Other entry tests in Australia: a parent's guide with official links
Where to check the official dates for WA Gifted and Talented (ASET), SA IGNITE, Queensland Academies, ACER scholarship tests and ICAS, and what each authority says about coaching. Links out only.
Tests we cover
- NSW Opportunity Class Placement TestThe NSW Opportunity Class (OC) test is the computer-based placement test for Year 5 entry, sat in Year 4. Here are the dates, format, eligibility, placement and a calm way to prepare, all sourced to the Department of Education.
- NSW Selective High School Placement TestThe NSW Selective High School Placement Test is the computer-based test for Year 7 entry, sat in Year 6. Here are the dates, format, eligibility, placement, results and a calm way to prepare, all sourced to the Department of Education.
- NAPLANNAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy check for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The 2027 window is 10 to 22 March. This guide explains the tests, the results and what your child does and does not need to do, using ACARA's own pages.
- UCAT ANZA free guide to UCAT ANZ and medicine and dentistry entry in Australia and New Zealand. Every fact links to the official source and carries the date we checked it, and 2027 details are marked as not yet announced.
- Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA)The OLNA is how Western Australian students show the minimum literacy and numeracy standard needed for the WACE. This guide explains who sits it, the format, attempts, NAPLAN pre-qualification and how to prepare calmly.
- HSC minimum standardTo receive the HSC, most NSW students must reach Level 3 or 4 in short online reading, writing and numeracy tests. This guide explains the formats, attempt rules and a Level 3 writing approach, with links to NESA's own samples.
- VCE General Achievement Test (GAT)The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a VCAA test sat by Victorian students completing senior secondary studies. VCAA says no special study is needed. The 2027 GAT is on Thursday 17 June 2027. This guide explains what it is and how results are used.
- Victorian selective entry high schools examFour Victorian government schools admit Year 9 students through one centralised exam run by ACER. This guide explains dates, fees, the exam, how places are offered and what the authorities say about preparation.
There is no single national selective entry test. Each state, school and scholarship has its own process, so use the official page for dates. This hub points to those pages and says what each authority advises about coaching.
This hub is for parents and carers whose child may sit a selective entry, gifted program or scholarship test that is not covered by our NSW, Victorian or NAPLAN sections.
Each page names the official source, lists the dates it publishes and says plainly what the authority says about coaching and preparation. Where a date has not been published yet, we say "expected" or "not published" and tell you where to look.
Start with how to use this hub, or go straight to your state or test using the list below.
ACER, Edutest and ICAS are outside providers that run their own tests and sell their own practice products. We endorse none of them. ExamExplained is run alongside a tutoring business. We link to official pages and do not copy official test material. Last checked 7 October 2026.