where students remain in the test room.”
    • What every student needsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “All students need: - a printed copy of the Test Admission Ticket - two 2B pencils - eraser - pencil sharpener - a clear bottle of water - to wear their school uniform – even if it is Saturday.”
    • Clear stationery bag and a plain wristwatchPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “a clear plastic bag for stationery (pencil cases are not allowed) - a wristwatch (that cannot make a noise, calculate, compute, connect to the internet, send or receive messages, or facilitate attempted malpractice).”
    • No nutsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “nuts, or products containing nuts, for your child's snack”
    • Misadventure: usually 5 business days, no late requestsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “This is usually 5 business days after the test or make-up test. Late requests cannot be accepted.”
    • Misadventure: up to 3 documents, no editsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “You cannot edit or change your Illness or misadventure request once you submit it. Make sure you include all supporting documents (up to 3 attachments) before selecting ‘Submit’. Documents sent outside of this request will not be accepted.”
    • Approved requests can sit the make-up testPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “If the request is approved, the student might: - be allowed to sit a make-up test, or - have their score adjusted, if they sat some, or part of, the test.”
    • Misadventure: forgetting or not knowing isn't acceptedPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Reasons that cannot be accepted - You forgot the test date. - You were busy with work or family life. - You didn’t know the processes and relevant due dates.”
    • Misadventure: holidays, sport and school events aren't acceptedPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Your family was on holiday during the test period. - Your child was taking part in school or local sports, school events, or school photo days.”
    • Missing the test and the make-up means no placementPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Your child missed both the main test and the entire make-up test. If both tests are missed, they cannot be placed in a selective high school or opportunity class.”
    • Major technical problems: make-up testPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “If the problem stops many students from starting or finishing the test, the test may be postponed. These students will be re-scheduled to sit the make-up test.”
  4. Selective high schools and opportunity classes placement procedures (PD-2002-0006-06)

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 5 November 2025

    • Test structure in the placement proceduresPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Table 7 Opportunity Placement Test structure | Opportunity Class Placement Test section | Minutes | Questions | Type | Weighting | Reading | 40 | 14 (3 questions have multiple parts to answer) | Multiple choice | 33.3%”
    • Practice scores are not consideredPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Results of practice and sample tests do not show how a student will perform in the test and selection committees do not consider performance on sample or practice tests.”
    • Don't take children out of school to preparePublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Parents and/or carers must not take their child out of school to prepare for the placement tests. Too many unjustified absences may jeopardise a placement offer”
  5. Selective high school practice tests

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 20 March 2026

    • No calculatorsPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Students cannot use a calculator during this, or any other, test.”
    • The Department says coaching is not necessaryPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “It is important to know that coaching or tutoring for the placement test is not necessary.”
    • Poor school attendance is reported to the committeePublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “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.”
  6. Application process

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 12 August 2026

    • Opportunity Class Placement TestPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “8-9 May 2026 | Opportunity Class Placement Test (students are allocated to attend one test day only)”
    • Make-up test (expected)ExpectedChecked

      Our estimate: The make-up test was on Friday 22 May 2026, two weeks after the OC test. Expected about Friday 21 May 2027 (our confidence about 0.7); the window 14 – 28 May 2027 is our plus or minus one week.

  7. Outcomes

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 5 August 2026

    • No pass or fail markPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “There is no pass or fail mark”
  8. Choosing a school

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 18 June 2026

    • Offers depend on the test and the order of choicesPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Parents are offered a place based on test performance and the order of their school choices.”
  9. Get ready for the Selective High School Placement Test

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 3 December 2025

    • Items not allowedPublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “Do NOT bring: pens rulers calculators note paper dictionaries or other books smart watches, phones or other devices that compute, photograph, communicate or make a noise pencil cases.”
  10. Selective high schools (list of schools)

    NSW Department of Education · page last updated 10 September 2026

    • When families apply for selectivePublishedChecked
      The source's words
      “at the end of Year 5 or the beginning of Year 6 when their parents apply - in Year 6 when they sit the test”

Quotes from NSW Department of Education pages are © State of New South Wales (Department of Education), used under CC BY 4.0.

Not affiliated with the NSW Department of Education. SelectiveReady (ABN 53 930 169 401) is an independent practice product. Every fact here is checked against the Department's own pages, and changes are logged.

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