HSC Minimum Standards

As part of the stronger HSC standards reforms announced in 2017, students in NSW must now reach a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy in order to receive the Higher School Certificate. Students must meet the standard by sitting the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) online literacy and numeracy tests. Students can start attempting to meet these standards in Year 10. Students who need to re-sit any of these tests will be given up to four opportunities per year.

Testing for Term 2 is open until Monday 20 June from 9am - 4pm on school days. An extended testing period is available from Tuesday 14 June to Monday 20 June when students can sit the online testing from 9am - 9pm.

Practice tests are available 9am to 4pm until Monday 20 June.

Testing information packs for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 were sent out in the mail in Week 2 of this term.

What the online tests involve

• Reading test - 45 multiple choice questions (maximum of 45 minutes)
• Numeracy test - 45 multiple choice questions (maximum of 45 minutes)
• Writing test - one question based on a visual or text prompt – maximum 500 words

The reading and numeracy tests use a computer adaptive test (CAT) model, so each test is tailored to the individual student’s responses to previous questions. The questions presented to a student closely match their ability, so no two students will receive exactly the same test.

If you require more information please contact

Kim McJannett (Year 10) on 9383 0252 or kim.mcjannett@det.nsw.edu.au or

Sue Cooksley (Years 11 & 12) on 9383 0304 or susan.cooksley@det.nsw.edu.au