Test prep & study skillsAges 9–126 min read
By Audrey Simmons ·
NSW OC and Selective Tests: Preparing at Home and Online
The NSW OC and selective test format, 2027 test dates, what the department says about coaching, and a calm plan to prepare at home and online.
The NSW OC and selective placement tests are computer-based tests of reading, mathematical reasoning and thinking skills, with a writing test added for selective entry. The NSW Department of Education says paid coaching is not needed, so the best preparation is free official practice, everyday reading and maths, and a calm child on test day.
Year 4 students sit the OC test for Year 5 entry, and Year 6 students sit the selective test for Year 7 entry. Both run in May. Start with the department's free online practice tests so the format feels familiar, keep reading and maths part of normal life, and treat any extra classes as optional skill-building that your child enjoys.
What the OC and selective tests look like
Both tests are sat on computers provided by the department, usually at a local high school. Calculators and rulers are not allowed, and paper is given out for working.
| Section | OC test (Year 5 entry) | Selective test (Year 7 entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 40 minutes, multiple choice | 45 minutes |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 40 minutes, 35 questions | 40 minutes |
| Thinking Skills | 30 minutes, 30 questions | 40 minutes |
| Writing | Not included | 30 minutes |
The OC details come from the department's Get ready for the OC placement test page, which says each of the three sections is weighted equally. Section times for the selective test come from the department's placement test page. The department notes that children do not need to learn or memorise facts about specific subjects, and that the Thinking Skills test needs no previous knowledge.
Key dates for the next round
The department lists these test dates for students entering in 2028:
- OC placement test (Year 5 entry in 2028): Tuesday 11 to Wednesday 12 May 2027, with a make-up test on Thursday 10 June 2027.
- Selective placement test (Year 7 entry in 2028): Thursday 13 to Friday 14 May 2027, with a make-up test on Friday 11 June 2027.
Each student sits the test on one day only. For OC, the department says parents will be messaged about placement results in late September. Application windows open before the test, so check the department's key dates section early and set a reminder.
A live class on this12-Essay Writing Workshop: Academic and Test PrepAges 11–14What the department says about coaching
This is worth reading before you spend money. On its OC practice tests page, the department says paid coaching or tutoring is not needed because the test does not require new or special knowledge. It says there is no credible research showing coaching helps a child gain entry, and it warns that too much coaching can harm a child's wellbeing.
Instead, it encourages families to use its free Student Resource Hub and to make sure children attend school regularly.
Familiarity with the format helps any child feel calmer. Beyond that, the goal is a child who reads widely, enjoys solving problems and feels relaxed. If your child loves maths puzzles or creative writing, an enjoyable class can build those skills. If extra lessons cause stress, drop them.
Preparing at home, step by step
- Try the official online practice test. It mirrors the real software, timing and question types, and lets your child review wrong answers. Do this first so nothing on test day is a surprise.
- Use the PDF practice tests with care. The three sample PDFs include answer explanations, but the department says they come from older paper-based versions and do not reflect the current format.
- Read every day. Mix fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Ask your child what a character wanted or why an author chose a word.
- Play with numbers. Board games, cooking, money and puzzle books all build mathematical reasoning without worksheets.
- Talk through puzzles. For Thinking Skills, logic puzzles and "which conclusion follows?" chats at dinner help children explain their reasoning.
- For selective, write short pieces. A weekly 20 to 30 minute story, letter or opinion piece builds stamina for the writing test.
The week of the test
- Keep the routine normal: school, play, dinner and an early night.
- Watch the department's "Getting ready for test day" video together and go through its test day checklist.
- Check the test centre address and plan to arrive early so nobody feels rushed.
- Pack a snack and water bottle for the longer break, and wear comfortable layers.
- Remind your child that paper is provided for working, so they can sketch and jot ideas.
- Tell them that doing their best is enough, whatever the result.
Where online classes can fit
Given the department's advice, treat online classes as optional enrichment. They can suit children who:
- Love puzzles and want more challenge than they get at school.
- Find writing hard to start and enjoy feedback from a teacher.
- Prefer learning in a small group with other curious kids.
- Live far from activities and like learning from home.
Undoschool lists live classes and 1-on-1 tutoring from independent teachers in maths, reasoning and writing, and families can try a first session to check the fit. Keep sessions short and stop if your child stops enjoying them.
What to watch for
- Worry that will not switch off: trouble sleeping, stomach aches or tears about the test. Our guide on how to help your child with test anxiety has practical steps.
- Lost weekends: if prep crowds out sport, friends and rest, scale back.
- Old formats: paper-based practice from past years may not match today's computer-based test.
- Pressure from comparisons: other families' choices are a poor guide to what your child needs.
- Ongoing distress: if anxiety lasts more than a couple of weeks or affects daily life, talk to your GP or school counsellor.
Frequently asked questions
What year does my child sit the OC test?
Children sit the OC placement test in Year 4, for entry to an opportunity class in Year 5. The selective placement test is sat in Year 6, for entry in Year 7.
Is the OC test on paper or on a computer?
It is computer-based. Students use computers provided by the department and sit the three sections one after another.
Does my child need coaching for the OC test?
The department says paid coaching is not needed and warns that too much coaching can affect wellbeing. Free official practice tests and everyday reading and maths are a solid foundation.
How should my child practise Thinking Skills?
Start with the official practice questions, then use logic puzzles, games and conversations where your child explains how they reached an answer. No specific subject knowledge is required.
Build reasoning and writing skills with joy
Explore live classes in problem solving, maths and writing that let curious kids stretch themselves without the pressure.
