The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a significant milestone in Australia for Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 . It’s essential for both students and parents to understand the process, key dates, and exam preparation. Being familiar with the test format and starting preparation early can help students feel more confident. and achieve their best performance in exams.
Overview of examinations:
| Test Name | NAPLAN |
| Year | year 3, 5 , 7 and 9 |
| Languages Mode | English |
| Subjects | Writing , Reading, conventional of languages and Numeracy |
| Exam period | March 12 to March 24, 2025 |
| NAPLAN Results release date | August 2025 |
| Official website | www.nap.edu.au |
NAPLAN exam date 2025
The NAPLAN 2025 testing window is set to run from March 12, 2025, to March 24 , 2025. The test is divided into four subjects: Writing, Reading, Conventional of language and Numeracy. The exam dates for each subject and year group are as follows:
Year 3 schedule
- Writing test : 40 minutes
- Reading test : 45 minutes
- Conventional of languages : 45 minutes
- Numeracy : 45 minutes
Year 5 schedule
- Writing test : 42 minutes
- Reading test : 50 minutes
- Conventional of languages : 45 minutes
- Numeracy : 50 minutes
Year 7 and 9 schedule
- Writing test : 42 minutes
- Reading test : 65 minutes
- Conventional of languages : 45
- Numeracy : 65
NAPLAN Curriculum
Writing test
The writing test challenges students to respond to a prompt, asking them to write in either a story based or opinion based style.
Conventional of language :
The Conventions of language test focuses on essential English skills: grammar, punctuation, and spelling. It checks students basic understanding of these areas, with questions becoming more detailed as students progress through the year levels. This helps build a foundation in English language use over time.
Numeracy :
The Numeracy test covers key math topics, including analytical reasoning, graph interpretation, number patterns, geometry, and statistics.
Reading test :
The NAPLAN reading tests evaluate students’ literacy skills, focusing on comprehension and the application of language rules in context.
Building Confidence with NAPLAN practice tests
The best way to crack NAPLAN test is to practice with past year papers and students can also take online practice tests that replicate the structure and timing of real assessment, helping them understand what to expect on test day . Here’s how practice tests can benefit students :
Familiarity with Format :
Practice tests mirror the actual NAPLAN format, allowing students to get comfortable with question types and timing, which help reduce reduced test anxiety. By experiencing the test setup, students can lessen any nervousness on test day.
Targeted improvement :
Students can focus on areas where they need the most practice, boosting overall performance.
Effective study tips for NAPLAN success :
Effective study strategies are essential for success in NAPLAN. Here are some useful tips to guide preparation :
- Make a Study plan: Set up a balanced Study plan from the start. Break your sessions into small, manageable parts, and focus on one subject at a time.
- Use practical Study materials: Practice with real NAPLAN style questions and past papers to get familiar with the test format and types of questions.
- Identify Areas for improvement: After each practice test, take some time to review your results. Notice where you’re having trouble, and spend extra time on those topics to improve.
- Stay calm and confident: To avoid stress, make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and drinking plenty of water. And Don’t take too much stress, because NAPLAN score does not affect your year-wise academic performance.
NAPLAN results date and reports
After the examinations, students receive a detailed Progress NAPLAN test report, which will be released in August 2025 and can be accessed through the ACARA official website. Results are presented in scale scores ranging from 1 to 1000 and in achievement bands, as shown below:
Year 3 ( band 1 to 6 )
- Band 1 represents as a below minimum standard
- Band 2 at minimum standard
- Band 3 – 6 : above minimum standard
Year 5 (3 to 8)
- Band 3: Below minimum standard
- Band 4: At minimum standard
- Band (5 to 8): Above minimum standard
Year 7 (4 to 9)
- Band 4: below minimum standard
- Band 5: At minimum standard
- Band (6 to 9): above minimum standard
Year 9 (5 to 10)
- Band 5: below minimum standard
- Band 6: At minimum standard
- Band (7 to 10): above minimum standard
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is NAPLAN a tough exam ?
NAPLAN is generally considered an easy test, as it only assesses students up to year 9. However, Year 7 and Year 9 students may require more practice to effectively tackle the exam.
Q. Where to find NAPLAN study resources for exams 2025 ?
You can find PDFs and video tutorials for NAPLAN exam preparation on the official NAPLAN website in the Study resources section.
Q. When was NAPLAN introduced ?
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) was introduced in 2008, and is administered by ACARA, which stands for the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.