Taking the minimum standard tests
To meet the HSC minimum standard, students need to achieve Level 3 or 4 in short online numeracy, reading and writing tests. Learn about how the tests work and how to prepare for the tests.
Rules about taking the tests
The HSC minimum standard is set at Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
Students can sit the numeracy, reading or writing test from Year 10 up until they reach the HSC minimum standard for that domain. The 3 domains are numeracy, reading and writing.
You can take each test:
- up to 6 times per year, if you are in Year 12
- up to 4 times per year, if you are in Year 10 or Year 11
- from Year 10 until up to 5 years after starting your first HSC course
- at least 30 calendar after your last attempt in a test in the same domain.
Your school:
- will help you decide when you are ready to take each test
- can arrange for you to sit practice tests
- may run a test for a group of students or an individual student.
Leaving school before the HSC
If you plan to leave school before completing the HSC, you can speak to your school about taking the minimum standard tests to demonstrate your level of literacy and numeracy.
Sitting for the tests after the HSC
If you do not demonstrate the minimum standard before you leave school, you can apply to sit for one or more minimum standard online tests.
To be eligible, you need to have fulfilled all your HSC requirements except for the minimum standard of literacy and/or numeracy.
You can sit for the tests up to 5 years after starting your first HSC course.
There is no cost to sit for the tests.
Scheduling a test
Complete and submit an application form at least 21 days before you want to sit for the test.
NESA will contact you to arrange a test date.
You will get your test results via Students Online.
How HSC minimum standard tests work
Find out what to expect in the numeracy, reading and writing tests.
The numeracy test:
- contains 45 multiple-choice questions
- is allocated 45 minutes
- is adaptive – meaning the test adjusts to a student's ability. Questions become harder or easier depending on whether a student is answering questions correctly or incorrectly.
- provides an onscreen calculator, protractor or ruler for some questions.
The reading test:
- contains 45 multiple-choice questions
- is allocated 45 minutes
- is adaptive — meaning the test adjusts to a student's ability. Questions become harder or easier depending on whether a student is answering questions correctly or incorrectly.
The writing test:
- contains one question where students can choose between a visual or a text prompt
- is allocated 45 minutes
- requires a response of up to 500 words to be provided in an onscreen text box
- is marked by trained reviewers according to the achievement level descriptions, relevance of writing to the topic, structure and sequence of ideas, and control of language.
Preparing for the writing test
Here are some useful tips to help you take the HSC minimum standard writing test.
500 words is only a suggestion
- Many students can meet the minimum standard in fewer than 500 words.
- Any text that exceeds 600 words will be in red. It will still be marked, but is unlikely to add value to your response.
- You should place greater emphasis on the quality of the response rather than the word count.
Using the allocated 45 minutes
- There is a timer displayed onscreen so you can monitor the time you have left.
- The test supervisor will provide paper once you enter the test room. You cannot bring your own paper into the test room.
- You should use some time to plan your response on a piece of paper, and some time to edit your work. For example, a student might write 400 words in 40 minutes and then spend five minutes editing the response.
Responding to the writing prompts
- Writing prompts can help you start your response.
- The response does not need to include factually correct information.
- You are not allowed to browse online for ideas during the test.
- You cannot leave the test before you are allowed. This is a breach of test terms and conditions.
Copy and paste
- The copy and paste function allows you to reorder your writing.
- Pasting content from a source outside the test window is a breach of test terms and conditions.
Spelling and vocabulary
- Reasonable attempts at spelling unfamiliar words are recognised and using precise vocabulary is rewarded.
- It is a good idea to experiment with spelling on a sheet of paper during the test or to use an alternative word if you are unsure how to spell a word.
- Use language and vocabulary that is familiar to you.
Practice tests
Your teachers can arrange for you to sit practice tests under test conditions at school. Practice tests are available for numeracy, reading and writing.
Disability provisions and exemptions
Disability provisions for the HSC minimum standard tests are available for some students with disability.
Some students with a disability who study Life Skills courses may be exempt from meeting the minimum standard to receive their HSC credential.