Selective Entry Exam Format (VIC) — Subjects, Timing & Scoring

The short answer: the VIC selective entry exam has three parts — Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (60 minutes), Reading and Verbal Reasoning (55 minutes) and Writing (two tasks, 40 minutes). The first two parts are multiple choice. That is 2 hours 35 minutes of tasks, and about four hours at the venue with registration and breaks. This three-part format was first used in the June 2026 exam; the next exam is expected in June 2027 (the date is not yet announced).

The exam is run by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) for the Victorian Department of Education. Year 8 students sit it for Year 9 entry to the four selective entry high schools: Melbourne High School, The Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School, Nossal High School and Suzanne Cory High School, which together offer about 1,000 places a year. ACER says the knowledge needed never goes beyond the Year 8 curriculum; the difficulty comes from reasoning and time pressure.

Exam Structure at a Glance

According to ACER, the selective entry exam takes approximately four hours to administer, including registration, exam time, and breaks. The exam tasks themselves take 2 hours and 35 minutes. The paper includes both multiple-choice questions and written tasks, organised as follows:

• Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning — 60 minutes
• Break — 20 minutes
• Reading and Verbal Reasoning — 55 minutes
• Short break — 5 minutes
• Writing — 40 minutes (two tasks)

What Changed: Three Parts Instead of Separate Tests

Older guides (and many prep sites) still describe the exam as four or five separate tests — Reading, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Writing, each with its own time limit. ACER now runs the exam in three parts: the two maths-style skills are combined into one 60-minute part, and the two language-based skills into one 55-minute part. The skills being tested have not changed; what changed is how they are grouped and timed. In practice that means:

• Students need stamina for a continuous 60-minute maths and quantitative reasoning part, and a 55-minute reading and verbal reasoning part.
• Pacing is managed across a whole part, not per skill. Time lost on a hard maths question comes out of the quantitative reasoning time.
• Writing is unchanged: two tasks in 40 minutes.

Below is what each skill area covers. ACER does not publish exact question counts for the multiple-choice parts, so treat any published numbers from prep providers as estimates rather than official figures.

Part 1: Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (60 minutes)

Mathematics

Mathematics sits in the combined Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning block (60 minutes total). It assesses year-level appropriate mathematical knowledge and reasoning, including applying maths to real-world contexts. Content sits within the Year 8 Victorian Curriculum — difficulty comes from reasoning and multi-step application, not from Year 9+ topics.

Topics typically include:

• Arithmetic and number operations — fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and order of operations
• Algebra — simplifying expressions, solving equations, substitution, and recognising patterns in algebraic relationships
• Geometry — angles, properties of shapes, symmetry, transformations, and coordinate geometry
• Measurement — perimeter, area, volume, unit conversions, and problems involving time and rates
• Probability and statistics — calculating probability, interpreting graphs, mean, median, and mode
• Problem solving — multi-step word problems that require students to select and combine mathematical techniques

What makes this section challenging is not just the content but the way questions are framed. ACER avoids straightforward textbook-style problems in favour of questions that require students to think critically, identify the relevant information, and choose the most efficient approach. For a comprehensive breakdown of the maths section and how to prepare for it, see our Mathematics Preparation Guide for Selective Entry.

Quantitative / Numerical Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning (often called numerical reasoning in prep materials) is assessed in the same 60-minute sitting as Mathematics. It tests a student’s ability to think and reason using numbers, patterns, and shapes in abstract and real-world contexts — not simply to apply learned mathematical procedures.

ACER does not publish a list of question types. Practice materials, including ours, typically cover:

• Number patterns and sequences — identifying the rule governing a sequence and predicting the next terms
• Data interpretation — extracting and comparing information from tables, charts, and graphs to draw conclusions
• Logical number relationships — working out connections between sets of numbers, such as input-output tables or number matrices
• Spatial-numerical reasoning — problems where numbers are arranged in shapes or grids and students must deduce the underlying logic

The key difference between mathematics and quantitative reasoning is that maths tests what you know while quantitative reasoning tests how you think. A student who has excellent computational skills but struggles with unfamiliar problem types may find this area harder than expected. Conversely, students with strong logical thinking can excel here even if maths is not their strongest subject. We cover specific strategies in our guide to Mastering Numerical Reasoning for Selective Entry. It is also worth noting that many Victorian private schools use Edutest scholarship exams which include a similar numerical reasoning component but with a different format and provider.

Part 2: Reading and Verbal Reasoning (55 minutes)

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning sits in the combined Reading and Verbal Reasoning block (55 minutes total). It measures a student’s ability to think and reason using words, concepts, and logic. Like quantitative reasoning, this is an aptitude-style assessment rather than a curriculum-based one.

Question types commonly practised include:

• Analogies — identifying the relationship between a pair of words and applying the same relationship to a new pair (e.g., “hot is to cold as light is to ___”)
• Odd-one-out — finding the word that does not belong in a group based on meaning, category, or linguistic property
• Word relationships — recognising synonyms, antonyms, and hierarchical connections between words
• Codes and ciphers — deciphering coded messages where letters or words are substituted according to a pattern
• Logical deduction — drawing conclusions from a set of verbal statements, often involving conditional logic (“if…then” reasoning)

Building a strong vocabulary is helpful, but verbal reasoning is ultimately about logical thinking with words. Students who read widely and practise identifying patterns in language tend to perform well. For proven strategies and worked examples, read our article on Verbal Reasoning Strategies for Selective Entry Success.

Reading Comprehension

Reading is assessed alongside Verbal Reasoning in the 55-minute block. It presents written passages followed by multiple-choice questions and assesses the ability to access and retrieve information and to integrate, interpret, reflect on, and evaluate ideas communicated in texts.

Expect a range of text types, such as:

• Literary fiction — extracts from novels or short stories requiring inference about characters, themes, and tone
• Non-fiction articles — informational texts on science, history, or current affairs that test factual comprehension
• Persuasive writing — opinion pieces or editorials where students must identify the author’s argument and rhetorical techniques
• Poetry — short poems requiring analysis of language, imagery, and meaning

Questions assess a range of comprehension skills:

• Locating explicitly stated information in the text
• Making inferences and drawing conclusions
• Understanding vocabulary in context
• Identifying the main idea, purpose, or theme of a passage
• Analysing the author’s use of language and structure

The challenge here is not just understanding the passages but doing so efficiently under time pressure. Students need to develop efficient reading strategies — skimming for structure, scanning for specific details, and knowing when to re-read carefully versus when to move on.

Part 3: Writing (40 minutes)

Writing is a separate, handwritten part: two tasks in 40 minutes. ACER does not publish a marking rubric, so the list below is general advice on what strong timed writing usually shows, not ACER’s official criteria:

1. Ideas and content — originality, depth of thought, and relevance to the prompt
2. Structure and organisation — logical flow, effective paragraphing, and a clear beginning, middle, and end
3. Language and vocabulary — precise word choice, varied sentence structure, and appropriate tone
4. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation — accuracy and control of written conventions

Students who perform well in this section tend to be those who write regularly and have developed a feel for what makes writing engaging. Practising under timed conditions is essential, as many students find it difficult to plan, write, and review two tasks within 40 minutes.

General Format Notes

There are several important things to keep in mind about the overall exam format:

• Multiple choice plus writing. The first two parts (Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning; Reading and Verbal Reasoning) are multiple choice, and students shade their answers in an answer booklet. Writing is a separate handwritten part with two tasks.
• Answer every question. ACER does not describe any penalty for wrong answers, and a blank can never score, so an educated guess is better than leaving a question empty.
• Time pressure is the real challenge. ACER notes that it is not unusual for candidates to answer only about half the questions correctly, and many do not finish. Practising under timed conditions is the most direct way to get used to that pace.
• No calculators. ACER lists calculators, phones, smart watches and extra paper among items not allowed in the venue. Students bring two blue or black pens, proof of identity and their admission ticket.
• Scheduled breaks are built into the official timetable (a longer break after the maths/quantitative block, and a short break before Writing).

How the Exam Is Scored

There is no pass mark, and neither ACER nor the Department publishes a cut-off score or how the parts are weighted. What is published:

• How places are offered. 85% of places are offered by rank on exam performance, up to 10% through the equity category (exam performance plus eligibility conditions), and up to 5% at the principal’s discretion.
• Preferences matter. Families rank their preferred schools. A student offered a lower preference can accept it and still be offered a higher preference in a later round.
• Most offers come in round 1. ACER says around 90% of places are filled in the first round; a small number are offered in later rounds.

Because the cut-off for each school depends on that year’s applicants and preferences, there is no fixed score to aim for.

Key Dates and Timeline

Students sit the exam in Year 8 for Year 9 entry the following year. The 2027 dates are not yet announced. For reference, the last cycle (Year 9 entry in 2027) ran like this:

• 2 March – 24 April 2026: applications open through ACER’s online portal, including school preferences.
• Saturday 20 June 2026: the exam, sat on one day at venues across Victoria.
• Friday 26 June 2026: last day to change preferences.
• August 2026: exam outcome reports sent and round 1 offers released (3 August), followed by further rounds later in August.

It is important to check the Department of Education Victoria website and the official ACER Selective Entry prepare page for confirmed dates and the latest published format. It is worth setting a reminder for when applications open.

How to Prepare Effectively

Preparation for the selective entry exam is most effective when it is structured, consistent, and realistic. Cramming in the final weeks before the exam is far less effective than steady practice over several months. Here are the core principles:

• Start early. Many families begin focused preparation six to twelve months before the exam, so skills can build gradually without pressure.
• Practise under timed conditions. Since time pressure is the defining challenge of the exam, regularly completing practice papers within realistic time limits is essential. This builds speed, stamina, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
• Review mistakes thoroughly. Simply doing practice papers is not enough. Students should carefully review every incorrect answer to understand where their reasoning went wrong and how to avoid the same mistake next time.
• Cover all components. It is tempting to focus on weaker areas, but neglecting stronger sections — including Writing — can lead to lost marks. A balanced approach supports the highest possible composite score.
• Build reading and writing habits. Wide reading improves vocabulary, comprehension speed, and writing quality — all of which benefit multiple parts of the exam.

For a detailed week-by-week preparation plan, including specific activities and milestones, read our guide on How to Prepare for the Selective Entry Exam: A Step-by-Step Plan.

Practice with EduSpark

EduSpark offers timed online practice papers for the four multiple-choice skills in the first two parts of the exam: Mathematics, Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Each of our papers practises one skill at a time (for example, a 45-question, 30-minute Mathematics paper), which is the best way to find and fix weak topics. To rehearse the real exam’s 60- and 55-minute parts, sit a Mathematics paper and a Numerical Reasoning paper back to back, or a Reading paper followed by a Verbal Reasoning paper. The Complete Bundle also includes full-length mocks in the new format (a 60-minute Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning paper and a 55-minute Reading & Verbal Reasoning paper). We do not mark Writing, so practise the two writing tasks separately under 40-minute conditions.

Try 1 free paper per subject, then unlock more via pricing. Each multiple-choice paper is auto-corrected instantly with detailed explanations, so students can focus study time where it matters most.

Want to see the question style first? Try 5 VIC sample questions with no signup, or create a free account for 1 free paper per subject. You can also read our guides to VIC practice papers and getting into selective schools in Melbourne.