NAPLAN Practice Test

Free NAPLAN Study Tools

Interactive NAPLAN resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• NAPLAN Grammar and Punctuation — 8 questions with answer explanations
• NAPLAN flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• NAPLAN study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• NAPLAN cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

NAPLAN Exam at a Glance

What changed for NAPLAN in 2026

• Oct 28, 2026: Other (update 2027-03-10) changed to The scheduled NAPLAN test window for 2027 is 10–22 March 2027, followed by 15–27 March 2028 and 14–26 March 2029. (previously The NAPLAN 2027 test window is 10–22 March 2027; the 2028 window is 15–27 March and the 2029 window is 14–26 March.).^[6]
• Oct 28, 2026: Passing score changed to No pass mark; 4 proficiency levels (previously No pass mark: 4 proficiency levels).^[2]
• Oct 28, 2026: Retake policy changed to Catch-up tests only within 9-day window (previously Catch-up tests only, within the 9-day window).^[1]
• Oct 28, 2026: Delivery changed to Online and adaptive; Year 3 writing on paper (previously Online and adaptive at school; Year 3 writing on paper).^[3]
• Oct 28, 2026: Eligibility changed to Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 (previously All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9).^[4]

NAPLAN Study Tips

• Create a structured study schedule at least 4-6 weeks before your NAPLAN exam date.
• Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorising answers for the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy.
• Use our free practice tests to identify weak areas and track your progress over time.
• Review the official NAPLAN exam syllabus to ensure complete topic coverage.
• Take timed practice sessions to build your exam pace and reduce test-day anxiety.

According to Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, “Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are tested on the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills that every child needs to become successful learners in school and beyond.”^[4]

Worked examples: how to reason through NAPLAN questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What training is required before workers perform Number and Algebra activities?

1. No training — learn on the job
2. Appropriate training covering hazards, procedures, equipment use, and emergency response
3. A quick verbal briefing only
4. Self-study from a pamphlet

Answer: B. Appropriate training covering hazards, procedures, equipment use, and emergency response

Explanation:

The correct answer is that workers need appropriate training covering hazards, procedures, equipment use and emergency response. Training has to match the risks of the activity before the work starts.

Learning on the job is wrong because mistakes happen while the risks are live. A quick verbal briefing only is wrong because it cannot cover hazards, equipment and emergencies in a way people retain or can be checked on. Self-study from a pamphlet is wrong because nobody confirms that the worker understood it or can apply it.

The rule to remember: for safety questions, the best answer is usually the structured, risk-based option, not the informal shortcut. Note that this item is a workplace-safety question, so it is practice for careful reading of options and is not typical of the content students see in NAPLAN.

Example 2

Question: A narrative should be organised with a clear structure. Which order is correct?

1. Resolution, orientation, complication
2. Orientation, complication, resolution
3. Complication, orientation, resolution
4. Resolution, complication, orientation

Answer: B. Orientation, complication, resolution

Explanation:

The correct order is orientation, complication, resolution. The orientation introduces the setting and characters, the complication presents the problem, and the resolution shows how the problem is dealt with.

Resolution, orientation, complication is wrong because the ending comes before the story has begun. Complication, orientation, resolution is wrong because the problem appears before the reader knows who or where. Resolution, complication, orientation is wrong because it reverses the whole sequence.

The rule to remember: a narrative builds from setting, to trouble, to outcome. When you plan a story in the writing test, jot those 3 parts down first and check that each one has its own paragraph or paragraphs.

Example 3

Question: How should Persuasive Writing incidents be reported in an Australian workplace?

1. Ignore minor incidents
2. Report immediately to the supervisor, with notifiable incidents reported to the regulator
3. Wait until the weekly meeting
4. Post on social media

Answer: B. Report immediately to the supervisor, with notifiable incidents reported to the regulator

Explanation:

The correct answer is to report immediately to the supervisor, with notifiable incidents reported to the regulator. Prompt reporting lets the workplace respond, protect others and meet its legal duties.

Ignoring minor incidents is wrong because small events often show a hazard that could cause serious harm later. Waiting until the weekly meeting is wrong because the delay leaves the risk in place and may miss reporting deadlines. Posting on social media is wrong because it is not a reporting channel and can spread unverified information.

The rule to remember: report promptly through the proper channel. This item is a workplace-safety question placed in a writing set, so treat it as a reminder to choose the formal, accountable option and not as NAPLAN-style content.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official NAP website so you know the format for your year level, including which tests are online and that Year 3 writing is on paper. Then use the practice sets here to find weak spots before you spend time on volume.

Work through one topic at a time. For literacy, begin with Reading Comprehension, then move to Spelling and Punctuation and Grammar and Punctuation. For numeracy, try Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.

For writing, plan a short outline before drafting. Practise a story in Narrative Writing and an argument in Persuasive Writing, and time yourself against the limit for your year level.

After each set, read the explanation for every question you missed and write down the rule behind it. Return to those rules a few days later. In the last days before the test, do short timed sessions and rest, because NAPLAN has no pass mark and cramming adds little.

Ready to Pass the NAPLAN?

Join thousands of candidates who have used our free practice tests to prepare for the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy. Start practising today and build the confidence you need to succeed. Practice with the free NAPLAN practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (8 questions with answer explanations).

Sample NAPLAN Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free NAPLAN practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. In the NAPLAN writing test, students are given one prompt and must write in either a narrative or persuasive style. Which feature belongs in a PERSUASIVE text?

   • A. A description of an imaginary world
   • B. A surprising plot twist
   • C. A clear opinion supported by reasons
   • D. Made-up characters and dialogue

Answer: C. A clear opinion supported by reasons

Persuasive writing presents an opinion backed by reasons and evidence. Narratives, by contrast, use characters, plot and setting.

Answer: A. 68

Sum of 5 scores = 72 × 5 = 360. Sum of 4 known = 65+78+80+69 = 292. Fifth = 360 − 292 = 68

Answer: B. A practical guide approved under WHS legislation that can be used as evidence of what is reasonably practicable

Codes of Practice provide practical guidance with legal significance — they can be cited as evidence of what is known and reasonably practicable.

Answer: B. A practical guide approved under WHS legislation that can be used as evidence of what is reasonably practicable

Codes of Practice provide practical guidance with legal significance — they can be cited as evidence of what is known and reasonably practicable.

Take the full NAPLAN practice test

Sources & last verified

1. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority — time limit, retake policy (official source). “Year 3: 45 minutes Year 5: 45 minutes Year 7: 45 minutes Year 9: 45 minutes” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 27, 2026.
2. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority — passing score (official source). “NAPLAN tests are not pass/fail assessments.” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 27, 2026.
3. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority — delivery (official source). “Students in Years 5, 7 and 9 undertake all NAPLAN tests online. Year 3 students complete the writing test on paper and all other tests…” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 27, 2026.
4. acara.edu.au — eligibility (official source). “Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are tested on the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills that every child needs to become successful learners…” Verified Oct 28, 2026.
5. acara.edu.au — score release (official source). “Parents and carers of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 who took this year’s NAPLAN assessments in March are receiving individual student reports…” Verified Oct 28, 2026.
6. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority — testing window, other (official source). “2027 10–22 March See Test window See Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and NAPLAN” Verified Oct 28, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.