The ACER scholarship test
7 min read ยท updated 2026-10-13
Many Australian independent schools award academic scholarships using ACER's scholarship tests. Families register through ACER's scholarship site and choose the school's test; each school decides which test level applies to which year of entry.
Test levels
- โ Primary (Level P): for entry to Years 4 to 6, with Reading and Viewing, Mathematics and Writing tests, on paper
- โ Secondary Levels 1, 2 and 3: for entry to Years 7 to 12, online or on paper; schools set which level matches each year
The secondary papers
- โ Written expression: extended writing tasks
- โ Humanities: comprehension and interpretation of unfamiliar written and visual material
- โ Mathematics: multiple choice; Levels 2 and 3 add science questions
ACER or EduTest?
Schools choose one provider, so the test your child sits depends on the school. ACER's secondary tests are three papers: Written Expression, Humanities and Mathematics, with science in the mathematics paper at Levels 2 and 3. EduTest's tests are five shorter sections: verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension and mathematics (30 minutes each) and a 15-minute writing task. If your child is applying to schools that use different providers, prepare for both: the reading and maths skills overlap, but EduTest's reasoning sections and ACER's humanities paper need their own practice.
A 12-week plan
- โ Weeks 1-4: a baseline practice paper for each test, then targeted work on the weakest one
- โ Weeks 5-8: two timed sections a week, and one piece of writing with feedback
- โ Weeks 9-11: full practice tests under exam conditions, reviewing every error
- โ Week 12: light revision, an early night and a calm morning before the test
How to register
Parents create an account on ACER's scholarship site, add their child and apply for the specific school's test. Fees and deadlines are set by each school, so check the school's scholarship page for dates.
Preparing
- โ Read widely, including non-fiction, for the humanities paper's unfamiliar texts
- โ Practise multiple-choice maths under time, including problem-solving questions
- โ At Levels 2 and 3, review core science reasoning, not just facts
- โ Write timed pieces weekly and get feedback on structure and ideas
FAQs
What is on the ACER scholarship test?๏ผ
At secondary level: written expression, humanities (comprehension and interpretation) and mathematics, with science added at Levels 2 and 3.
Which level should my child sit?๏ผ
The school decides which level matches its year of entry; it is shown when you apply for that school's test.
How do I register?๏ผ
Through ACER's scholarship site: create a parent account, add your child and choose the school's test.
Is ACER harder than EduTest?๏ผ
They test different mixes of skills; schools choose one, so prepare for the test your school uses.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-13.
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