What score does my child need for an opportunity class?

There is no fixed cut-off. Results are rank-based and the level needed differs by opportunity class and year. The NSW Department of Education does not publish minimum entry scores.

⭐ NSW · Year 4 (Year 5 placement)

NSW Opportunity Class (OC) Test Practice

Q: What year does my child sit the OC test?

Children sit it in Year 4 and successful applicants start in an opportunity class in Year 5 the following year.

Q: Is the OC test on a computer?

Yes. From 2026 the OC test is computer-based, sat at an allocated NSW test centre.

Give your Year 4 child the best chance at an Opportunity Class place with realistic, exam-style practice that mirrors the computer-based OC Placement Test.

Try a free test See what's covered

Free diagnostic test · Just register — no payment details needed

Complete OC Test Package

ReadingMultiple tests

Mathematical ReasoningMultiple tests

Thinking SkillsMultiple tests

FormatComputer-based

From$39/ month

1-month, 3-month & 1-year options · Cancel anytime

Get full access Start with a free test

The complete guide

What is the NSW Opportunity Class (OC) test?

The Opportunity Class Placement Test decides entry to NSW opportunity classes — academically selective Year 5–6 classes in selected public primary schools, for high-potential and gifted students. Children sit it in Year 4 and successful applicants start in an opportunity class in Year 5.

From 2026 the test is computer-based, sat at an allocated test centre. It has three multiple-choice sections — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills. Unlike the Selective High School test, there is no writing task.

At a glance

Who sits itYear 4 students

For entry intoYear 5 (OC class)

Sections3 (no writing)

FormatComputer-based

Working time~110 minutes

WhereNSW test centres

The three sections

What's on the test

Three multiple-choice sections, each equally weighted. There is no writing task in the OC test.

📖

Reading

~14 questions (multi-part) · ~40 min

Comprehension across several text types. Some questions have multiple parts, so there are more answers than questions.

➗

Mathematical Reasoning

~35 questions · ~40 min

Problem-solving and reasoning from primary maths. It rewards working things out, not recalling formulas.

🧩

Thinking Skills

~30 questions · ~30 min

Logic, deduction and critical reasoning with no prior knowledge needed. Often the section that separates top scorers.

Total working time is about 110 minutes, plus breaks. The Department can vary the exact number of questions and timing each year — confirm the current specification on the official site before your child's test.

Scoring & placement

How scores and offers work

Academic merit only. Offers are based on the three test sections alone — school assessment scores and teacher recommendations are not used.
Rank-based, no pass mark. Results show how your child performed relative to other applicants, not a percentage correct.
No published minimum scores. The mark needed differs by opportunity class and by year, depending on demand and how applicants perform.
You list up to four schools in order of preference and can receive an initial offer from only one.
Reserve lists (bands A–E) estimate how likely and how soon a later offer might come as places are declined, up to the end of Term 1.
Equity Placement Model. Up to 20% of places are reserved for high-potential students who experience educational disadvantage, considered automatically on the same test.

Key dates & applying

When it happens, and how to apply

The cycle runs to the same rhythm every year:

Applications openNovember

Applications closeFebruary

Test heldMay (Term 2)

Make-up test~2 weeks later

Outcomes releasedTerm 3 (late Sept)

Note the calendar shifted in recent years — the test now runs in May (it used to be July/August), and children are in Year 3 when applications open. Exact dates change every year — always confirm the current cycle on the NSW Department of Education website. Applications are made online by a parent or carer.

How to prepare

Preparing the right way

The OC test measures thinking and reasoning, not memorised content, so the most useful preparation is familiarity and confidence — knowing the on-screen format, pacing each section, and reading widely over time.

Start early and space practice over months — not a last-minute cram.
Practise on a computer, under time, so test day feels familiar.
Build a daily reading habit — it lifts Reading and Thinking Skills together.
Review every mistake — understanding why an answer is wrong is where the gains are.

Start with a free test

See exactly where your child stands with a free, exam-style diagnostic across the OC sections — with an instant skills report. No payment details needed.

Try a free test See the OC package

Common questions

OC test FAQ

What year does my child sit the OC test?

Children sit it in Year 4, and successful applicants start in an opportunity class in Year 5 the following year.

What's the difference between the OC test and the Selective test?

The OC test is for Year 5 entry to opportunity classes and has three sections with no writing task. The Selective test is for Year 7 entry to selective high schools and includes a writing task.

Does the OC test have a writing section?

No. The OC test is entirely multiple-choice: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills.

Is the OC test on a computer now?

Yes. From 2026 the test is computer-based, sat at an allocated NSW test centre.

What score does my child need?

There is no fixed cut-off. Results are rank-based and the level needed differs by opportunity class and by year. The Department does not publish minimum entry scores.

How many OC schools can I list?

You can list up to four opportunity classes in order of preference on a single application.

Does my child need a tutor?

No special tutoring is required. Familiarity with the format, timed practice and wide reading help most. Free official sample tests are available.

When is the test and when do results come out?

The test is held in May (Term 2) and outcomes are released in Term 3. Exact dates change each year — confirm them on the NSW Department of Education site.

Last reviewed June 2026. Test facts are drawn from the NSW Department of Education (OC placement test and information for applicants). Dates and details change each year — always confirm the current cycle on the Department website. Test Magic is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NSW Department of Education.