HSC minimum standard resources
The HSC minimum standard tests require students to show their skills in numeracy, reading and writing. Find available resources, including sample questions and answers, to prepare for the tests.
The HSC minimum standard
The HSC minimum standard is set at Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). Students need to attain Level 3 or 4 in short online numeracy, reading and writing tests to meet the HSC minimum standard.
Students are assessed on the skills defined in the ACFS and the achievement level descriptions for numeracy, reading and writing.
Learn more about the skills needed to meet the HSC minimum standard. Additional information, support and resources are available in Schools Online to help schools implement the HSC minimum standard and the associated tests.
Sample questions and demonstration tests
To help schools, parents and students understand the skills required to meet the HSC minimum standard, view the sample questions and demonstration tests.
The questions cover achievement from ACSF Level 2 to Level 4, as described in the achievement level descriptions.
These questions are similar to the types of questions students will be asked in the minimum standard tests. The demonstration tests help students understand the look and feel of the online tests.
- Minimum Standard Numeracy Test: Sample questions (PDF 400.68KB)
- Minimum Standard Numeracy Test: Sample questions with answers (PDF 405.43KB)
- A short numeracy demonstration test.
For the sample questions, a simple pocket calculator can be used to answer questions which have a calculator picture.
In the real tests, an onscreen calculator will be provided where necessary for some numeracy questions.
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Minimum Standard Writing Test: Sample questions (PDF 631.83KB)File
Minimum Standard Writing Test: Sample answers – Level 2 (PDF 156.9KB)File
Minimum Standard Writing Test: Sample answers – Level 3 (PDF 397.89KB)- A short writing demonstration test
- Watch a presentation (PPTX 7.29MB) about reviewing a Level 3 response for writing.
Practice tests
Practice tests are available in numeracy, reading and writing. Schools must enrol students in these tests via Schools Online and they should be done at school under teacher supervision.
The 25-minute practice numeracy and reading tests each includes 25 multiple-choice questions and are adaptive. The 45-minute practice writing test requires students to write up to 500 words in response to a prompt.
90% of teachers surveyed by NESA said that students found the practice tests useful, particularly in identifying if they were ready to take the online tests. Students are encouraged to speak to their teachers if they would like to try one of the practice tests.
Resources for schools and teachers
Additional information, support and resources are available in Schools Online to help schools implement the HSC minimum standard and the associated tests including:
- 8 x self-paced learning modules for secondary teachers to build understanding of the HSC minimum standard requirement and the implications for students and teaching practice.
- Completing each module can contribute 2 hours of Elective PD for maintaining Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
- Sample responses for Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4.
- Student templates for identifying and practising writing skills.
- Interactive training program.
Presentations and instructions for using the Results Analysis Package (RAP) to analyse minimum standard test data.
- Detailed information kits for principals, test coordinators, test supervisors and students.
- Detailed information and guidelines about the Disability Provisions, Exemptions and Appeals policy and application process.
- Guidelines for communicating to NESA cases of a suspected breach of test rules or malpractice.