NSW Selective High School Placement Test Guide

Format + what to practise first (so you’re not wasting time)

In NSW alone, 15,000+ students compete for ~3,600 places. The fastest way to improve outcomes is simple: understand the format, practise the right skills first, then build speed with timed work.
(Source: Examinate homepage stats — see References)

What’s in the test (current structure)

The NSW Department of Education describes the Selective High School Placement Test as a computer-based test with 4 sections, each worth 25%:

Reading Test: 45 minutes (17 questions; some have multiple parts)
Mathematical Reasoning Test: 40 minutes (35 questions)
Thinking Skills Test: 40 minutes (40 questions)
Writing Test: 30 minutes (1 task)

You cannot use a calculator or dictionary, but you can do working out/planning on paper.
(See References)

What to practise first (highest-return order)

If you’re starting from scratch or short on time, follow this order:

Timed multiple-choice habits (all sections)
Learn to work under a clock: move on, come back, avoid time-sinks.
Reading comprehension
Reading speed + accuracy affects both Reading and your ability to interpret wordy problems.
Mathematical Reasoning (no calculator)
Build number sense, estimation, and multi-step reasoning.
Thinking Skills (logic/patterns)
Learn common question types and practise recognition.
Writing (weekly, timed)
Consistency beats intensity: one timed piece per week + feedback.

Section-by-section: what it tests + how to train it

1) Reading (45 minutes)

NSW Education notes the Reading questions use a diverse range of texts (for example: non-fiction, fiction, poetry, magazine articles, reports).
The student guide transcript also notes you’ll provide 38 answers across 17 questions.
(See References)

What to practise

Finding evidence quickly (“which line proves the answer?”)
Inference (what is implied, not just stated)
Comparison questions (two short extracts on the same theme)

Fast practice (15 minutes)

1 short passage + 6–10 questions timed
Review mistakes: write why the right option is right (one sentence)

2) Mathematical Reasoning (35 questions, 40 minutes)

Multiple choice problem solving; no calculator.
(See References)

What to practise

Estimation and checking options (use answer choices to your advantage)
Multi-step word problems
Working layout on paper (clean steps, minimal scribble)

Fast practice (15 minutes)

10 mixed questions timed
Redo any missed question 24–48 hours later (spaced repetition)

3) Thinking Skills (40 questions, 40 minutes)

NSW Education describes this as assessing critical thinking and problem-solving, and says no previous knowledge is required.
(See References)

What to practise

Pattern recognition
Rule-based logic (“if/then”, constraints)
Rapid elimination (why three options are wrong)

Fast practice (10 minutes)

8 questions timed
Track “slow question types” and drill them twice per week

4) Writing (1 task, 30 minutes)

NSW Education describes Writing as assessing:

creativity of ideas
ability to write effectively for purpose/audience
grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary

It also states: if the writing does not address the topic, it will be marked lower.
(See References)

What to practise (simple routine)

5 minutes: plan (dot points)
20 minutes: write
5 minutes: edit (fix clarity + mistakes)

Practical structure

Intro (answer the prompt clearly)
2–3 body paragraphs (one idea each)
Conclusion (restate + finish strong)

How to use practice tests (so they actually help)

NSW Education provides free practice resources and notes coaching/tutoring isn’t necessary; it also warns that too much coaching can harm wellbeing.
(See References)

Use this loop:

Timed set
Mark + categorise mistakes (misread / time / strategy / careless)
Redo the same questions later
Only then increase difficulty or time pressure

Test-day basics (quick wins)

Expect a computer-based sitting in a test centre (often a local high school).
Use time checkpoints: don’t donate minutes to one hard question.
For Writing: plan first, stay on the prompt, leave 2–3 minutes to tidy.