NAPLAN test dates 2027 have been confirmed: testing runs from Wednesday 10 March to Monday 22 March 2027, with the writing test held first, on Wednesday 10 March. The dates are the same for every state and territory and for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Below you’ll find the full 2027 timetable, the order of the tests, when results come out, and confirmed dates for future years.
When is NAPLAN 2027?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Practice tests available in schools | From Term 3, 2026 |
| NAPLAN 2027 test window opens | Wednesday 10 March 2027 |
| Writing test (all year levels) | Wednesday 10 March 2027 |
| Reading, conventions of language and numeracy | Scheduled by each school after writing |
| Test window closes (last day for catch-ups) | Monday 22 March 2027 |
| Individual student reports to families | Usually from the start of Term 3, 2027 |
The window is nine school days long. Schools are asked to schedule tests as early as possible, preferably in the morning, so most students finish all four tests in the first week.
NAPLAN test order and timing
The tests are always taken in the same order: writing first, then reading, then conventions of language, then numeracy. If a student sits two tests on the same day, they must have at least a 20-minute break between them.
| Order | Test | Year 3 | Year 5 | Years 7 and 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Writing | 40 min (paper) | 40 min | 40 min |
| 2 | Reading | 45 min | 50 min | 65 min |
| 3 | Conventions of language | 45 min | 45 min | 45 min |
| 4 | Numeracy | 45 min | 50 min | 65 min |
Year 3 writing is on paper and must be held on day 1. Years 5, 7 and 9 type their writing online and also start on day 1, with day 2 kept only for technical problems. Find out what each test involves in What is NAPLAN?
What if my child is sick during NAPLAN?
Schools can run catch-up sessions for absent students, as long as they’re finished inside the test window. For 2027, Year 3 writing catch-ups must be done by the fourth day of testing, and all other catch-ups by Monday 22 March. Let the school know as soon as you can.
When NAPLAN results come out
Schools receive results first, then send each family an individual student report. In recent years reports have reached families from the start of Term 3 (July to August), although the exact timing is set by each state or territory test authority. Most schools send reports home in your child’s bag or through the school’s parent app.
Results are shown as four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. Our NAPLAN results guide explains how to read the report.
Test dates by state
NAPLAN runs on a single national timetable, so the 2027 dates are the same in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory. The only differences between states are administrative, such as which authority runs the tests and how reports are delivered.
Each state and territory has a test authority that runs NAPLAN locally, for example NESA in New South Wales, the VCAA in Victoria, the QCAA in Queensland and SCSA in Western Australia. Your school is the best first contact for any question about the tests.
Future NAPLAN dates
| Year | Test window |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 10 to 22 March |
| 2028 | 15 to 27 March |
| 2029 | 14 to 26 March |
How to get ready before March
There’s no need to cram, but a little familiarity goes a long way. Between now and March you could:
- Work through a free NAPLAN practice test every few weeks.
- Practise one short writing task a fortnight, alternating narrative and persuasive. Our NAPLAN writing guide shows how.
- Try the official public demonstration site with your child so the online tools feel familiar.
- Keep the week itself calm: a good night’s sleep and breakfast matter more than last-minute revision. Read more in NAPLAN for parents.
NAPLAN dates FAQs
Is NAPLAN in March or May?
March. NAPLAN moved from May to March in 2023, and it will stay in March for 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What day is the NAPLAN writing test in 2027?
Wednesday 10 March 2027, the first day of the test window, for all year levels.
Can schools choose their own NAPLAN days?
Within limits. Writing must be first, on day 1, and the other tests must follow in order. Schools choose the exact days for reading, conventions of language and numeracy within the nine-day window.
Related guides
- What Is NAPLAN? A Plain-English Guide for Parents
- NAPLAN Results Explained for Parents
- Free NAPLAN Practice Tests
- NAPLAN for Parents: How to Help Your Child Prepare
Dates current as at October 2026, based on published key dates from ACARA and state test authorities. Always check with your school for its own schedule.