Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 NSW Selective Test on Test Day
📅 Key Dates
- Test Dates: 2–4 May 2025
- Make-up Test: 19 May 2025 (for approved illness/misadventure cases)
- Test Admission Tickets Issued: Mid-April 2025 (available for download from your application dashboard; make sure you have that ready).
- Results Released: Term 3, 202
🧳 What to Bring to the 2025 NSW Selective Test
Ensure your child is well-prepared with the following items:
- Printed Test Admission Ticket
- Two 2B Pencils
- Eraser and Sharpener
- Clear Water Bottle
- Substantial Snack (for the break)
- School Uniform
If applicable:
- Glasses
- Medical Items (e.g., EpiPen, asthma inhaler)
- Approved Adjustments (as specified on the admission ticket)
- Wristwatch (non-digital, non-smart, silent)
Do Not Bring:
- Pens, rulers, or notepaper
- Books or study materials
- Smartwatches, phones, or electronic devices
- Pencil cases
All necessary equipment, including computers, will be provided at the test centre.
Sample Selective high school test timetable - Please check your Test Admission email for an up-to-date timetable for your designated exam date.
| Time | Activity | Actual test duration |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 pm | Students arrive | – |
| 12:30 pm | Reading Test | 40 minutes |
| 1:10 pm | Short break (students remain seated or use bathroom) | – |
| 1:20 pm | Mathematical Reasoning Test | 40 minutes |
| 2:10 pm | Longer Break (students can leave the room or use bathroom) | – |
| 2:40 pm | Thinking Skills Test | 40 minutes |
| 3:25 pm | Short break (students remain seated or use bathroom) | – |
| 3:35 pm | Writing Test | 30 minutes |
| 4:10 pm | End of the Writing Test | – |
| 4:20 pm | Parent pick-up time | – |
🚗 Getting to and from the Test Centre
- Check the Test Admission Ticket carefully for your child's test date, time, and location — students will not be allowed in if they arrive at the wrong time or place.
- Print the Test Admission Ticket — digital copies on phones or devices will not be accepted.
- Plan your trip ahead of time using online maps or the NSW Trip Planner. Think about transport options (driving, public transport, carpooling) and allow extra time for parking, as spaces may be limited.
- Arrival: Get to the venue at the arrival time listed on the ticket.
- At the entrance: Students will be checked in by invigilators (supervisors) — parents and carers are not allowed inside the test room unless special permission has been granted for medical reasons.
- Pick-up: The selective high school test finishes around 4:30 pm. Arrive on time and follow invigilators' instructions for where to collect your child. If someone else is picking up your child, they must bring a signed note from you.
🏫 On Arrival
- Arrive at the test centre as specified on the admission ticket.
- A test supervisor (invigilator) will greet and guide students.
- Students will be directed to their assigned desks equipped with computers.
- Personal items should be placed on the desk as instructed.
- Blank paper will be provided for rough work.
What if my child is sick on the day of the Selective Test?
Do not bring your child to the test centre if they are ill with a respiratory or other contagious disease (e.g. flu or COVID). For more information and how to schedule a make-up exam, see the Illness or misadventure page on the NSW Government Education website.
🧠 During the Test
- Students should listen carefully to instructions from the invigilator.
- Answers are entered directly into the computer using a mouse or trackpad.
- A countdown timer will be visible on the screen; students can choose to hide it if preferred.
- If a student feels unwell or needs assistance, they should raise their hand to alert the invigilator.
- Students are encouraged to attempt all questions, even if unsure, as there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
🧘♀️ Managing Nerves
- Encourage your child to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing.
- Remind them that it's normal to feel nervous and that support is available.
- Familiarity with the test format through practice tests can boost confidence.
📝 After the Test
- Students will be dismissed after completing all test sections.
- Results will be communicated to parents/carers in Term 3, 2025.
- Placement offers will be based on test performance and school preferences indicated during the application process.
Being well-prepared and informed can make a significant difference in your child's test day experience. Encourage them to rest well the night before, arrive on time, and approach the test with confidence. Remember, this is just one step in their educational journey. Good luck from the KIS Academics team!
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!