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Selective test format: sections, timing and writing task

The Selective test has four equal sections: Reading, Mathematical reasoning, Thinking skills and Writing. It is computer-based, about 155 minutes of testing, with no calculator. Here is each part in plain words.

Last checked against the official sources.

Knowing what the test looks like removes a lot of worry. This page describes each section in our own words, using the structure the Department publishes. We do not reproduce or paraphrase any official questions.

  • Four sections, 25% each: Reading, Mathematical reasoning, Thinking skills and Writing.
  • About 155 minutes of testing time, on a computer at a local test centre.
  • No calculator. The content is based on the NSW curriculum up to Year 6.

The shape of the test

The Selective test is computer-based. Students sit it at a local test centre, mostly in a public high school, on Department computers. The testing time is 155 minutes of test time, so the whole session is long. The table below the page text lists each section's questions and minutes, and here they are in words.

Reading

Reading has 17 questions with 38 responses in total, and students have 45 minutes. Questions are multiple choice. Students read a mix of texts and answer questions about them. Part of the section asks students to compare two extracts. It is the longest section, because there is a lot to read.

Mathematical reasoning

This section has 35 questions in 40 minutes. Each question has five options. The focus is on working out problems, not on remembering procedures. A calculator is not allowed. Students can use the paper provided for working.

Thinking skills

Thinking skills has 40 questions in 40 minutes, with four options each. These questions do not depend on school subject knowledge. They ask students to reason through information. The Department says no previous knowledge is required for this section, and its practice tests show the question types for every section.

Writing

The Selective test has one typed writing task, and students have 30 minutes. According to the Department, the writing is marked mainly on three things, and text structure, grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary also contribute to the mark:

  • Creativity of ideas.
  • Writing for purpose and audience.
  • Language for effect.

Students must also address the topic. The task is typed, so keyboard comfort helps. The Department says students can plan on paper or on screen before typing their response.

Definition

Common questions. Some questions appear in every version of the test. They let the Department compare results from different days, and they do not affect a child's final scores.

How the sections are weighted

Each section counts equally, which is 25% each. A strong writing result matters as much as a strong Reading, Mathematical reasoning or Thinking skills result. The OC test is different: it has three sections at 33.3% each and no writing. See OC or Selective.

What students can and cannot use

Students get two A4 sheets for working, and can ask for more. They cannot use calculators, dictionaries, books, note paper, phones or smart watches. The full list, with what to bring, is on the test day checklist.

Technical matters

Work autosaves every 30 seconds. If a technical problem stops many students from starting or finishing, the test may be postponed and those students re-scheduled to the make-up test, and the Department will send parents more information. For a minor problem, the illness or misadventure request is used.

Practice and preparation

The Department offers free online practice tests that simulate the real test, with a countdown timer and right and wrong answers. It also offers older paper-based PDFs, and says these "do not reflect the current test format". Our page on official practice tests explains how to find them, and preparing without coaching suggests a calm approach. ExamExplained is run alongside a tutoring business, and the Department says coaching is not necessary.

Common trap

Do not assume an old paper-based practice test shows today's format. The Department says the PDFs come from older paper-based versions. Use the online practice tests for the current computer-based experience.

Source: NSW Department of Education, placement test and Selective practice test pages, checked 7 October 2026. Confirm on the Department's page.

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 and a longer break

Sections, questions and timing
SectionQuestionsMinutes
ReadingMultiple choice; includes comparing two extracts.17 questions (38 responses)45
Mathematical reasoningFive options per question; no calculator.35 questions40
Thinking skillsFour options per question.40 questions40
WritingMarked on creativity of ideas, writing for purpose and audience, and language for effect; grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary also contribute.1 typed task30
Total time155

Each section counts equally (25% each). Based on the NSW curriculum up to Year 6.

Official source, checked 7 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Selective test on a computer?
Yes. It is computer-based, sat on Department computers at a local test centre, which is usually a public high school. Students use two A4 sheets for working, and more are available on request. Work autosaves every 30 seconds. If a problem stops many students, the test may be postponed and re-scheduled.
Is there a writing task?
Yes. The Selective test has one typed writing task of 30 minutes. The Department says it is marked mainly on creativity of ideas, writing for purpose and audience, and language for effect, with grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary also contributing. The OC test has no writing section.
Can students use a calculator?
No. Calculators are not allowed, and neither are dictionaries. Mathematical reasoning is about thinking through problems, using the NSW curriculum up to Year 6. Students may use the paper provided for working.
How is the test scored across sections?
Each of the four sections counts for 25% of the overall result. Families do not receive scores. They receive a performance report showing one of four bands for each section. See our page on reading that report.
Is the test the same for every student?
There are multiple versions of the test, with some questions common to every version so results can be compared across days; they do not affect a child's final scores. Each student sits one version on one day, in a session at their test centre.

Sources