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Understand the test6 min read

OC test format: sections, timing and how results work

How the NSW OC placement test is built: three computer-based sections with no writing task and no calculator, each counting equally, and what the result bands mean.

Last checked against the official sources.

The OC test is computer-based and has three sections: Reading, Mathematical reasoning and Thinking skills. Each counts one third of the result. It takes 110 minutes of test time, has no writing task, and calculators are not allowed. Results come as bands, not scores.

The table below this text shows the sections, number of questions and minutes. This page explains what each section is in words. We describe the skills in general terms and in our own wording. We do not reproduce or recall any official questions.

The overall shape

The OC test is sat on a Department computer at a local test centre, usually a public high school. A child sits it on one day. The content is based on the NSW curriculum up to Year 4, so it is aimed at what children have already met at school, though the questions ask them to apply it.

The three sections are sat in one session, with short breaks. In total, the Department allows 110 minutes of test time (NSW Department of Education, checked 7 October 2026).

Reading

The Reading section has 14 questions, which together have 33 responses, and takes 40 minutes. Some questions ask for more than one response, which is why the response count is higher than the question count.

Children read a range of texts, which can include stories, factual pieces and poetry. The questions then ask about meaning. In general terms, this means things like understanding what a writer is saying directly, working out what is only suggested, noticing how a text is organised, and thinking about word choices. It is a test of reading carefully and thinking about what was read, not of memorising.

Mathematical reasoning

This section has 35 questions in 40 minutes, and each question has five options. The key word is reasoning. The Department says questions can be drawn from a range of mathematical content areas and are based on what children already learn at school, with the emphasis on applying that to new problems. There is no calculator, so children need to be comfortable with mental and written working. They have two A4 sheets for working.

Thinking skills

The Thinking skills section has 30 questions in 30 minutes, each with four options. It does not depend on school topics. The Department describes it as testing general critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. It helps if a child has seen what the questions look like on a computer, which is covered in preparing without coaching.

No writing

The OC test has no writing task. Every section is answered by selecting options on screen. The Selective test is different and does include a typed writing section.

How results are weighted

Each of the three sections is weighted equally, at one third each. A child who is stronger in one area is not disadvantaged by a different mix, but no section can be ignored.

The result is reported in the Student Performance Report. For each section, the child is placed in one of four bands:

  • the top 10%;
  • the next 15%;
  • the next 25%;
  • the lowest 50%.

There are no individual scores and no ranks. The Department says this is for privacy and wellbeing. It also says a top-10% band "does not mean that they scored 90%". The Department sets no minimum entry score, because who is placed depends on who applied, how they performed relative to each other, how many places there are and how many offers are declined.

Key fact

A child is offered a place at only one school: the highest preference they qualified for. They may sit on reserve lists for higher preferences.

Practical points for the day

The Department's placement test page gives the full list of what to bring and what is not allowed. In short, children need a printed Test Admission Ticket (a digital copy is not accepted), two 2B pencils, an eraser, a sharpener and a clear water bottle, and they wear school uniform. Phones, smart watches, pencil cases and nuts are not allowed. Read the Department's list again a few days before the test.

Where to go next

For free, official practice, see the Department's practice tests; the online tests simulate this format, the PDF tests do not. ExamExplained, which is run alongside a tutoring business, also has free original practice written from the published description of the test. The Department says coaching is not necessary, and our practice carries no guarantee. If you want the dates, see key dates.

Department of Education wording on this page is quoted or adapted briefly under CC BY 4.0. © State of New South Wales (Department of Education), 2023. Licence: CC BY 4.0. ExamExplained has changed and summarised the text and is not endorsed by the Department.

Test format

Computer-based, on Department computers at a local test centre, with short breaks between sections

Sections, questions and timing
SectionQuestionsMinutes
ReadingMultiple choice; fiction, non-fiction, poetry and other text types.14 questions (33 responses)40
Mathematical reasoningFive options per question; no calculator.35 questions40
Thinking skillsFour options per question.30 questions30
Total time110

Each section counts equally (one third each). Based on the NSW curriculum up to Year 4. There is no writing task.

Official source, checked 7 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a writing task in the OC test?
No. The OC test has three sections, Reading, Mathematical reasoning and Thinking skills, and no writing task. The Selective High School test, which is for Year 7 entry, does include a typed writing task, so do not mix the two formats up.
Can children use a calculator?
No. Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed. Children are given two A4 sheets for working, and can ask for more. The mathematical reasoning questions are written so that no calculator is needed.
What do the results look like?
The Student Performance Report places a child in one of four bands for each section: top 10%, next 15%, next 25% or lowest 50%. There are no individual scores or ranks. The Department notes that a top-10% band does not mean the child scored 90%.
What happens if the computer has a fault?
Work autosaves about every 30 seconds. The Department says that if a problem stops many students from starting or finishing, the test may be postponed and those students re-scheduled to the make-up test. For a smaller problem, submit an illness or misadventure request in the application dashboard by the due date (usually 5 business days after the test; late requests cannot be accepted). Also tell the supervisor on the day, but do not rely on that alone.
Does every child sit the same questions?
There are multiple versions of the test. Some questions are common to every version so results can be compared across days; they do not affect a child's final scores. Separately, the Department treats sharing test content as malpractice.

Sources