Is the HAST the same test as the NSW Selective High School Placement Test?

No — they are two completely different tests. The HAST is developed by ACER and used by 60+ private and independent schools across four states. The NSW Selective Test is administered by the NSW Department of Education and used exclusively for entry into 47 NSW government selective high schools.

Does my child need to sit both the HAST and the NSW Selective Test?

It depends on where your child is applying. If only applying to government selective schools, only the NSW Selective Test is needed. If applying to HAST schools (private or partially selective), only the HAST is needed. If applying to both types — common in NSW — your child may need to prepare for both, though many skills overlap.

Which test is harder — the HAST or the NSW Selective Test?

Both are demanding reasoning assessments. The NSW Selective Test has four components including a Writing task and is highly competitive for entry to schools like James Ruse and North Sydney. The HAST difficulty varies by school — entry to BSHS is highly competitive while some HAST schools are less so.

What components does the HAST have compared to the NSW Selective Test?

The HAST has four components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression. The NSW Selective Test also has four components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing. The HAST's Abstract Reasoning section has no direct equivalent in the NSW Selective Test.

When are the HAST and NSW Selective Test held each year?

The NSW Selective Test is typically held in March (for Year 7 entry the following year). HAST test dates vary by school — each participating school sets its own test schedule. Always confirm test dates directly with the individual schools your child is applying to.

Is the HAST the same test as the NSW Selective High School Placement Test?

No — they are two completely different tests. The HAST is developed by ACER and used by 60+ private and independent schools across four states. The NSW Selective Test is administered by the NSW Department of Education and used exclusively for entry into 47 NSW government selective high schools.

Does my child need to sit both the HAST and the NSW Selective Test?

It depends on where your child is applying. If only applying to government selective schools, only the NSW Selective Test is needed. If applying to HAST schools (private or partially selective), only the HAST is needed. If applying to both types — common in NSW — your child may need to prepare for both, though many skills overlap.

Which test is harder — the HAST or the NSW Selective Test?

Both are demanding reasoning assessments. The NSW Selective Test has four components including a Writing task and is highly competitive for entry to schools like James Ruse and North Sydney. The HAST difficulty varies by school — entry to BSHS is highly competitive while some HAST schools are less so.

What components does the HAST have compared to the NSW Selective Test?

The HAST has four components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression. The NSW Selective Test also has four components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing. The HAST's Abstract Reasoning section has no direct equivalent in the NSW Selective Test.

When are the HAST and NSW Selective Test held each year?

The NSW Selective Test is typically held in March (for Year 7 entry the following year). HAST test dates vary by school — each participating school sets its own test schedule. Always confirm test dates directly with the individual schools your child is applying to.

HAST vs Selective Test: Key | Braintree Coaching Australia

The HAST (developed by ACER) and the NSW Selective High School Placement Test are two separate exams used for different school systems. The HAST is used by 60+ schools across four states; the NSW Selective Test is specific to 47 NSW government selective high schools. Some families — especially in NSW — need to prepare for both.

HAST vs Selective Test: Understanding the Two Pathways to Selective Schools

If you're researching selective schools in Australia, you've almost certainly encountered two test names: the HAST and the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. For many parents, the confusion starts right there — are these the same exam? Do you need to sit both? Which one applies to your child?

The short answer is that these are two entirely different tests, administered by different organisations, used by different schools, and structured in fundamentally different ways. Understanding the difference between HAST and selective testing pathways is one of the most important first steps in planning your child's selective school journey.

The HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) is developed and administered by ACER, and is used by over 60 schools across four Australian states. The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a state-government-run exam specifically for entry into 47 NSW government selective schools. Some families will need to prepare for just one of these tests. Others — particularly those applying to both fully selective and partially selective schools in NSW — may need to prepare for both.

In this guide, you'll discover:

The fundamental differences between the HAST and the NSW Selective Test
Which test components each exam includes and how they're structured
Which schools use the HAST versus the state Selective Test
How registration, test dates, and results delivery differ
Whether your child needs to sit one or both exams
How to build a preparation plan that covers both tests effectively
Answers to the most common parent questions about these exams

What's Inside This Guide

Navigate to the section most relevant to your family's situation

What Is the HAST?
What Is the NSW Selective Test?
Key Differences at a Glance
Test Format and Structure
Which Test Does Your Child Need?
Schools That Use Each Test
Registration and Test Dates
Preparing for Both Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources and Next Steps

What Is the HAST?

The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is a standardised aptitude test developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It has been used for over 50 years and is one of the most established academic selection instruments in Australian education.

Unlike curriculum-based tests that assess what a student has been taught, the HAST is designed to measure innate aptitude and reasoning ability. This distinction is critical for parents to understand — the HAST doesn't test whether your child has memorised specific content. Instead, it evaluates how well they think, reason, and solve unfamiliar problems.

The HAST is used by over 60 schools across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, making it a truly national assessment. In NSW specifically, many partially selective high schools use the HAST as their admissions tool rather than the state-run Selective Test.

There are two versions of the HAST:

HAST-P (Primary): Designed for students entering Years 5–6
HAST Secondary: Designed for students entering Years 7–11

The HAST-P includes four components: Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression. The Written Expression component requires students to write two essays, which are then human double-marked — a distinctive feature that sets this test apart from many other assessments.

The HAST is a paper-based test. In an era when many assessments have moved online, this is worth noting because it means your child will be writing by hand, including their essays. Strong handwriting and the ability to organise thoughts on paper remain important skills for HAST candidates.

What Is the NSW Selective High School Placement Test?

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is the state government's official assessment for entry into Year 7 at 47 NSW government selective schools. It is administered by the NSW Department of Education in partnership with Cambridge Assessment and takes place on one centralised test date each year.

This test is computer-based, which represents one of the most significant practical differences from the HAST. Students sit the exam at external test centres on computers, and the Writing component requires them to type their response. The Department of Education recommends that students be able to type at 30–35 words per minute to comfortably complete the test.

The NSW Selective Test is open to Year 6 students seeking entry into Year 7 at a selective school. It does not cater to other year levels — if your child is seeking entry at Year 8 or above, the HAST or another school-specific assessment may apply instead.

The test has four equally weighted components, each worth 25% of the total score:

Reading: 17 questions (including 3 multi-part questions), 45 minutes
Mathematical Reasoning: 35 questions, 40 minutes
Thinking Skills: 40 questions, 40 minutes
Writing: 1 task, 30 minutes

The total test time is 155 minutes. Registration is handled through the Department of Education's centralised online system, and results are typically released in Term 3 of the testing year.

With approximately 4,248 places available for over 17,000 applicants each year, the NSW Selective Test is highly competitive. The system also includes a 20% equity placement model to support access for students from diverse backgrounds.

NSW Selective Test at a Glance

Key numbers every parent should know

47: Selective Schools25 fully selective, 22 partially selective
155 min: Total Test TimeAcross four equally weighted components
4: Test ComponentsReading, Maths, Thinking Skills, Writing
Term 3: Results ReleasedSeveral months after the test date

Key Differences at a Glance

This is where most parents want to start — a clear, side-by-side comparison of the two tests. The following table highlights every major difference between the HAST and the NSW Selective Test.

A comprehensive comparison of Australia's two main selective school entry assessments

HAST vs NSW Selective Test
Feature	Option 1	Option 2	Verdict
Administering Body	ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research)	NSW Department of Education with Cambridge Assessment	Different organisations with different testing philosophies
Test Format	Paper-based (handwritten)	Computer-based (typed)	HAST requires strong handwriting; Selective requires typing skills
Number of Components	4: Reading, Maths, Abstract Reasoning, Written Expression	4: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, Writing	Same number, different component names and structures
Writing Task	Written Expression — 2 essays (~25 min), human double-marked	Writing — 1 task (30 min), typed	HAST is more writing-intensive with two separate pieces
Year Levels	HAST-P: Years 5–6; HAST Secondary: Years 7–11	Year 7 entry only (sat by Year 6 students)	HAST covers a much wider range of year levels
Schools Using It	60+ schools across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA	47 NSW government selective schools	HAST has broader national reach; Selective is NSW-specific
Test Dates	Schools choose their own test dates	One centralised test date state-wide	HAST offers more scheduling flexibility
Registration	Through individual schools directly	Centralised online system via DoE	Different registration processes to manage
Results Timeline	Within 10 working days	Released in Term 3	HAST delivers results significantly faster
Test Philosophy	Aptitude-focused — not tied to curriculum	Reasoning-focused but includes some curriculum elements	Both test reasoning, but HAST is more purely aptitude-based
Science Component	HAST Secondary includes Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning	No science component	Only HAST Secondary tests scientific reasoning
Abstract/Thinking Skills	Abstract Reasoning (pattern recognition, non-verbal)	Thinking Skills (similar but distinct format)	Both assess reasoning but with different question styles

Test Format and Structure in Detail

Understanding the structural differences between these two tests is essential for effective preparation. While both assessments evaluate reasoning and academic ability, they do so in markedly different ways.

HAST-P (Primary) Structure

The HAST-P, designed for students entering Years 5–6, includes four components:

Reading Comprehension: Approximately 35–40 questions in around 45 minutes. Passages test inference, vocabulary in context, and comprehension of complex texts.
Mathematics: Approximately 28–35 questions in around 40 minutes. Focuses on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving rather than rote calculation.
Abstract Reasoning: Approximately 30 questions in around 30 minutes. Non-verbal pattern recognition — identifying relationships between shapes, sequences, and visual elements.
Written Expression: Two essays in approximately 25 minutes. Students must demonstrate the ability to construct arguments, express ideas clearly, and write with mechanical accuracy — all by hand.

NSW Selective Test Structure

The NSW Selective Test is a 155-minute, computer-based exam with four equally weighted components (25% each):

Reading: 17 questions (including 3 multi-part), 45 minutes. Tests comprehension, inference, and analysis of various text types.
Mathematical Reasoning: 35 questions, 40 minutes. Assesses mathematical problem-solving with a reasoning emphasis.
Thinking Skills: 40 questions, 40 minutes. Evaluates logical, spatial, and abstract reasoning — similar in spirit to HAST's Abstract Reasoning but with a distinct question format.
Writing: 1 task, 30 minutes. Students type a single extended response. The Department of Education recommends typing proficiency of 30–35 words per minute.

Critical Format Differences

The paper vs computer distinction has real implications for preparation. HAST candidates need to practise handwriting fluency, particularly for the Written Expression component where they must produce two essays within a tight timeframe. NSW Selective candidates, meanwhile, need keyboard proficiency and comfort with on-screen reading and navigation.

The writing components also differ significantly. The HAST requires two separate essays, testing a student's ability to switch between topics and manage time across multiple pieces. The NSW Selective requires one writing task over 30 minutes, allowing more time for planning, drafting, and reviewing a single response.

Which Test Does Your Child Need?

This is the question that matters most to families. The answer depends on which schools you're targeting and what year level your child is entering.

Your Child Needs the NSW Selective Test If:

Your child is in Year 6 and you're applying for Year 7 entry at any of the 25 fully selective NSW government schools — schools like Sydney Boys High School, Sydney Girls High School, James Ruse Agricultural High School, North Sydney Boys High School, North Sydney Girls High School, Baulkham Hills High School, or Girraween High School.

These fully selective schools use only the NSW Selective High School Placement Test for admissions. There is no alternative pathway.

Your Child Needs the HAST If:

Your child is applying to a partially selective school that uses the HAST for its selective stream admissions. In NSW, many partially selective schools — such as Chatswood High School, Castle Hill High School, Cheltenham Girls High School, Willoughby Girls High School, Homebush Boys High School, Gosford High School, and others — use the HAST rather than the state Selective Test.

The HAST is also required if your child is applying to selective or academically selective schools in Victoria, Queensland, or South Australia that use ACER assessments.

Additionally, if your child is seeking entry at year levels other than Year 7 (for example, Years 8–11), the HAST Secondary is often the relevant test, as the NSW Selective Test only covers Year 7 entry.

Your Child May Need Both Tests If:

Many families in NSW apply to both fully selective and partially selective schools. In this scenario, your child would need to sit:

The NSW Selective Test for fully selective school applications
The HAST for partially selective school applications

Since these are run by different organisations on different dates, it is entirely possible — and common — to sit both.

The biggest mistake I see parents make is assuming one test covers all selective schools. In reality, the fully selective and partially selective pathways in NSW use different exams entirely. Planning for both from the start saves enormous stress later.

BrainTree Coaching, Selective School Preparation Specialists

Schools That Use Each Test

Understanding which schools use which test helps you map out your application strategy clearly.

Schools Using the NSW Selective Test (Fully Selective)

The 25 fully selective high schools in NSW use exclusively the state-run Selective Test. These are among the most competitive schools in the country and include well-known institutions across Sydney's regions:

North Shore: North Sydney Boys High School, North Sydney Girls High School, Hornsby Girls High School
Western Sydney: Girraween High School, Penrith Selective High School
Hills District: Baulkham Hills High School
Inner West/South: Sydney Boys High School, Sydney Girls High School, Fort Street High School

There are also 22 partially selective schools that offer selective streams alongside their comprehensive intake. However, many of these partially selective schools use the HAST rather than the state test.

Schools Using the HAST (Partially Selective and Others)

Over 60 schools across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia use the HAST. In NSW, notable partially selective schools that use the HAST include:

North Shore: Chatswood High School, Willoughby Girls High School, Cheltenham Girls High School, Northern Beaches Secondary College
Western Sydney: Blacktown Girls High School, Granville Boys High School, Castle Hill High School, Northmead High School, Macquarie Fields High School, Sefton High School
Hills District: Castle Hill High School, Pennant Hills High School
Inner West/South: Canterbury Boys High School, St George Girls High School, Beverly Hills Girls High School, Homebush Boys High School
Central Coast: Gosford High School, Gorokan High School, Narara Valley High School

This broader reach means the HAST is relevant not just for NSW families but for families across multiple states considering academically selective schooling.

Registration and Test Dates

The registration and scheduling processes for these two tests are fundamentally different, and understanding these differences is crucial for meeting deadlines.

How Registration Works for Each Test

1.NSW Selective Test: Centralised Online Registration
Applications are submitted through the NSW Department of Education's online system. There is one application period each year (typically opening in Term 4 of the year before the test), one centralised test date, and families list their school preferences in ranked order. All applicants sit the same test on the same day across NSW.
2.HAST: Register Through Individual Schools
Each school that uses the HAST manages its own registration process. You apply directly to the school (or schools) your child is interested in. Because schools choose their own test dates, you may be able to sit the HAST at multiple schools on different dates — though the same HAST scores will apply if you sit the same version.
3.Check Deadlines Early
NSW Selective Test registration typically closes months before the test. HAST deadlines vary by school. Create a calendar with every school's specific deadline and set reminders at least two weeks before each one.
4.Plan for Both If Needed
If your child is applying to both fully selective and partially selective schools, you'll need to complete two separate registration processes — one through the DoE system and one (or more) through individual HAST schools. Start this planning early in Year 5.

Results and What Happens Next

The results timelines also differ considerably:

HAST results are returned within 10 working days of the test. This rapid turnaround means families receive feedback relatively quickly and can plan accordingly.
NSW Selective Test results are released in Term 3 — several months after the test is sat. This longer waiting period can be stressful, but it reflects the scale of the centralised assessment and placement process.

For the NSW Selective Test, results are accompanied by school placement offers based on your ranked preferences and your child's score relative to other applicants. For the HAST, results are sent to both the family and the school(s), and individual schools then make their own admissions decisions.

Preparing for Both Tests

Many families find themselves needing to prepare for both the HAST and the NSW Selective Test simultaneously. While this might seem daunting, the good news is that the core skills overlap significantly. Both tests assess reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, and abstract or logical thinking.

Where the Tests Overlap

The foundational skills for both tests are remarkably similar:

Reading comprehension: Both tests require students to analyse complex texts, make inferences, identify main ideas, and understand vocabulary in context.
Mathematical reasoning: Both emphasise problem-solving and reasoning over rote computation. A student with strong mathematical thinking will perform well on either test.
Abstract and logical reasoning: The HAST's Abstract Reasoning and the Selective Test's Thinking Skills both assess pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and logical deduction — though the specific question formats differ.

Where Preparation Diverges

Despite the overlap, targeted preparation for each test's unique features is essential:

Writing: The HAST requires two handwritten essays, while the Selective Test requires one typed response. Your child should practise both handwriting fluency and typing speed, and become comfortable with both single-task and dual-task writing formats.
Scientific reasoning: If your child is sitting the HAST Secondary (Years 7–11), the Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning component introduces scientific concepts that don't appear in the NSW Selective Test.
Test medium: Practise under paper-based conditions for the HAST and computer-based conditions for the Selective Test. The experience of reading passages on screen versus on paper is genuinely different.

Dual-Test Preparation Checklist

Build strong reading comprehension skills across fiction and non-fiction texts
Develop mathematical reasoning through problem-solving (not just computation drills)
Practise abstract and spatial reasoning with pattern recognition exercises
Work on handwriting speed and neatness for HAST Written Expression
Build typing speed to 30–35 WPM for NSW Selective Writing component
Practise timed writing — both single-essay (30 min) and dual-essay (~25 min) formats
Complete practice papers under realistic conditions for both paper and computer formats
Familiarise your child with the specific question styles of each test
Create a preparation timeline that allocates time to shared skills and test-specific skills
Book in mock tests that replicate the conditions of each exam

Suggested 6-Month Preparation Timeline

Foundation Phase
Months 1–2
- Build core reasoning skills that apply to both tests
Daily reading of varied texts (fiction, non-fiction, opinion) · Mathematical problem-solving practice (3–4 sessions per week) · Introduction to abstract reasoning question types · Baseline diagnostic to identify strengths and gaps
Skill Development Phase
Months 3–4
- Deepen skills and introduce test-specific preparation
Targeted reading comprehension practice with timed conditions · Advanced mathematical reasoning problems · Regular abstract reasoning drills · Handwriting fluency practice for HAST · Typing speed development for Selective Test · Weekly timed writing practice — alternating single and dual-essay formats
Exam Readiness Phase
Months 5–6
- Test-specific practice under realistic conditions
Full HAST practice papers under paper-based, timed conditions · Full NSW Selective practice tests under computer-based, timed conditions · Mock exams with realistic timing and environment · Review of weak areas based on practice test performance · Stress management and exam-day strategy discussions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child sit both the HAST and the NSW Selective Test?

Yes. Because these are separate tests run by different organisations on different dates, your child can sit both. This is common for families applying to a mix of fully selective and partially selective schools in NSW.

Is one test harder than the other?

They're different rather than harder or easier. The HAST is a pure aptitude test that doesn't rely on curriculum knowledge, while the NSW Selective Test is reasoning-focused but may include some curriculum-aligned elements. Some students find the HAST's abstract reasoning more challenging; others struggle more with the Selective Test's Thinking Skills format. The best approach is to practise with materials specific to each test.

My child is applying to a partially selective school — which test do they need?

Most partially selective schools in NSW use the HAST. However, you should confirm directly with the school, as admissions processes can vary. Check the school's website or contact their enrolment office.

Does preparing for one test help with the other?

Absolutely. The core skills — reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, and logical thinking — are shared across both tests. A student who prepares well for one will have a strong foundation for the other. The main areas requiring separate preparation are the writing format (handwritten vs typed, two essays vs one) and familiarity with each test's specific question styles.

What if my child is applying for a year level other than Year 7?

The NSW Selective Test only covers Year 7 entry (sat in Year 6). For entry at other year levels — such as Years 8, 9, 10, or 11 — the HAST Secondary is typically the relevant assessment. Contact the specific school for confirmation.

How do results work differently?

HAST results are returned within 10 working days directly to families and schools. NSW Selective Test results are released in Term 3, with school placement offers based on your child's score and preference rankings. The HAST gives schools the results, and each school then makes its own admissions decisions independently.

Is the HAST only used in NSW?

No. The HAST is used by over 60 schools across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. It's a national assessment, making it relevant for families considering selective schooling options in multiple states.

Should we focus preparation on one test or both?

If your child is only applying to fully selective schools, focus entirely on the NSW Selective Test. If they're only applying to HAST schools, focus on the HAST. If you're applying to both types of schools — which many families do — build a preparation plan that develops shared core skills while also including targeted practice for each test's unique components.

Prepare Your Child for Selective School Success

BrainTree's structured courses build the reasoning, comprehension, and writing skills needed for both the HAST and NSW Selective Test — with targeted practice for each exam's unique format.

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Related Preparation Resources

For course-based preparation, the HAST Ultimate Pack covers all four HAST components, and the NSW Selective Ultimate Pack covers Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing. Download a free EduTest sample paper to benchmark reasoning question difficulty before beginning structured practice.

Whether your child needs the HAST, the NSW Selective Test, or both — Braintree Coaching Australia has structured preparation courses for both assessment pathways.

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