🚨 NAPLAN test dates 2025: 12 - 24 March
▶️ Read more about the 2025 NAPLAN year
Free NAPLAN Practice Test Papers
Frequently Asked Questions
About NAPLAN
What is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is an annual test designed to assess students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia. It provides key insights into their literacy and numeracy skills to help families and schools understand their educational progress and school performance.
NAPLAN is not a compulsory test but more of a diagnostic tool used by schools and families.
Why do students have to sit the NAPLAN?
Students sit NAPLAN tests to measure their skills in literacy and numeracy against national standards.
While it is not compulsory, sitting the NAPLAN helps educators and parents understand whether students have the foundational skills necessary to excel in school and beyond.
Is NAPLAN important?
NAPLAN is important as it can provide a snapshot of student learning in literacy and numeracy at key stages of their education (Year 3, 5, 7 & 9). Many families also use the NAPLAN to compare the academic level and performance of students across schools.
For schools, NAPLAN results help identify areas where students may need additional support. This provides them with guidance on what improvements in teaching methods and educational programs should be implemented. Furthermore, NAPLAN data contributes to national and state-level education policy and planning.
What does NAPLAN assess?
NAPLAN assesses individual students in four main areas: Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation) and Numeracy.
In the table below, we've listed out the NAPLAN tests administered across the year levels along with their test duration.
Year Level | NAPLAN Test | Test Duration |
3 |
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5 |
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7 |
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9 |
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What is each NAPLAN test about?
Here's what to expect from each NAPLAN test in 2025:
📖 Reading & Comprehension Test
Students are presented with a variety of texts and must answer multiple-choice and short-answer questions that test their comprehension and analytical skills.
Common reading texts: short narratives, information texts, poetry and persuasive texts.
Assessment areas: identify the main ideas, find specific information, making inferences and understand the author's purpose.
✏️ Writing Test
Students are given a prompt (written and visual) and are required to compose a text in response.
Common writing prompts: Narrative or persuasive.
Assessment areas: Understanding of text structure, structure of ideas, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar), creativity and the ability to engage the reader.
🔠 Language Conventions Test
Students are assessed on three key areas: spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Spelling: correctly spell words from misspelled words within sentences (circled and not circled)
Grammar & punctuation: answer multiple-choice and short-answer questions to complete sentences correctly and identify errors in sentences
📐 Numeracy Test (Calculator-Allowed & Non-Calculator)
Students are assessed on their mathematical knowledge, application skills and problem-solving. This is mostly in line with National Curriculum Standards and covers mathematical concepts and real-world scenarios.
In Year 7 and 9, the numeracy test is split into a calculator-allowed test and non-calculator test.
Number & algebra: simple arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, patterns, and algebraic reasoning
Measurement & geometry: units of measurement, interpreting and drawing geometric figures and spatial relationships.
Statistics & probability: data interpretation, chance experiments and using statistical measures (e.g. mean, median and mode).
How is NAPLAN administered?
NAPLAN 2025 will be administered online for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 by test administration authorities. However, the Year 3 Writing test is still conducted on paper.
Will the Year 3 NAPLAN Writing Test be online in 2025?
No, the Year 3 Writing Test will still be conducted on paper for all Year 3 students.
What has changed in the 2025 NAPLAN?
The primary change for NAPLAN 2025 is the test window, which will take place from March 12 to March 24. This continues the earlier test period adjustment that started in 2023.
NAPLAN 2025 Test Window & Accommodations
When is NAPLAN 2025?
The NAPLAN tests for 2025 will be held from Wednesday, March 12 2025 to Monday, March 24 2025.
Here's a summary of the key dates for NAPLAN 2023-2027 with considerations for Ramadan & Eid which is determined by the lunar calendar.
Year | NAPLAN Test Window | Ramadan Starts | Eid al-Fitr |
2023 | 15–27 March | 23 March | 22 April |
2024 | 13–25 March | 11 March | 10 April |
2025 | 12–24 March | 1 March | 31 March |
2026 | 11–23 March | 18 February | 20 March |
2027 | 10–22 March | 8 February | 10 March |
Why is NAPLAN earlier in 2025?
From 2023, the NAPLAN test was moved earlier to March to allow 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 maximise the benefit of NAPLAN results for student learning outcomes.
What happens if a student misses the NAPLAN due to Ramadan?
Schools can arrange for students who miss the NAPLAN tests due to Ramadan to take the tests on alternative days within the test window. Parents should discuss any concerns with their child’s school to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.
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?
Missing NAPLAN within the test window
Yes, students who miss the NAPLAN tests on scheduled days can take make-up tests within the testing window. Schools are encouraged to organise catch-up sessions for these students. For example, 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.
On the other hand, 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.
Missing the entire NAPLAN test window
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. These protocols ensure the integrity and comparability of the test results and require that the tests be supervised by teachers in a controlled environment.
Can I pull my child out of NAPLAN? Is NAPLAN compulsory?
While NAPLAN is an important assessment, participation is not compulsory. Parents can choose to withdraw their child from NAPLAN for various reasons by notifying the school in writing before the tests.
Who is exempt from NAPLAN?
Students with significant intellectual disabilities or those with a severe condition that prevents participation in the tests may be exempt from NAPLAN.
Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis and schools and parents can discuss and apply for exemptions where appropriate (parental permission is required).
What accommodations are available for students with disabilities sitting the NAPLAN?
Adjustments and support are available for students with disabilities to ensure they can participate in NAPLAN. This may include extra time, rest breaks or the use of assistive technology. We recommend discussing this with your child's school for the most up-to-date accommodations available.
NAPLAN Preparation
How can I support my child with NAPLAN in 2025?
Parents and carers can support their children by encouraging regular practice, using available sample tests, discussing progress with teachers and ensuring a stress-free environment during the test period.
We encourage our students to do their best without stressing themselves out. For students sitting the NAPLAN in 2025, we recommend familiarising 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.
Where can I find NAPLAN practice tests and past papers?
Practice tests and past papers are available on public demonstration sites and various educational resources online (e.g. ACARA). These tools help students familiarise themselves with the test format and types of questions.
Public demonstration site (NAP) - Online sample questions and tasks availble for all year levels
NAPLAN Practice tests for Year 3, 5, 7 & 9 (ACARA) - Past papers for NAPLAN 2012-2016 with answers
NAPLAN 2025 Test Results
When are NAPLAN results released in 2025?
NAPLAN results are typically released a few months after the tests by the reporting authority ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority). The exact date for the release of NAPLAN 2025 results will be communicated by the education authorities closer to the time.
Where can I find NAPLAN results for schools?
You can find NAPLAN results for schools on the My School website.
The My School website provides detailed information about schools in Australia, including their NAPLAN performance. You can search for specific schools and view their NAPLAN results to compare their performance in reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. This resource helps parents, educators and the community understand how schools are performing in these key areas.
How are NAPLAN results used?
NAPLAN results help parents, teachers and education authorities understand how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy. They identify areas where students may need additional support and guide improvements in teaching methods and educational programs.
NAPLAN results do not affect ATAR scores at all.
Does NAPLAN help with getting into selective schools and receiving scholarships?
Yes, for some schools. While NAPLAN results are not the sole criteria, they can provide additional information that may support applications for selective schools and scholarships as they reflect a student’s proficiency in key areas.
For example, the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology has indicated that NAPLAN scores for student candidates are reviewed during the admissions process. This underscores the importance of NAPLAN as a tool for identifying academically talented students.
What is a good NAPLAN score?
A good NAPLAN score varies depending on individual goals and standards set by schools or education authorities. Generally, scores that meet or exceed national standards are considered good. 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?
It's important to notes that NAPLAN is not a pass or fail test. If a student performs below the national standard, it highlights areas where they may need additional support. Teachers and parents can use this information to help the student improve.
Do NAPLAN results affect the overall quality assessment of a school?
NAPLAN results alone do not provide a complete picture of a school's overall quality. While these results offer valuable insights into students' literacy and numeracy skills, they are just one of many factors that contribute to assessing a school's performance.
Other aspects, such as the quality of teaching, the school environment, extracurricular activities and student well-being, also play crucial roles in determining the overall quality of a school. Therefore, while NAPLAN results can be informative, they should be considered alongside other factors when evaluating a school's effectiveness.
