The four things NAPLAN tests
NAPLAN assesses reading, writing, conventions of language, and numeracy. It is not a separate syllabus — it measures the literacy and numeracy that the Australian Curriculum already expects at each year level. That is why curriculum practice is NAPLAN practice.
Sit a whole NAPLAN paper under real timing
Practising a domain at a time builds the skill. Exam mode puts the whole paper in front of a child at the real length and the real clock — Reading 39 questions, Conventions of language 52 questions in 45 minutes, Numeracy 36 to 42 questions — with the questions drawn fresh from our banks each time, so they practise pacing rather than memorising one test.
The structure and every timing come from ACARA's own assessment framework. The real test is tailored, choosing each student's next questions from how they answered the last; ours is a fixed-form paper at the same length and timing, which is what a practice paper is. The writing test is listed but not simulated — it is one open response marked by a person, and the Writing Coach is the tool for that.
When it happens, and what it looks like
Schools pick their own days inside that window, so check the exact dates with your child’s school. NAPLAN moved from May to March in 2023.
The tests are online and tailored — every student starts with a similar set of questions, and the next set gets easier or harder depending on how they answer. The conventions of language test has locked sections instead. Year 3 writing is the one test still done on paper.
Results are reported as proficiency levels rather than the old ten-band scale.
How to use this site for NAPLAN
Start with one free test in the domain you are least sure about — Test 1 is free in every subject and every year level, with no card and no account needed. Every answer option is explained, right and wrong, so a wrong guess still teaches the idea behind it. If your child is signed in, their Mastery Map fills in as they go and shows which skills are secure and which are not, against the curriculum code NAPLAN is built on.
For the writing test, the Writing Coach takes a narrative or persuasive prompt — the two text types NAPLAN uses — and gives instant feedback on spelling, punctuation, grammar and structure, quoting your child’s own sentences back to them. Year 3 families should practise on paper too, since that is how Year 3 sits it.
Common questions
When is NAPLAN 2027?
The NAPLAN test window runs 10–22 March 2027. Schools choose their own days inside that window, so check the exact dates with your child's school. NAPLAN has been held in March since 2023.
Which year levels sit NAPLAN?
Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. AceTheirTest currently covers Years 3 and 5 — the two primary year levels — with Years 7 and 9 planned.
What is tested in NAPLAN?
Four domains: reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation), and numeracy.
Is this the official NAPLAN test?
No. AceTheirTest is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to ACARA or NAPLAN. Our questions are written to the Australian Curriculum, which is what NAPLAN assesses.
Is NAPLAN done on a computer?
Yes, with one exception: Year 3 writing is still completed on paper. The other tests are online and tailored, meaning the questions a student sees get easier or harder depending on their answers.
AceTheirTest is an independent practice platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to ACARA, NAPLAN or the National Assessment Program. Our questions are written to the Australian Curriculum, which is the curriculum NAPLAN assesses.