NAPLAN – The Definitive Guide for Parents & Students

Assessing school students is as important as quality education. Australia is known for its excellent educational system and student curriculum. NAPLAN is one of the most important school assessment tests to provide as a performance test for students. 

You’ve come to the right place if you’re a student or parent looking for advice on how to prepare for the NAPLAN exam.

Need help with preparing for NAPLAN 2024? Register for a free demo with our online NAPLAN Tutor today.

What is NAPLAN?

NAPLAN stands for National Assessment Program–Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). It is a series of tests conducted for the skill assessment of students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. This standardized test examines the literacy and numeracy skills of the students. It was introduced in 2008, and since 2010, ACARA has been conducting the tests.

About NAPLAN – Top 7 things to know as a student/parent

1. NAPLAN is a computer-based test for the skill assessment of students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9. However, students in year 3 are required to write the answers in the pen-and-paper mode for the writing section.
2. The NAPLAN exam pattern consists of four sections, namely: reading, writing, conventions of language, and numeracy.
3. What is NAPLAN used for?
   The purpose of NAPLAN is to examine the growth of students and make them future-ready. This standardized test examines the literacy and numeracy skills of the students. It is a snapshot of the current ability of the students. However, NAPLAN does not assess higher-order thinking skills or creativity.
4. NAPLAN is a tailored testing assessment exam that tests each student differently based on their response to answering the questions with accuracy. Tailored testing tests students’ responses in real-time.
5. NAPLAN is conducted within a 9-day test window. Schools are responsible for conducting the tests within the window period.
6. From 2023, NAPLAN exams will be conducted in the month of March every year. Upcoming dates are as follows:
   • 2023: 15 Mar-27 Mar
   • 2024: 13 Mar-25 Mar
   • 2025: 12 Mar-24 Mar
7. Students with physical disabilities(like hearing disabilities, vision impairments, dysfunctional limbs, etc.) are given special assistance and arrangements. The arrangements must be made by the schools.

Before going further let’s see how tailored testing works:

How does tailored testing work?

Tailored testing adapts to student responses in real time. NAPLAN analyses each student differently based on their response to accurately answer the question. The adaptive nature of the tests means students are more likely to stay engaged with the tests as they receive questions better suited to their ability. This gives students more opportunities to show what they know and can do.

Who can participate in the NAPLAN test and its purpose?

NAPLAN is designed to test students of year 3, year 5, year 7, and year 9. Hence, only students of years 3, 5, 7, and 9 can participate in NAPLAN.

Its purpose is to examine the growth of students and make them future-ready. It is a snapshot of the current ability of the students. However, NAPLAN does not assess higher-order thinking skills or creativity. It can be looked at as a tool for analyzing school performance.

NAPLAN test structure

The NAPLAN exam pattern consists of four sections, namely: reading, writing, conventions of language, and numeracy. Each section in the NAPLAN test is called a “Test Domain”. 

The test structure for each test domain is as below:

Test Domain	Year 3	Year 5	Year 7	Year 9
Writing	40 mins(on paper)	42 mins	42 mins	42 mins
Reading	45 mins	50 mins	65 mins	65 mins
Convention of Language	45 mins	45 mins	45 mins	45 mins
Numeracy	45 mins	50 mins	65 mins	65 mins

A brief description of each of the test domains is as follows:

• Writing: In the writing test, students are provided with a ‘writing stimulus’ (also called a ‘prompt’ – an idea or topic) and asked to write a response in a particular text type. The text type – which could be narrative or persuasive – is revealed on the day of the assessment. 

• Reading: In the tests, students are provided with a range of texts that illustrate different writing styles. Students read the texts and answer related questions. The format can be sentence-based, short paragraphs, etc. As there is a very wide range of reading ability levels at each school year level, the texts range from short and simple to longer and more complex.

• Convention of languages: The conventions of language tests assess spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Literacy knowledge and skills are essential to effective communication across all learning areas. The tests contain multiple-choice, text entry, and technology-enhanced questions such as drag-and-drop and hot-text.

• Numeracy: The NAPLAN numeracy tests measure the achievement of students in numeracy, including mathematical knowledge, skills, and understanding as outlined in the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics. The numeracy tests contain multiple-choice, text entry, and technology-enhanced questions such as drag-and-drop and hot-text. Students are allowed to access online numeracy tools like a ruler, calculator, protractor, and graphs as required.

How to register for the NAPLAN test?

The official website nap.edu.au is to be used for registration. The NAPLAN test is conducted online mode. The test can be accessed both through school and through parental guidance. The registration process of both the school and under parental guidance is separate. Test administration authorities are responsible for the implementation and administration of the NAPLAN tests in their jurisdiction.

NAPLAN 2024 test schedule

Test schedule for NAPLAN 2024 is given below:

Events	Dates 2024	Action
NAPLAN Practice testing for schools	Begin from Term 4*, 2023 for NAPLAN pattern familiarity.	Schools can complete practice tests in the assessment platform from Term 4.*
National Assessment Program- 2024 Sample assessment	The assessment dates will be 1st May – 26th May.	The National Assessment Program will conduct sample assessments.
School access to student data in the Online National Assessment Platform	Monday 4 March 2024 – Tuesday 12 March 2024	Schools will have 6 days to complete their test preparation activities on the platform
NAPLAN 2024 test window	Wednesday 13 March 2024 – Monday 25 March 2024	NAPLAN begins on 13th March 2024
Catch-up tests	Wednesday 13 – March 2024	Students who are absent when their class participates in the tests can sit catch-up tests later in the test window.
NAP sample opt-in assessments	2024	From 2024, schools will be able to optin to additional assessments in theNAP sample domains for Years 6 and 10.

**What are ‘Terms’?
According to Australia’s Department of Education, each assessment year for the schools of Australia has been divided into 4-terms i.e. one year of schooling will comprise of 4-terms from the month of January to December. The term dates of schools for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 are as follows:

Year	Term 1	Term 2	Term 3	Term 4
2024	29 Jan to 12 Apr	29 Apr to 5 Jul	22 Jul to 27 Sep	14 Oct to 13 Dec
2025	28 Jan to 11 Apr	28 Apr to 4 Jul	21 Jul to 26 Sep	13 Oct to 12 Dec

Understanding NAPLAN online assessment

As with most online tests, NAPLAN online tests include different types of question formats such as multiple choice questions, text-based response questions, audio prompts, or interactive tools.

Students answer the questions by clicking on the right answer, dragging some objects, or typing in their text responses.

NAPLAN allows students to flag an unanswered question and returned to answer it later.

Accessibility:
All the students of Year 3, Year 5, Year 7, and Year 9 are eligible to appear for the test. The test accommodates children with physical disabilities as well. 

Tailored Testing:
NAPLAN tests are tailored or adaptive. Depending on each student’s answer, the next set of questions may be easier or more difficult, giving students greater opportunities to demonstrate what they know.

Keyboard Shortcuts:
The test interface allows keyboard shortcuts. Students can get familiar with the shortcuts and attempt the test.

Audio:
Headphones are required for some questions to test audio dictations. Students with hearing disabilities have been exempted from this section and provided with alternative questions.

Timer:
The timer on the screen keeps showing the time remaining for the test during the ongoing exam.

Numeracy Tools:
The exam interface allows the user to access online tools for some of the questions like a protractor, ruler, or calculator.

Zooming tools:
The exam interface allows the user to access the zooming tools with zoom-in and zoom-out options.

Progress Summary:
The exam has been designed in sections. Navigability through each section depends on the student’s ability to answer correctly. The level of the questions depends on the accuracy of the answers the student is providing.

How to prepare for NAPLAN Test?

The best way to practice for NAPLAN online test is to keep developing literacy and numeracy skills. Here are some tips to prepare for NAPLAN Test:

1. Get familiar with the exam structure, question patterns, and level of difficulty. 
2. Assess your current skills by attempting NAPLAN past papers
3. Identify your weak areas and create a specific study plan to improve performance.
4. Take time-based NAPLAN practice tests.
5. Get comfortable with online-based exams.

Let us look at what is tested in the different test domains along with some examples.

NAPLAN Writing test:

The NAPLAN Writing test is the first test that students sit for. The test consists of the writing stimulus also known as a prompt-an idea or topic. To test the student’s capabilities, all the students of year 3, year 5, year 7, and year 9 participating in the NAPLAN are given a writing stimulus (a prompt). The writing stimulus can be in two formats either:

1. Persuasive writing, and
2. Narrative writing 

For NAPLAN Persuasive Writing, the preparation strategy should be as follows:

In Persuasive writing, the writing content must address a question like: What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? 

Your goal is to write to convince a reader of your opinion. To practice for such questions, you can analyze the topic. The main structural components of the persuasive text are the introduction, development of the argument (body), and conclusion. Let’s understand the persuasive writing question format better with an example:

NAPLAN Persuasive Writing example 1:

The question below is from the NAPLAN 2015 Writing Test for Year 3 & Year 5

NAPLAN Persuasive Writing example 2:

The question below is from the NAPLAN 2015 Writing Test for Year 7 & Year 9

For NAPLAN Narrative Writing, the strategy should be as follows:

A narrative is a time-ordered text that is used to narrate events and to create, entertain and emotionally move an audience. Other social purposes of narrative writing may be to inform, persuade and socialize. The main structural components of a narrative are orientation, complication, and resolution. Let’s understand the narrative writing question format better with an example:

NAPLAN Narrative Writing Example 2:

The question below is from the NAPLAN 2016 Writing Test for Year 7 & Year 9

10 criteria to be assessed in writing are as follows:

1.	Audience engagement	The writer’s capacity to engage, orient, and affect the readers.
2.	Text structure	The choice of words, phrases, etc. to add emotions to the text.
3.	Idea	Built of a narrative.
4.	Character and setting	Building a character and the environment, place, and time of the play.
5.	Vocabulary	Language usage.
6.	Cohesion	Use of word association, threads, referring words, and substitution.
7.	Paragraphing	To segment different topics and guide users.
8.	Sentence structure	Framing grammatically correct, meaningful, and structurally sound sentences.
9.	Punctuation	Current usage of punctuation.
10.	spelling	Accuracy of spelling.

Tips and Tricks for the “Writing” section:

• Practice past papers
• Keep developing a grammatical understanding
• Read articles of interest to understand language proficiency
• Refer to standard textbooks

NAPLAN Reading test:

The NAPLAN Reading test takes place after the NAPLAN Writing. In the reading section, the students are tested for literacy proficiency. The test focuses on the ability to read written English, interpret sentences and understand the context.

The NAPLAN reading section consists of two types of responses. Let’s look at some examples to understand this better:

NAPLAN Conventions Of Language test

The NAPLAN Language Conventions happen after the NAPLAN Reading. Literary knowledge and skills are essential for effective communication across all learning areas. The tools in the English language play an essential role in communication and understanding the context of the communication.

Hence, this section is designed to check spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage with accuracy. The content of this section is aligned with the Australian Curriculum: English.

The tests contain

• Multiple-choice questions
• Text entry questions
• Technology-enhanced questions
• Drag-and-drop, and 
• Hot-text

Let’s understand the conventions of the language section better with examples:

NAPLAN Conventions of Language example 1:

The question below is from the NAPLAN 2016 Conventions of Language Test for Year 3

NAPLAN Conventions of Language example 2:

The question below is from the NAPLAN 2016 Conventions of Language Test for Year 7

Tips and Tricks for the convention of languages:

• Read articles on a wide range of subjects to understand the rules of the English language.
• Refer to standard textbooks.

NAPLAN-Numeracy test

The NAPLAN Numeracy test takes place after the NAPLAN Language Conventions. The purpose of this section is to evaluate students’ numeracy and mathematical abilities. The section’s subject matter, mathematics, is in line with the Australian curriculum.

The section on Numeracy is in three parts namely:

1. Problem-solving

2. Understanding fluency

3. Reasoning ability

• Numbers and algebra
• Measurement and geometry
• Statistics and probability

Let’s understand the numeracy section better with examples:

NAPLAN Numeracy test examples:

The questions below are from the NAPLAN 2016 Numeracy Test for Year 3

The questions below are from the NAPLAN 2016 Numeracy Test for Year 5

The questions below are from the NAPLAN 2016 Numeracy Test for Year 7

The questions below are from the NAPLAN 2016 Numeracy Test for Year 9

Tips and tricks for numeracy:

• Build fundamental understanding through standard textbooks 
• Analyze past question papers to understand the format
• For numerical ability, practice is the key. Take timed sample tests

NAPLAN past papers:

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority(ACARA) maintain the collection of past question papers for the test.

Refer to our curated resource for downloading NAPLAN past papers for Years 3, Year 5, Year 7 & Year 9 from 2008 to 2016.

Note: ACARA does not provide past test papers after 2016.

The past papers can also be downloaded through the website of ACARA.

NAPLAN public demonstration site

The NAPLAN public demonstration site is a platform created by ACARA to help students familiarize themselves with the exam. Students can access the public demonstration site for their respective grades. The site enables the demonstration of the 4 NAPLAN test domains in three formats:

• Standard tests
• Visual alternative questions (These include simplified images for numeracy and reading)
• Audio alternative questions (These include text-based questions instead of audio for conventions of language)
• Colour theme tests (These include brighter fonts and easier visual backgrounds)

Links for the NAPLAN public demonstration site

NAPLAN has separate public demonstration sites for each testing year

NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site	Access Link
Year 3 NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site	Year 3
Year 5 NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site	Year 5
Year 7 NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site	Year 7
Year 9 NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site	Year 9

NAPLAN Exam Rules

• The NAPLAN test window is 9 days. 
• The test is being handled by schools within the 9-day window and guides the children participating in the test. 
• The exam makes required arrangements in case of any physical disability as well. Students who are absent when their class participates in the tests can sit later in the test window. 
• The integrity of the tests must be maintained at all times and cheating is not permitted. 
• No electronic items must be found with the students during the test period like pen drives, earphones, Bluetooth devices, phones, etc.
• The security and confidentiality of the tests must be maintained from the time they are accessed to the end of the test security period.
• Principals are responsible for ensuring that students sitting the tests are appropriately supervised. Appropriate supervision during test administration includes the delivery of the test administration script. 
• Principals must notify their Test Assessment Authority (TAA) immediately if test material security has been breached.
• Due to copyright, there are restrictions on how NAPLAN test materials may be used after the end of the test security period. These restrictions apply to all NAPLAN test materials from 2008 onwards.
• Catch-up or rescheduled tests are not permitted for students who abandon the tests due to illness or injury.

How are the NAPLAN online tests marked?

As we know NAPLAN is a tailored test. So, the student’s answers to multiple choice questions are scanned and the data is captured electronically. All other responses and the writing task will be marked by trained and independent markers.

NAPLAN results

Results of the tests for the National Assessment Program are reported in many ways, including national reports, individual student reports, and school-level reporting as well. The steps to download are as follows:

• Step 1: Go to the NAP website.
• Step 2: Visit the section “Results and Reports”
• Step 3: On the left side of the page access, the result is based on different criteria.
• Step 4: Interpret the result based on the scales and the performance standards.

The scales are based on a 10-scale band. A national minimum standard is being provided and assigned to students on the assessment scale for each year level based on their performance. The chart of the assessment is as below:

Understanding the NAPLAN Result Bands

Year 3:

Band 1	Students are below the national minimum standard.
Band 2	Students are at national minimum standards.
Band 3 and above	Students are above national minimum standards.

Year 5:

Band 3	Students are below the national minimum standard.
Band 4	Students are at national minimum standards.
Band 5 and above	Students are above national minimum standards.

Year 7:

Band 4	Students are below the national minimum standard.
Band 5	Students are at national minimum standards.
Band 6 and above	Students are above national minimum standards.

Year 9:

Band 5	Students are below the national minimum standard.
Band 6	Students are at national minimum standards.
Band 7 and above	Students are above national minimum standards.

Benefits of appearing in the NAPLAN exam:

• The data obtained from the NAPLAN tests are collated and used to show all schools’ average performance against other schools in the country.
• The NAPLAN test program’s whole set of data is kept up to date in my school portal.
• According to ACARA, the main purpose of the NAPLAN tests is to measure literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge that provide the critical foundation for other learnings and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community.
• The NAPLAN test results will be used to assist students and parents in discussing students’ progress with teachers and identifying students who require “additional support or greater challenges”.
• The NAPLAN test results will also help in identifying teaching program strengths and weaknesses and allow for school program review and support.
• The purpose is to examine the growth of the students and make them future-ready.
• Worth mentioning, NAPLAN does not assess higher-order thinking skills or creativity. It is just a snapshot of students’ current progress and abilities of the students in reading, writing, and numeracy.

Roles and responsibilities for schools:

S.NO	ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR SCHOOLS
1.	Tests must be scheduled as soon as possible within the test window, prioritize scheduling in week 1 over week 2 and the morning over the afternoon.
2.	Year 3 writing is done on paper by all students and must be scheduled for day 1.
3.	Year 5, Year 7, and Year 9 writing must be scheduled on day 1, with day 2 only used where there are technical/logistical limitations.
4.	In each jurisdiction, the test administration authority is responsible for the overall administration of the NAPLAN tests.
5.	Each school principal is responsible for the administration of the test in their school and is a key participant in any investigation of an alleged breach in that school.
6.	For the purposes of test incident management and investigation, responsible entities are individuals, such as principals, or organizations, such as school boards or system authorities
7.	Students with disabilities will be given special assistance for appearing on the test.

NAPLAN online test technical requirements for schools:

1. Technical readiness:

Schools must be technically ready with suitable hardware and reliable access to the internet connection. Lockdown browser systems must be installed to prevent students from accessing the internet and other tools like spell check etc.

1. Bring your device:

Schools need to be prepared with their own devices and hardware requirements like PCs and laptops. Students must be familiar with the tools and their usage.

Process for appearing on the NAPLAN online test through parental Mode

The steps to register through parental mode are as follows:

• Step 1: Go to the ACARA website to register your child.
• Step 2: Follow the guidelines given for registering as an open school or independent applicant.
• Step 3: Register with the TAA(Test Administering Authority) of the district for allotment of the exam center.
• Step 4: In the 9 days window make your child appear for the test on the date and venue provided by the TAA.

Parents are always welcome to examine their child’s progress and performance. Parents/carers may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.

NOTE:

Students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parents for reasons such as religious beliefs or philosophical objections to testing. This is a matter for consideration by individual parents/carers in consultation with their child’s school. A formal application in the manner specified by the relevant test administration authority must be received by the principal before testing.

How to download NAPLAN past papers?

Past papers serve as key resources for students as well as teachers who teach for NAPLAN. Past papers reveal the exam pattern, level of questions, and types of questions asked. Also, attempting past papers can help students to analyze the preparation level for the NAPLAN exams.

Wiingy provides you with a directory of past papers for free.

Download NAPLAN past papers from Wiingy in 3 easy steps:

Step 1: Click on the link- “NAPLAN Past Papers“, which will redirect to a new page.

Step 2: Select the desired year (Year 3, 5, 7, or 9) to get NAPLAN past papers.

Step 3: Click on the desired section of reading, writing, numeracy, and language convention to get the section-wise NAPLAN past papers.

How to download NAPLAN sample papers from the official website?

You can also download NAPLAN sample papers from the official website if you do not want to download sample papers from the Wiingy website. The steps to download are as follows:

• Step 1: Visit the ACARA’s official website (Australian Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting Authority).
• Step 2: Browse the website’s Assessment section.
• Step 3: Navigate to the NAPLAN section on the page’s left side.
• Step 4: Use the link on the page to download the NAPLAN test papers.

Who marks NAPLAN?

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is responsible for the administration and marking of the Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.

Related NAPLAN test prep resources

• NAPLAN 2024
• Year 3 NAPLAN Guide and Downloadable Past Papers
• Year 5 NAPLAN Guide and Downloadable Past Papers
• Year 7 NAPLAN Guide and Downloadable Past Papers
• Year 9 NAPLAN Guide and Downloadable Past Papers

Need help with preparing for NAPLAN 2024? Register for a free demo with our online NAPLAN Tutor today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)