Get ready for the Opportunity Class Placement Test
Learn all about the test, what happens on test day, and try the practice tests.
Are you a parent or carer?
Please visit the Selective high schools and opportunity classes – information for parents and carers to learn about the placement process and to apply.
From 2025, the placement tests for opportunity classes will move from single version paper-based tests to computer-based tests.
This change will apply to students seeking placement in an opportunity class starting in Term 1, 2026.
Student resource hub
Check out the Student resource hub where you can learn whether an opportunity class might be a good fit for you.
It also has:
- interactive quizzes
- practice test items
- and lots more to help you prepare.
What is in the test?
The Opportunity Class Placement Test has 3 test sections.
| Test component | No. of questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Test | 13 (2 questions have multiple parts to answer) | 30 minutes |
| Mathematical Reasoning Test | 35 | 40 minutes |
| Thinking Skills Test | 30 | 30 minutes |
All questions are multiple-choice.
Video – The Opportunity Class Placement Test: a guide for students (duration 4:01)
More about the 3 test parts
This part checks how well you understand different types of texts.
The texts are drawn from non-fiction, fiction, poetry and can include sections of novels or non-fiction books, poems, magazine articles and reports.
This part checks how well you use maths to answer a variety of questions.
You cannot use rulers or calculators in the test.
This part checks how well you can you solve a variety of problems.
Preparing for the test
Practice tests
You will feel more confident and prepared if you practise answering the below:
- online computer-based practice tests
- PDF copies of practice tests.
These are not the actual question you will get on the day, but examples of the types of questions you can expect.
Using the PDF copies of the practice tests you can view the questions, the answers and an explanation of the answers for the multiple-choice tests.
Online computer-based practice tests
PDF copies of the practice tests
Sample practice test 1
| Section | Links to samples | |
|---|---|---|
Reading |
Reading sample questions (PDF 1.4 MB) Reading sample answers (PDF 95 KB) Explanation of answers - Reading (PDF 2.6 MB) |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
Mathematical reasoning sample questions (PDF 1.8 MB) Explanation of answers - Mathematical reasoning (PDF 3.6 MB) |
|
Thinking Skills |
Thinking skills sample questions (PDF 2 MB) Thinking skills sample answers (PDF 78 KB) Explanation of answers - Thinking skills (PDF 1.7 MB) |
Sample practice test 2
| Section | Links to samples | |
|---|---|---|
Reading |
Reading sample questions (PDF 1.6 MB) Reading sample answers (PDF 91 KB) Explanation of answers - Reading (PDF 2.8 MB) |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
Mathematical reasoning sample questions (PDF 1.6 MB) Explanation of answers - Mathematical reasoning (PDF 3.3 MB) |
|
Thinking Skills |
Thinking skills sample questions (PDF 1.1 MB) Thinking skills sample answers (PDF 92 KB) Explanation of answers - Thinking skills (PDF 3 MB) |
Sample practice test 3
| Section | Links to samples | |
|---|---|---|
Reading |
Reading sample questions (PDF 1.6 MB) Reading sample answers (PDF 37 KB) Explanation of answers - Reading (PDF 2.9 MB) |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
Mathematical reasoning sample questions (PDF 1.1 MB) Explanation of answers - Mathematical reasoning (PDF 3.3 MB) |
|
Thinking Skills |
Thinking skills sample questions (PDF 1.5 MB) Thinking skills sample answers (PDF 39 KB) Explanation of answers - Thinking skills (PDF 3 MB) |
I have a disability or a medical condition. Can I get help when sitting the test?
Yes. When your parents apply they tell us what adjustments you might need so you can sit the test.
Let your parents know that there is more information for them at Reasonable adjustments (see step 4 of 'Using the application website').
Test Day
Watch the video below so you are all ready to go on test day.
Test day checklist
All students need:
- two 2B pencils
- eraser
- pencil sharpener
- a printed copy of the Test admission ticket
- a clear bottle of water
- wear school uniform.
If required, bring:
- any items approved as adjustments for disability, e.g. FM transmitters
- EpiPen, asthma inhalers, diabetes or other medication
- glasses
- tissues
- a wristwatch (cannot make a noise, calculate, compute, etc.)
Do NOT bring:
- pens
- rulers
- note paper
- books
- smart watches, phones or other devices that compute, photograph, communicate or make a noise
- pencil cases.
Download the Test day checklist for printing.
What happens next?
We will message your parents in late August to tell them if you have a place in an opportunity class.
And remember, whether you're in an opportunity class or not, all public schools in NSW will help you do your very best and reach your full potential.