Is the Selective Schools Test the Same in Every State?
Is the selective schools test the same in every state? No. Australia does not have one national selective exam. Each jurisdiction that runs academically selective government schools uses its own placement process, provider, year level, and preference rules. Materials bought for NSW Year 7 will not fully prepare a Victorian Year 8 student for ACER — and vice versa.
Quick comparison (major pathways)
| System | Typical entry | Provider / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Year 9 (sit in Year 8) | ACER exam for the four selective entry high schools; three parts, multiple choice A–D plus writing |
| NSW Selective | Year 7 (sit in Year 6) | NSW DoE placement test, developed by Cambridge and delivered on computer by Janison |
| NSW OC | Year 5 (sit in Year 4) | Separate OC test, same providers, pitched younger (no writing) |
| EduTest sittings | School-set | Independent-school entry and scholarships; NSW selective entry for Years 8–11 — not the VIC selective exam |
Victoria vs NSW (what actually differs)
- Year level: VIC selective is mid-secondary entry; NSW selective is mainly for the start of high school.
- Sections: since the June 2026 exam, VIC ACER has three parts: Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (60 min), Reading & Verbal Reasoning (55 min) and Writing (two tasks, 40 min), answered with pen on paper. NSW selective has four separately timed tests on computer: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing. See VIC format and NSW / OC length.
- School set: VIC has four statewide SEHS schools; NSW has many fully and partially selective high schools, and competition varies by school.
- Fees: the NSW application and placement test are free; the VIC ACER application fee was $175 in 2026, waived for concession card holders and First Nations families — fees guide.
EduTest vs ACER is a separate comparison entirely: is EduTest harder than ACER?.
What about other states and territories?
Some jurisdictions emphasise local gifted programs, academic selective units, or school-based selection rather than a single statewide exam mirroring NSW/VIC. Rules change — always check your state education department rather than assuming an interstate move keeps the same test. If you relocate mid-prep, rebuild the plan around the new official handbook, not last year’s tutoring booklet from another state.
Practical advice for interstate families
- Confirm eligibility and residency rules for the destination system.
- Download that system’s official samples only.
- Practise in the format you will meet: on screen for NSW, pen and paper for VIC.
- Prefer schools you can commute to — worth-it framework.
First-time overview: selective exam prep for first-time families. Practice hubs: selective test practice, free papers (1 per subject).
Bottom line: there is no Australia-wide selective schools test. Match prep to the state system you will sit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the selective schools test the same in every Australian state?▾
No. There is no national selective exam. Victoria uses ACER for Year 9 entry; NSW runs separate Selective and Opportunity Class placement tests; EduTest is a different provider used by many schools for scholarships or other entry pathways.
Can I use NSW practice for the Victorian selective exam?▾
Only partially. Reasoning skills transfer somewhat, but year level, sections, timing, and format differ. Practise the exam your child will sit.
Is EduTest the same as VIC selective entry?▾
No. Victorian government selective entry uses ACER. EduTest is a separate testing provider used by many independent schools for entry and scholarships, and by NSW selective schools for Years 8–11 entry.
Related articles
Try 1 free timed paper per subject
Exam-style timing, instant marking, and topic weakness tags. No credit card. Official DoE/ACER samples first — then structured practice. Practice helps; school places aren't guaranteed.
Start free — create account