The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is a well-known assessment that challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in various subjects. As a parent, you might be wondering whether your child should participate in the 2025 ICAS. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about the ICAS to help you make an informed decision for your child's learning.
Table of Contents
What Is the ICAS and What Does It Stand For?
The ICAS, which stands for International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, is a series of exams designed to assess students' skills in various academic areas including Mathematics, English, Science, Writing, Spelling and Digital Technologies. These assessments are used globally to gauge students’ performance relative to their peers.
ICAS is different from standard school exams because it challenges students with higher-order thinking skills and problem-solving tasks. It is often considered an opportunity for students to extend themselves beyond the regular curriculum and is aimed at students who want to benchmark their abilities on a national and international level.
Who Can Sit the ICAS?
The ICAS is available to students from Year 2 to Year 12 in Australia. This broad range means that students at different stages of their academic journey can participate.
Each year, thousands of students across Australia and other countries take part in the ICAS. In Australia alone, participation is substantial with many schools encouraging their students to take the tests as a way to gauge academic progress.
Overview of ICAS
1) How to Register for ICAS
Registration for ICAS is usually managed by the school your child attends. Schools will typically send out information about the upcoming ICAS assessments, including how to register your child.
Parents can also register their children directly through the ICAS website if the school does not offer the assessment.
2) Types of ICAS Tests
ICAS offers a range of test subjects for Year 2-12 Australian students. Each test is designed to challenge students in specific areas, assessing both their knowledge and their ability to apply what they have learned in unfamiliar contexts.
ICAS TEST | YEAR LEVEL | TEST DURATION |
Digital Technologies | Years 2-7 | 30-40 minutes depending on year level |
Science | Years 2-12 | 45-60 minutes depending on year level |
Spelling Bee | Years 2-7 | 40 minutes |
Writing | Years 3-12 | 35 minutes |
English | Years 2-12 | 35-60 minutes depending on year level |
Mathematics | Years 2-12 | 35-60 minutes depending on year level |
3) Cost of ICAS Tests
The cost of participating in the ICAS varies depending on the subject and the year level. Typically, the fees range between $15 and $20 per subject. Some schools might cover the cost for students but in most cases, parents will need to pay the registration fee.
ICAS TEST | AUSTRALIA ($, incl. GST) |
Digital Technologies | $19.95 |
Science | $19.95 |
English | $19.95 |
Mathematics | $19.95 |
Spelling Bee | $19.95 |
Writing | $23.9 |
Why Should My Child Sit the ICAS in 2025?
Academic Benchmarking
One of the key reasons to consider ICAS for your child is the opportunity for academic benchmarking. ICAS provides a unique opportunity to compare your child's performance against students from across Australia and the world. This can be a great way to see where your child excels and where they might need extra support.
Encouraging a Growth Mindset
Participating in ICAS can encourage a growth mindset in your child. The challenge of preparing for and sitting the exams can help students develop resilience and a love for learning. It’s an opportunity for them to push beyond their comfort zone and strive for excellence.
Recognition and Awards
Students who perform exceptionally well in ICAS are often recognised with certificates of merit, distinction and high distinction. These awards can be a great boost to your child’s confidence and motivation. Additionally, students who achieve top scores may be eligible for medals and other recognitions, providing a tangible reward for their hard work.
Preparing for Future Exams
Sitting the ICAS is also excellent preparation for future high-stakes exams. The experience of working under timed conditions, dealing with challenging questions and managing exam stress will serve your child well in later years, particularly for important exams like NAPLAN, school assessments and even university entrance exams.
ICAS results can be a great academic indicator of your child's learning strengths which can help you better understand how to support their education.
Is ICAS Difficult?
Level of Difficulty
The ICAS is designed to be challenging. It is not just about recalling information but applying knowledge in new and complex ways. The questions often require higher-order thinking, problem-solving and critical analysis, which can be demanding for students.
Year-specific Content
However, it’s important to note that the ICAS exams are designed to be accessible to a wide range of students. The difficulty level is tailored to the year level of the student, so while the tests are challenging, they are also appropriate for the age group.
ICAS is intended to stretch students' abilities but it is also meant to be achievable. The goal is to challenge students in a way that is motivating rather than discouraging.
Comparison with Regular School Tests
Compared to regular school exams, ICAS is generally more difficult because it goes beyond the standard curriculum. The questions are designed to test deeper understanding and the ability to think critically about a subject.
Sitting the ICAS can help boost your child's problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
What Is the Difference Between NAPLAN and ICAS?
Both the NAPLAN and ICAS are voluntary exams that you are opt in and out of. We recommend using the results of these tests as diagnostic tools to help better understand your child's learning capabilities and any areas they may need more support in.
Purpose of NAPLAN
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a series of tests that are mandatory for Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The primary purpose of NAPLAN is to assess basic literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for everyday academic success.
Topics assessed in the NAPLAN:
Digital Technologies
Science
Spelling Bee
Writing
English
Mathematics
Purpose of ICAS
ICAS, on the other hand, is a voluntary assessment that measures a broader range of skills, including higher-order thinking and problem-solving. While NAPLAN is focused on foundational skills, ICAS tests are more about assessing a student’s ability to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts and solve complex problems.
Topics assessed in ICAS:
Numeracy (calculator and non-calculator)
Language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar)
Reading and comprehension
Writing
Is ICAS harder than NAPLAN?
In general, yes. ICAS is considered more challenging than NAPLAN because it tests beyond the basics and includes questions that require critical thinking and application of knowledge rather than just recall.
Global vs. National
Another key difference is that NAPLAN is restricted to Australian schools, while ICAS is an international competition, allowing your child to be assessed against peers globally.
Both NAPLAN and ICAS are valuable but they serve different purposes. NAPLAN provides a snapshot of essential skills while ICAS offers a deeper look at a student's potential and ability to excel in more advanced areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Should My Child Be to Sit ICAS?
ICAS is available for students from Year 2 to Year 12. Most students start participating in ICAS around Year 3, but it’s never too late to begin, especially if your child shows strong interest or aptitude in a particular subject.
How Often Is ICAS Held?
The ICAS is held annually, usually between August and September. Schools will typically communicate the exact dates for each subject well in advance.
How Can I Help My Child Prepare for ICAS?
Preparation for ICAS can include reviewing past papers, practising higher-order thinking skills, and ensuring your child is comfortable with the test format. Encouraging a positive attitude towards challenges and learning can also be very beneficial.
Is It Necessary for My Child to Take ICAS Every Year?
It’s not necessary, but if your child enjoys the challenge and you want to track their progress over time, participating in ICAS annually can be advantageous.
What Should I Do If My Child Finds ICAS Too Difficult?
If your child finds ICAS too challenging, it’s important to focus on the learning experience rather than the results. Discuss the difficulties with your child’s teacher, who may offer additional support or resources to help them improve.
Are ICAS Assessments Worth It?
Yes, ICAS assessments are often considered worth it because they provide an opportunity for students to challenge themselves academically and benchmark their performance against peers nationally and internationally. They also help identify areas of strength and where improvement is needed, offering valuable feedback.
Is ICAS Harder Than NAPLAN?
In general, ICAS is considered more challenging than NAPLAN. While NAPLAN assesses basic literacy and numeracy skills, ICAS focuses on higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and the application of knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, making it a more demanding assessment.
Is ICAS Compulsory?
No, ICAS is not compulsory. It is a voluntary assessment that students can choose to participate in if they are interested in testing their skills and benchmarking their performance on a broader scale.
What Are the Benefits of ICAS?
The benefits of ICAS include academic benchmarking, the opportunity to develop a growth mindset, recognition through awards, and preparation for future exams. It challenges students to go beyond the standard curriculum and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable for academic success.