How will computer-based testing affect the NSW Selective School Test?

Updated: 5 August 2024

Students taking the Selective Test and the OC Test in 2025 (for entry in 2026) will be sitting computer-based tests instead of paper-based tests. How will this affect the Selective Test?

It should be noted that the structure and content of the Selective Test will stay exactly the same. That is, the number of questions, the type of questions and the length of each test will stay the same. The only thing changing is the delivery of the test. The actual test interface has not been publicly released, but it will most likely be similar to the test interface used for NAPLAN tests.

However, while the structure and content of the test will remain the same, it is likely that computer-based testing will make the Selective Test slightly easier for most students.

Finally, computer-based testing is likely to have a significant impact on the Writing Test. Students that have strong typing skills (i.e. they can confidently touch type) will have an advantage in this test, as they will be able to write more in the same amount of time. They will also be able to edit their writing more efficiently. Conversely, students without strong typing skills will be disadvantaged. If your child does not have strong typing skills, then they should starting working on this as soon as possible. Start with an online program (e.g. TypingClub) and then get them to touch type whenever they are doing writing practice. Get them to use Google Sheets to do writing practice instead of writing by hand.

Secondly, computer-based testing will allow students to answer multiple choice questions slightly faster compared to paper-based testing, as they won’t have to manually circle their answers on the answer sheet by hand. This could save them a few seconds per question, which is a material difference over the course of an entire test. Students should practice sitting computer-based tests so that they have plenty of experience with this test format.

Finally, computer-based testing will also make it easier for students to check their answers, as students should be able to “flag” questions that they wish to review. It will also be faster for students to navigate to individual questions on a computer screen compared to flicking back and forth through a question paper.

Overall, the change to computer-based testing will only have a minor impact on most students, but it is worthwhile making sure that your child is preparing for this change so that they can benefit from it as much as possible.