The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to the 2026 NSW Selective Test Format

The 2026 NSW Selective Test has moved entirely to a computer-based format, with new interactive question types and stricter test-day rules - and it is natural to worry your child is rehearsing for an exam that no longer exists, or will be caught out by an unfamiliar screen. That worry is exactly what this guide is here to settle. We break down precisely what has changed and what Year 6 students need to know, so your child walks in feeling confident, prepared and free of nasty surprises.

The transition to a digital exam is one of the most significant changes to the NSW Selective High School Placement Test in recent years. While the core skills being assessed remain the same, the way students interact with the test has completely changed. For parents, understanding this new computer-based format is crucial to helping your child feel confident and prepared.

The exam is no longer taken with pen and paper in a traditional school hall. Instead, students will complete the test on devices at external test centres, using a platform very similar to NAPLAN Online. This shift means that digital literacy is now just as important as academic knowledge.

Breakdown of the Four Test Sections

The 2026 Selective Test consists of four distinct sections, all completed on a computer. Here is exactly what your child will face on test day:

• Reading Test: 17 questions (some with multiple parts) to be completed in 45 minutes. This section now includes new vocabulary cloze items where students select words from a dropdown menu to complete a passage.
• Mathematical Reasoning Test: 35 questions in 40 minutes. This section tests problem-solving skills rather than just basic arithmetic, requiring students to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Thinking Skills Test: 40 questions in 40 minutes. Often considered the most challenging section, it covers logical, spatial, and abstract reasoning.
• Writing Test: 1 open response task in 30 minutes. Students must now type their response rather than handwrite it, making typing speed and accuracy a new factor in their success.

Navigating the New Interactive Question Types

The move to a digital platform has allowed the Department of Education to introduce interactive question types that go beyond standard multiple-choice. Your child needs to be familiar with how to navigate these digital elements before test day.

In the Reading section, students will encounter drag-and-drop tasks and dropdown menus. For example, they may need to drag sentences into the correct order to form a logical paragraph or select the most appropriate vocabulary word from a dropdown list to complete a sentence.

The interface also includes digital tools that students must learn to use effectively. There is a digital timer counting down, a flag function to mark questions for review, and the ability to easily navigate back to previous questions. Practising with a similar interface is essential so these tools become second nature rather than a distraction.

Strict New Rules for Test Day

Because the test is now computer-based and held at external centres, the rules for what students can bring have become much stricter. It is vital to check your child’s bag before they leave home.

• What to bring: A printed copy of the Test Admission Ticket, two 2B pencils (for working out on the provided A3 paper), an eraser, a clear water bottle, and a substantial snack for the break. Students must wear their school uniform.
• What NOT to bring: Pens, rulers, calculators, note paper, and pencil cases are strictly forbidden.
• Watches: Only simple analog or digital watches that cannot connect to the internet or make noise are allowed. Smartwatches of any kind will result in immediate disqualification.

How to Prepare for the Digital Shift

The best way to prepare your child for the 2026 Selective Test format is to replicate the test environment at home. Reading books and doing paper-based worksheets are still valuable for building core knowledge, but they are no longer enough on their own.

Your child needs to practice reading long texts on a screen without losing focus. They need to practice typing their writing responses under time pressure. Most importantly, they need to practice navigating a digital testing platform so they don’t waste precious minutes figuring out how to use the interface on the actual test day.

Are you ready to help your child master the new computer-based format? Give them the confidence they need by practising with Test Magic’s realistic online mock exams. Our platform mirrors the real test environment, complete with digital timers and interactive question types. Start your online practice with Test Magic today!