NAPLAN Year 5: what to expect in the online tests
In Year 5, all four NAPLAN tests are online: writing 42 minutes, reading 50, conventions of language 45 and numeracy 50. Writing must start on day 1, Wednesday 10 March 2027.
Last checked against the official sources.
Year 5 sits four online tests: writing 42 minutes, reading 50, conventions of language 45, numeracy 50. Writing starts on day 1 of the window (10 March 2027). NAPLAN is not an admission test.
Year 5 timetable, 2027
| Test | Minutes | How |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | 42 | Online, day 1 |
| Reading | 50 | Online, tailored |
| Conventions of language | 45 | Online, tailored |
| Numeracy | 50 | Online, tailored |
Writing must be scheduled on day 1, with day 2 only used where there are technical or logistical limitations. The other tests follow in order, as soon as possible within the window.
What is new since Year 3
Your child now writes online instead of on paper. The reading and numeracy tests are longer, at 50 minutes each.
The skills assessed are the same four areas. See what each test covers.
Year 5 and selective entry
If you are in NSW and thinking about Opportunity Class or Selective entry, those use separate placement tests with their own rules, and NAPLAN is not one of them. ACARA states NAPLAN assessments are not designed to be a school admission test, although some schools may ask for reports alongside school reports. Read our Selective guide for the selective test.
Preparing
ACARA says students are not expected to study and does not recommend excessive preparation or coaching providers. The official suggestion is simple: let your child know NAPLAN is part of the school program and remind them to simply do their best.
If your child would like to see the question types, use the official demonstration site. For optional skill practice, see NAPLAN practice. ExamExplained is run alongside a tutoring business. Our practice items are original, not official, and not endorsed by ACARA.
Results
Individual reports arrive through your school. If your child achieved the same level as in Year 3, ACARA says they may still be making progress, because the skills needed for each level rise. See proficiency levels.
Checked against the NAP site and ACARA's 2027 brochure on 7 October 2026.
Attribution: © Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) 2011 to present, unless otherwise indicated. This material was downloaded from the National Assessment Program website (www.nap.edu.au) (accessed 7 October 2026) and was modified. The material is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ACARA does not endorse any product that uses ACARA material or make any representations as to the quality of such products. Any product that uses ACARA's material should not be taken to be affiliated with ACARA or have the sponsorship or approval of ACARA. It is up to each person to make their own assessment of the product.