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Official Selective practice tests and how to use them

The Department of Education provides free practice for the Selective test: online computer-based tests, a resource hub, older PDF papers, Social Stories and videos. Here is where they are and how to use them.

Last checked 7 October 2026 against the official sources.

The Department of Education offers free official practice: online computer-based practice tests, a Student Resource Hub, three older PDF practice tests with answers, Social Stories and instructional videos. We link to each one and never host them. Use them to learn the format, not to chase a score.

What the Department provides

All of the following are free, and all are published by the NSW Department of Education (checked 7 October 2026).

Online practice tests. Computer-based, designed to simulate the actual placement tests. They show right and wrong answers and have a countdown timer. Start from the Selective high school practice tests page or go directly to the online practice site.
Student Resource Hub. Quizzes, practice items, information about the structure of the test and tips, at the Student Resource Hub.
PDF practice tests with answers. Three papers. The Department says they come from older paper-based versions and "do not reflect the current test format". The online tests are the ones that simulate the current format.
Social Stories. Short guides to what to expect on test day, helpful for children who like to know exactly what will happen.
Instructional videos. Explanations of the test and the application process.

Why we only link

The Department's page says Cambridge University Press & Assessment owns the copyright in these sample tests and that the CC BY 4.0 licence does not apply to them. We do not copy, host or closely paraphrase them. You will always be sent to the source. If a site offers you "official" questions as a download, check where they came from.

How to use them well

Start with the Social Stories and videos. They remove surprises about the room, the computer and the schedule.
Do one online test in a calm setting. Use the countdown timer. Sit nearby but do not hover.
Review together, briefly. Look at wrong answers for a pattern, such as running out of time or misreading the question. Do not turn it into a lecture.
Leave a gap, then do a second. A few weeks later is fine. Compare how it felt, not only the result.
Use the PDFs for thinking, not for timing. Because they are an older format, do not worry if the layout or length differs from the current test. Our guide to the Selective test format shows the current sections.

Exam tip

Keep a short, friendly routine. Ten minutes of reading together every night is worth more than a stack of papers the week before the test.

Where our practice fits

If you want more questions once you have used the official material, we have free practice in the Selective practice area. Those questions were written by us from the published structure of the test, not from real or recalled questions. ExamExplained is not affiliated with the Department, and is run alongside a tutoring business. The Department does not recommend coaching, and our guide to preparing without coaching explains what it does recommend.

Sources

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. The official sample tests linked from this page are not licensed under CC BY 4.0; see the Department's page for their terms.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the official Selective practice tests?

The Department runs free online computer-based practice tests, and lists them on its Selective high school practice tests page, which links to the practice site. We link to them below and do not host them.

Are the PDF practice tests current?

No. The Department says the PDF practice tests come from older paper-based versions and do not reflect the current test format. They are still useful for the type of thinking, but not for timing or layout.

Do the online practice tests show answers?

Yes. The Department says they simulate the placement tests, show right and wrong answers, and include a countdown timer.

Why does ExamExplained not copy the official questions?

The official sample papers are copyright of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the Department's CC BY 4.0 licence does not apply to them, and they may be used only for personal or non-commercial use. Other uses need written permission from the Department and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. We link to them and never host or copy them. Our own practice questions are written separately from the published test structure.

How many times should my child sit the practice tests?

The Department gives no number. One or two attempts, spaced out, is usually enough to learn the layout and timing. More repetition mostly adds pressure.