Understanding the New Cambridge-Style OC & Selective Assessments

What Changed in the NSW Placement Tests?

Starting from 2025, NSW replaced the ACER-designed OC and Selective school placement tests with new assessments developed in partnership with Cambridge. This is the biggest change to these tests in over a decade.

Key Differences from the Old Format

Fewer Questions, More Depth

The new format features fewer total questions but requires deeper thinking for each one. Students need to demonstrate genuine understanding rather than rely on test-taking shortcuts.

Integrated Reasoning

Questions now blend multiple skills. A maths question might require reading comprehension to understand the problem, while a reading question may involve logical deduction.

New Question Types

Expect to see drag-and-drop responses, multiple-select answers, and questions that require students to explain or justify their reasoning. The days of simple multiple-choice-only tests are changing.

What Stays the Same

The core assessment areas remain: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills for both OC and Selective, plus Writing for the Selective test only. The test is still computer-based and conducted under timed conditions in schools.

To recap the structure:

• OC (Year 4) — 3 sections: Reading, Maths Reasoning, Thinking Skills
• Selective (Year 6) — 4 sections: Reading, Maths Reasoning, Thinking Skills, Writing

How to Adapt Your Preparation

• Focus on understanding over speed — the new format rewards depth of thinking
• Practise with new-style questions — old-format practice papers may not fully prepare your child
• Build reading stamina — passages may be longer and more complex
• Develop explanation skills — some questions ask students to justify answers

Where to Find New-Style Practice

It is important to use practice materials that reflect the current Cambridge-style format. AcePath's practice tests are designed to match the latest test structure, with question types and difficulty levels aligned to the real exam.

Each practice test includes detailed solutions that explain the reasoning behind every answer, helping students learn from their mistakes and build the deeper understanding the new format demands.