NAPLAN 2024 Dates, FAQs & Practice Tests

🚨 2024 NAPLAN test dates: Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March 2024

⬇️ Download the 2024 NAPLAN test window infographic

Free NAPLAN Practice Test Papers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NAPLAN?

The 2024 NAPLAN (National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy) a test that is designed to provide key insights into student learning as well as school performance.

When is the NAPLAN 2024 test?

The 2024 NAPLAN is scheduled to take place from 13 March to 25 March 2024.

Here's a summary of the key dates for NAPLAN 2023-2027 with considerations for Ramadan & Eid which is determined by the lunar calendar.

Why is NAPLAN earlier this year in 2024?

Moving NAPLAN to an earlier date in 2024 allows for quicker turnaround of results, enabling schools and teachers to use this valuable data to inform teaching and learning strategies sooner within the academic year. This change aims to maximize the benefit of NAPLAN results for student learning outcomes.

What happens if a student misses the NAPLAN due to Ramadan?

Recognising the significance of Ramadan, NAPLAN and schools have provisions to accommodate students observing this period, ensuring they can participate comfortably in the assessments.

If a student is absent due to Ramadan, schools can organise catch-up tests within the NAPLAN test window, allowing all students the opportunity to participate.

Schools can also schedule NAPLAN tests in the morning to accommodate fasting students, ensuring their energy levels are optimal during the test.

If a student misses the NAPLAN, can they still sit the tests?

Possibly. If a student misses a test due to illness but returns to school during the NAPLAN test window, they may have the opportunity to complete catch-up tests. However, students who do not attend school during the entire testing window due to illness will be marked as absent and will not receive results for the tests they missed.

Students who have missed or are sick on the day of a NAPLAN test are unable to take the assessment from home due to the stringent administration and security protocols that govern NAPLAN assessments. These protocols ensure the integrity and comparability of the test results and require that the tests be supervised by teachers in a controlled environment.

Is NAPLAN important?

Yes, the NAPLAN is important as it provides a snapshot of student learning in literacy and numeracy at key stages of their education. The results help identify areas where students are excelling or may need additional support, enabling targeted teaching strategies. Furthermore, NAPLAN data contributes to national and state-level education policy and planning. It also helps compare the academic level and performance of students at different schools.

Why do students have to sit the NAPLAN?

Students sit NAPLAN tests to measure their skills in literacy and numeracy against national standards. These assessments help educators and parents understand whether students have the foundational skills necessary for future success in learning and life. NAPLAN also assists in identifying strengths and weaknesses in school programs and supports targeted improvements in teaching and learning.

How is NAPLAN administered?

The 2024 NAPLAN will be administered online, providing a more engaging and efficient assessment process. The online platform allows for tailored testing where the difficulty of questions can adapt based on the student's responses, offering a more personalised assessment experience.

The online tests are structured as timed multiple-choice exams with the exception of the writing component.

What does the NAPLAN assess?

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills. It is structured into four tests: Numeracy, Language Conventions, Reading & Comprehension and Writing.

What has changed in the 2024 NAPLAN?

As of 2024, the National Assessment Program has announced that new NAP assessments for Year 6 and 10 will become available as opt-in assessments for any school or system that would like to participate.

The results for these exams will not be published and have been designed to inform the development of teaching programs for schools. From 2026, all three subject opt-in assessments will be available each year.

Will the Year 3 NAPLAN Writing Test be online in 2024?

No, the Year 3 NAPLAN writing test will continue to be conducted on paper in 2024. This decision ensures that the youngest students participating in NAPLAN are assessed in a format that is most suitable for their current learning and writing abilities.

How are NAPLAN results used?

NAPLAN results are used by teachers and schools to understand individual and collective student progress, identify areas of strength and need, and tailor teaching accordingly. Parents receive reports detailing their child's performance, and the broader community can access school-level NAPLAN results via the My School website, offering transparency on school performance.

What is a good NAPLAN score?

As NAPLAN scores are graded based on the national minimum standard for a student's year level, a "good" NAPLAN score is one that meets or exceeds this minimum. These standards represent benchmarks of expected student performance in literacy and numeracy.

In the example student report below, the black circles (⚫) indicate the student's band level and placement compared to the national average (black arrow).

What happens if you don't "pass" NAPLAN?

Remember, NAPLAN is not a pass/fail test. It is designed to assess educational progress in literacy and numeracy. If a student's results are below the expected standard, it may just indicate areas where they need additional support. Schools use this information to provide targeted assistance to help students improve their skills.

Does NAPLAN help with getting into selective schools and receiving scholarships?

Yes, NAPLAN results can play a role in the selection process for some selective schools and scholarship programs. For example, institutions like the Queensland Academy consider NAPLAN scores as part of their admissions criteria. This underscores the importance of NAPLAN as a tool for identifying academically talented students.

For example, the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology has indicated that NAPLAN scores for student candidates are reviewed during the admissions process.

Who is exempt from NAPLAN?

Students may be exempt from NAPLAN if they have significant intellectual or functional disability or if they have been learning English for less than a year before the tests.

Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis, with parental consent required. This ensures that all students are assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

How can I support my child with NAPLAN?

Supporting your child with NAPLAN involves reassuring them about the nature of the tests, emphasising that they are just one part of their learning journey. Encourage your child to do their best without stressing themselves out. Familiarise them with the test format through practice tests available online and ensure they have a good routine with adequate sleep and nutrition leading up to the tests.

When will NAPLAN results be released in 2024?

ACARA has mentioned that the 2024 NAPLAN national results will be available in August 2024.