What is NAPLAN? NAPLAN is the national literacy and numeracy assessment that every Australian student sits in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It runs over about two weeks each March, takes four short tests, and gives you a snapshot of how your child’s reading, writing, spelling, grammar and maths compare with the national standard for their year level. This guide explains NAPLAN in plain English: what it stands for, what’s in each test, how results are reported, and whether your child has to sit it.
What does NAPLAN stand for?
NAPLAN stands for the National Assessment Program, Literacy and Numeracy. It has run every year since 2008 and is developed by ACARA, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Each state and territory has its own test administration authority (for example, the VCAA in Victoria and NESA in New South Wales) that runs the tests in schools.
NAPLAN isn’t a pass or fail exam, and it doesn’t affect your child’s school report or their progression to the next year. Its purpose is to show whether students are building the literacy and numeracy skills they need, and to help schools and governments see where extra support is needed.
Who sits NAPLAN and when
All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to take part. Since 2023 the tests have been held in March (before that they were in May), so results reach schools and families earlier in the year. The national test window is nine school days, and the writing test always comes first.
In 2027 the window runs from Wednesday 10 March to Monday 22 March. See our NAPLAN test dates 2027 page for the full timetable.
What NAPLAN tests
NAPLAN has four tests, sometimes called domains. They’re taken in this order:
| Test | What it covers | Year 3 | Year 5 | Years 7 and 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writing | One narrative or persuasive piece, marked against 10 criteria | 40 min (on paper) | 40 min | 40 min |
| Reading | Reading a range of texts and answering questions | 45 min | 50 min | 65 min |
| Conventions of language | Spelling, then grammar and punctuation | 45 min | 45 min | 45 min |
| Numeracy | Number, algebra, measurement, space, statistics and probability | 45 min | 50 min | 65 min |
Almost all students now sit NAPLAN online. The one exception is Year 3 writing, which is still handwritten on paper. In Years 7 and 9 the numeracy test starts with a short section without a calculator, then an on-screen calculator becomes available.
NAPLAN is a tailored test
Reading, numeracy and conventions of language are tailored (adaptive) tests. Everyone starts with the same set of questions, then the test branches twice: students who are doing well get harder questions, and students who are finding it hard get questions closer to their level. Scores take into account both how many questions your child answered correctly and how difficult those questions were, so two students with the same number correct can receive different results.
The writing test isn’t tailored. Every student in Years 3 and 5 gets the same prompt, and Years 7 and 9 get a different one. The prompt asks for either a narrative or a persuasive text, and students don’t know which until the test starts. Our NAPLAN writing guide explains both types and how they’re marked.
How NAPLAN results are reported
Each student receives an individual student report from their school, usually from the start of Term 3. Since 2023, results for each test are shown as one of four proficiency levels:
- Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
- Strong: the result meets challenging but reasonable expectations.
- Developing: the student is working towards expectations.
- Needs additional support: the result suggests the student needs extra help to progress.
The report also shows a dot for your child’s result, a triangle for the national average, and a shaded band for the middle 60% of students in their year level. We explain each level, and what to do next, in NAPLAN proficiency levels explained.
Is NAPLAN compulsory?
NAPLAN is expected for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, but it isn’t strictly compulsory. Parents can choose to withdraw their child by speaking with the school, which will provide the withdrawal form used in your state or territory. Withdrawn students don’t receive a result.
Separately, a small number of students may be exempt, for example a student with significant disability or a student who has recently arrived in Australia from a non-English-speaking background. Students with disability can also receive adjustments, such as extra time or rest breaks, which the school arranges with the family. If your child is absent on a test day, the school can usually run a catch-up session later in the test window.
Should my child prepare for NAPLAN?
ACARA’s advice is that students don’t need to study for NAPLAN and that heavy coaching isn’t recommended, because the tests assess skills taught in class over several years. That said, many children feel calmer when they know what the test looks like and have tried a few practice questions at home. Short, relaxed sessions work better than cramming.
Good places to start:
- Try a free NAPLAN practice test so the question style feels familiar.
- Read and write together often. Ten minutes a day helps more than a long session the night before.
- Look through official NAPLAN past papers for real examples of each test.
- Read our NAPLAN guide for parents for tips on keeping the week low-stress.
NAPLAN FAQs
How long is each NAPLAN test?
Writing is 40 minutes for every year level. Conventions of language is 45 minutes. Reading and numeracy are 45 minutes in Year 3, 50 minutes in Year 5 and 65 minutes in Years 7 and 9.
Can my child fail NAPLAN?
No. There’s no pass mark. Results are reported as proficiency levels to show where your child is and what support might help.
Do NAPLAN results affect high school entry?
NAPLAN isn’t a selection test. Most government high schools don’t use it for enrolment, although some selective and private schools may ask to see recent reports. Check with the school directly.
Is NAPLAN the same in every state?
Yes. The tests, dates and marking are the same across Australia. Only the administration (such as how reports are sent home) varies by state and territory.
Related guides
- NAPLAN Test Dates 2027
- NAPLAN for Parents: How to Help Your Child Prepare
- NAPLAN Results Explained for Parents
- Free NAPLAN Practice Tests
Information current for NAPLAN 2026 and 2027, based on published guidance from ACARA and state test authorities.