Selective Test Practice — VIC, NSW, OC & EduTest Guide
Searching for selective test practice usually means one of two Australian pathways: Victoria's selective entry exam (run by ACER, sat in Year 8 for Year 9 entry) or the NSW Selective High School Placement Test (sat in Year 6 for Year 7 entry). The exams differ in year level, sections, timing and provider, so the first step is to confirm which one your child will sit, then practise that format under time limits.
This page maps the pathways and points you to the right practice. On EduSpark, every account gets 1 free timed paper per subject, then you can buy single subjects or a bundle.
Which selective test are you practising for?
| Pathway | Entry year | Provider / format | Deep-dive guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIC selective entry (Melbourne High, Mac.Rob, Nossal, Suzanne Cory) | Year 9 (sat in Year 8) | ACER, 3 parts: Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (60 min), Reading & Verbal Reasoning (55 min), Writing (40 min) | VIC practice papers |
| NSW selective high schools (fully and partially selective) | Year 7 (sat in Year 6) | Cambridge/Janison, computer-based: Reading (45 min), Mathematical Reasoning (40 min), Thinking Skills (40 min), Writing (30 min) | NSW practice papers |
| EduTest: NSW selective entry in Years 8–11, and many independent school scholarships | Varies (e.g. sat in Year 8 for Year 9) | Verbal, Numerical, Reading, Maths (30 min each) + Written Expression — a different product again | EduTest practice tests |
| NSW Opportunity Class (OC) | Year 5 (sat in Year 4) | Cambridge/Janison, computer-based: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills (no writing) | OC practice tests |
For school-by-school facts, see our selective school pages. For Melbourne context, see the Melbourne selective schools guide.
Year 9 selective practice (Victoria)
Victorian selective entry is a Year 9 pathway sat in Year 8. One statewide ACER exam feeds preferences for all four government selective schools; there is no separate Melbourne High paper. Since the June 2026 exam the skills are grouped into two timed multiple-choice parts plus Writing, but the skills themselves are the same. Practise:
- Mathematics
- Numerical Reasoning (Quantitative Reasoning)
- Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
Writing still needs dedicated practice outside multiple-choice platforms. Format details live in our VIC exam format guide; free vs paid trade-offs are covered in free vs paid practice tests.
NSW selective practice (Year 7)
NSW Year 7 selective is a different exam, computer-based since 2025, with Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Reading and Writing. Prioritise screen-based timed practice so pacing matches test day. Start with the three official practice tests, then build volume. Our NSW practice papers guide (linked in the table above) compares books, free downloads and online mocks.
What good selective test practice looks like
- Correct pathway first — VIC Year 9 materials will not fully prepare a NSW Year 6 student, and vice versa.
- Timed conditions — Selective exams punish slow perfect answers; practise with a visible timer.
- Review over volume — One paper with thorough mistake review beats three rushed papers.
- Honest free samples — Official samples plus 1 free paper per subject beat unverified PDF packs.
How EduSpark freemium works across VIC & NSW
Create an account and try 1 free paper per subject in the program you need — no credit card. If the format helps, unlock single subjects or a bundle on pricing (VIC and NSW Year 7: $59 per subject or $149 for the Complete Bundle; EduTest: $59 or $129; NSW OC: $49 or $119; one payment, 12 months, nothing renews). EduSpark covers the multiple-choice sections with instant marking and explanations; we don’t mark writing, so keep that as a separate habit.
Suggested next steps
- Confirm state and entry year (VIC Year 9, NSW Year 7, OC Year 5, or an EduTest sitting).
- Open the matching deep-dive guide and complete one official sample.
- Try 5 sample questions with no signup (VIC or NSW), then 1 free EduSpark paper per subject.
- Build a weekly timed routine; track weak topics rather than chasing every free PDF.
Start selective test practice today
Pick your pathway on subjects. Practice improves readiness; it does not guarantee a selective place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does selective test practice mean in Australia?▾
It usually means preparing for either Victoria's ACER Year 9 selective entry exam or the NSW Year 7 Selective High School Placement Test. Confirm your state and entry year before buying materials.
Is Year 9 selective practice the same in VIC and NSW?▾
No. VIC Year 9 entry uses one ACER exam, sat in Year 8, for the four selective entry high schools. NSW selective schools use EduTest for entry in Years 8–11, which is a different test again from the NSW Year 7 placement test.
Where can I find free selective practice papers?▾
Use official samples from the relevant department or testing body, plus EduSpark's 1 free timed paper per subject. Be cautious of unverified full PDF dumps online.
How should I choose between VIC and NSW practice blogs?▾
If your child is aiming for Melbourne High, Mac.Rob, Nossal, or Suzanne Cory, use the VIC practice papers guide. For NSW Year 7 selective high schools, use the NSW practice papers guide.
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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.
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