Essential progress and placement test information for parents.
Get the crucial information you need for your child’s progress and placement testing with AAS.
Key information about our progress and placement tests
Exam length
Mathematics, reasoning and reading comprehension tests are 40-50 minutes long, and include two test sessions with a 20-minute recess break in-between.
The written expression exam is 25-30 minutes long, and spelling 12 minutes.
Subjects
Our tests cover five subjects:
- Writing
- Reading comprehension
- Spelling
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
Question types
Progress and placement tests are multiple-choice with four or five possible responses.
Written expression is the exception, which is answered in long-form.
Test format
Schools can choose to test using pen and paper, or online.
Please contact your school to confirm their chosen test format.
Exam location
Typically, paper tests are sat at onsite at schools, whereas online tests are sat at your child’s home.
But this can differ from school-to-school. Please contact your school directly to confirm.
What your child needs to know for exam day
We recommend your child arrives at least 30 minutes before the test starts to allow time to settle in and prepare.
Late arrivals may only be admitted at the test supervisor’s discretion.
- Two blue or black pens.
- If required by your school, your child’s identification.
- Nutritious food and a drink for the 20-minute break between sessions.
- Listen carefully to the invigilator’s instructions.
- Read each question thoroughly – and a second time if needed – without rushing.
- Don’t worry about answering every question, just do your best!
- Use elimination to narrow down your choices.
- Skip difficult questions and come back to them later if it helps.
- Double-check that your answers match the correct question numbers in the booklet.
The following items aren’t allowed for our scholarship exams:
- Mobile phones.
- Smart watches (analogue watches are allowed).
- Bags.
- Rulers.
- Calculators only allowed for Years 8 and above.
- Mathematical instruments such as compasses or dividers.
- Cameras or any recording devices.
- Any other unauthorised materials.
Cheating in our exams will not be tolerated. This includes:
- Bringing forbidden materials into the exam, such as those listed above.
- Taking materials from the test room.
- Communicating with other students.
- Refusing to obey any other reasonable instructions from the exam invigilator.
Any student caught cheating will be asked to leave the test room and have their results cancelled. Under these circumstances, there will be no refund of fees issued.
How to help your child prepare for their progress and placement test
Our tests are designed to measure your child’s ability and knowledge rather than how well they have studied, so special preparation, coaching or revision is unnecessary. But we do encourage general exam practice to help your child get used to the testing process, which can be achieved through our scholarship practice tests.
Your child might also benefit from completing our answer sheet, to familiarise themselves with the test format.
The following tips can help support your child’s memory and focus for their exams:
Get plenty of sleep
Sleep is essential for optimal thinking and concentration.
Encourage your child to get a full night’s rest before the exam.
Eat nutritious food
Eating healthy, nutritious foods can boost brain function.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and similar foods provide excellent fuel for test day.
Try deep belly breathing
To help manage exam-day stress, encourage your child to take a deep breath in through the nose, letting their belly expand rather than their chest. Then exhale slowly.
Repeat this process as many times as needed to feel calm.
Frequently asked questions
Exam entry is determined by the test supervisor. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Please contact the school as early as possible to discuss your options.
Yes.
Study notes or any external resources are not permitted during our tests.
Please inform the school in advance if your child has a condition that requires monitoring or the use of special equipment (e.g., an EpiPen).
Please consult with your child’s school to confirm appropriate attire for exam day.
Pens are required only for the writing task. Students may bring more than two pens if needed, but pencil cases are not allowed. Pens must be blue or black ink to ensure they can be read by our scanner.
Yes.
Most tests become progressively more challenging, with each question slightly harder than the last.
Each school differs in how they share student results with parents. Please contact them directly for more information.
Our online practice tests use the same test environment and assess many of the same skills as our progress and placement tests, helping your child get ready for the real thing.