Training and preparation activities

Benefits of training and preparation

All schools in NSW complete NAPLAN using the Online National Assessment Platform (the platform).

Principals and NAPLAN coordinators must ensure their school’s test administrators are prepared for and trained in administering NAPLAN. They are also responsible for ensuring students and test administration staff are familiar with the tools and functionality of the online tests before the start of the NAPLAN test window.

Training for school staff and preparation activities for staff and students provide many benefits. They include:

• the opportunity for students to be well-prepared and to reduce stress during testing
• understanding disability adjustments for NAPLAN
• learning how to manage unexpected events
• the opportunity for staff who administer the NAPLAN tests to become familiar with the platform's functionality before the tests take place
• allowing schools to become familiar with new or changed administrative procedures ahead of time
• the opportunity for schools to assess their infrastructure and identify areas that may need to be resolved before NAPLAN starts
• the ability for schools to check they have the correct version of the NAP locked down browser (NAP LDB) installed.

Training for school staff

All staff involved in administering NAPLAN are strongly encouraged to engage in training before the tests in March.

Live online training options

For staff new to NAPLAN

Training sessions are available for staff who have no experience with online NAPLAN tests. Participants can ask questions and complete practical activities with experienced trainers. NAPLAN coordinators should attend both sessions:

• NAPLAN coordinator training (3 hours)
• Test administrator training (2 hours)

NAPLAN update sessions

Update sessions are available for staff who have prior experience in the administration of NAPLAN. They are recommended for people who have previously attended training, to ensure their knowledge is up to date.

• Update session – NAPLAN coordinator’s role (1 hour)
• Update session – NAPLAN test administrator’s role (1 hour)

Disability adjustments

A session on NAPLAN disability adjustments provides details on what adjustments are available, how to work out if a student requires adjustments and how to apply for adjustments needing NESA approval.

This session is for all staff.

• NAPLAN disability adjustments (1 hour)

Live online training schedule

Registration links will be available from Week 1 Term 1, 2025. All sessions are held via Microsoft Teams.

eLearning modules (self-paced)

eLearning modules will be available on NESA learning from the start of Term 1, 2025.

The modules reinforce content covered in the live online training sessions and supplement in-school training of staff.

• Module 1: NAPLAN overview – includes principal’s responsibilities (20 minutes)
• Module 2: NAPLAN coordinator’s role – includes technical preparation (60 minutes)
• Module 3: NAPLAN test administrator’s role (60 minutes).

NAPLAN coordinators should complete all 3 modules.

Preparation activities

Schools can choose from 3 practice options to prepare for NAPLAN. Schools should use the option that best suits their staff and student requirements.

Option 1: NAP LDB demonstration tests

Schools can access short demonstration tests through the NAP LDB.

The NAP LDB demonstration tests are available all year round. Download and install the NAP LDB using the instructions on the Online National Assessment Platform.

The demonstration NAPLAN tests help staff and students:

• understand the types of questions asked
• experience its interactive navigation
• try out the platform's online tools
• trial adjustments that may be appropriate for students with disability.

This option is best for test administrators and students who have experience with NAPLAN. 

Option 2: NAPLAN training and practice environment

Schools will get their login details for the NAPLAN training and practice environment at the beginning of Term 1, 2025. The training and practice environment is already available, but schools aren't expected to start training until Term 1. If your school wants to start preparing earlier and get login details in Term 4, you can email the NAPLAN team at naplan.nsw@nesa.nsw.edu.au

The NAPLAN training and practice environment mimics the online delivery environment. It provides a detailed end-to-end test experience for test administrators.

Staff and students can practise with the platform using mock test sessions and student data.

This option is best for staff and students who have little or no experience with NAPLAN.

Option 3: Public demonstration site

The public demonstration site is available all year from the National Assessment Program (NAP) website.

The site aims to help students understand the types of questions asked, and the tools available, in the online NAPLAN tests. Students can access the public demonstration site from home.

Unlike the NAP LDB demonstration tests, the public demonstration tests:

• are not tailored
• do not include branching between testlets but do include examples of branching messages. Schools need to prepare students for the types of messages they will get at branching points.
• allow the use of software or settings prohibited by the NAP LDB. For example, the public demonstration site does not disable features such as grammar and spell-check. These features are disabled during NAPLAN testing.

Checking device requirements

School staff must ensure their school is using devices supported for NAPLAN. They must also check that their devices meet minimum technical requirements. Both checks must take place before testing begins. This includes checking requirements such as:

• screen size
• operating system version
• network
• security.

Common device issues

There are known issues with certain devices. This is where you will need to take additional action to allow the device to be used for NAPLAN. For example, schools that use Apple MacBook Pro devices will need to disable the touch bar to maintain the integrity of the test.

Further information will be available in Term 1, 2025.

Related information

• NAPLAN key dates