How Long Is the NSW Selective Schools Test? (and OC Length)

Parents ask two timing questions constantly: How long is the NSW selective schools test? and how long is the OC test? They are related computer-based placement tests run by the NSW Department of Education, but the section timings differ — and the selective paper includes writing.

Figures below follow the Department’s published example timetables and practice-test structure. Always confirm the current year on the official NSW placement test page.

NSW Selective High School Placement Test length

Testing time across the four sections is about 155 minutes (2 hours 35 minutes of exam tasks), plus check-in and breaks. On the Department’s example timetable, students are on site from morning arrival through mid-afternoon.

There are short breaks between sections and a longer snack break mid-test on the selective timetable. Students sit on computers provided at the centre — see computer-based format guide and writing tips.

Opportunity Class (OC) test length

The OC Placement Test has three sections (no writing). Exam tasks total about 110 minutes, plus check-in and short breaks. Example Department timing:

• Reading — 40 minutes
• Mathematical Reasoning — 40 minutes
• Thinking Skills — 30 minutes

On the example morning timetable, students are typically finished around lunchtime. Full parent context: OC test guide.

Selective vs OC: length at a glance

• Selective: longer day, four sections including writing (~155 min testing).
• OC: shorter morning, three sections, no writing (~110 min testing).
• Both are computer-based; both disallow calculators (see calculator rules).
• They are not the same exam — OC vs selective explained.

2027 entry timing (month-level)

For Year 7 selective entry in 2027 and Year 5 OC entry in 2027, main sittings fall in May (students attend one allocated day). Confirm exact dates on the NSW DoE key dates pages.

How to practise the clock

Knowing the minutes is useless without pacing practice. Use official NSW sample tests first, then timed mocks that match section lengths. EduSpark offers 1 free timed paper per subject for NSW Selective and OC libraries — start free, NSW practice papers, OC practice hub, or browse subjects.