"We'd heard about HAST but had no idea it covered four states and over 60 schools. Once we understood the test format — especially that it's paper-based and tests aptitude, not memorised facts — our whole preparation approach changed. Our daughter ended up receiving offers from two schools." — Michelle T., Parent of a 2025 HAST Candidate, Sydney
Data Sources & Methodology
Official Sources Cited:
- ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) — Official HAST test developer and administrator (50+ years)
- Individual participating school websites and prospectuses across NSW, VIC, QLD and SA
- BrainTree Coaching — Preparation experience across selective school programmes
Last verified: January 2026 | Next review: June 2026
Your Complete Guide to the HAST Test in 2026
The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is one of Australia's most widely used selective school entrance assessments, administered by over 60 schools across four states. Developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — an organisation with more than 50 years of experience in educational assessment — the HAST is specifically designed to measure skills and aptitude, not retrieved knowledge.
Whether your child is sitting for entry into Year 5 or Year 11, understanding how the HAST works is the first step towards effective preparation. This guide draws directly from ACER's official information and participating school details to give you everything you need.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- What the HAST actually tests — and why it's fundamentally different from curriculum-based exams
- HAST-P vs HAST Secondary — the two levels explained, including all four test components with question counts and time limits
- The 60+ participating schools across NSW, VIC, QLD and SA that use HAST for selective entry
- How registration and scheduling works — schools choose their own test dates, so timing varies
- A structured preparation timeline with daily routines and skill-building approaches for each component
- Subject-specific strategies for Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression
- Paper-based test day essentials — what to bring, how to manage time, and anxiety-reduction techniques
- Answers to the 8 most common parent questions about HAST scoring, results, and school applications
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What Is the HAST?
The Higher Ability Selection Test is a standardised assessment developed and administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research), one of the world's leading independent educational research organisations. With over 50 years of expertise in test design, ACER creates assessments used by schools, universities, and governments across the globe.
Purpose: Skills and Aptitude, Not Memorised Content
The HAST is deliberately designed to assess skills and aptitude rather than retrieved knowledge. This distinction matters enormously for preparation. Unlike curriculum-based exams where students can memorise facts and formulas, the HAST evaluates how well a student can reason, analyse, and think critically — regardless of which school they attend or which textbooks they use.
This approach means two things for families:
- The playing field is more level — students from different schools and backgrounds are assessed on their thinking ability, not their access to specific content
- Preparation should focus on building skills — practising reasoning strategies and analytical thinking is far more effective than rote learning
Two Levels: HAST-P and HAST Secondary
ACER offers the HAST at two distinct levels to serve students across a wide age range:
- HAST-P (Primary) — designed for students seeking entry into Years 5 and 6
- HAST Secondary — available in Junior, Middle, and Senior levels for students seeking entry into Years 7 through 11
Both levels assess the same four core skill areas, though the complexity and content are calibrated to each age group. All HAST assessments are paper-based — there is no computer-based option.
Key HAST Fact
All HAST assessments are paper-based only. Unlike some other selective school tests that have moved to computer-based formats, the HAST is completed entirely on paper. This is an important detail for preparation — your child should practise answering questions on paper, not on a screen.
How HAST Differs from Other Selective Tests
If you're familiar with the NSW Selective High School Placement Test or other state-based assessments, the HAST has several distinctive features worth noting. The NSW Selective Test is now fully computer-based and is a single standardised test for all government selective schools. The HAST, by contrast, is paper-based, administered by individual schools on dates they choose, and used by both government and non-government schools across four states.
The HAST's emphasis on aptitude over curriculum knowledge also sets it apart. While all selective tests incorporate reasoning elements, the HAST is built from the ground up around the principle of measuring thinking skills rather than what a student has been taught.
HAST-P vs HAST Secondary: Which Level Does Your Child Need?
Understanding the difference between the two HAST levels is essential for registration and preparation. The level your child sits depends entirely on which year of school they're seeking entry into.
HAST-P vs HAST Secondary
Understanding the two test levels
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Entry Years | Years 5–6 entry | Years 7–11 entry (Junior, Middle, Senior) | Check your target school for which level applies |
| Total Test Duration | ~2 hours 45 minutes | Varies by level | HAST-P timing is confirmed by ACER |
| Mathematical Component | Mathematical Reasoning | Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning | Secondary level includes scientific reasoning |
| Components Tested | 4 components | 4 components | Both levels test the same four skill areas |
| Format | Paper-based | Paper-based | All HAST assessments are paper-based only |
HAST-P (Primary)
HAST-P is designed for younger students entering selective or gifted programmes at the primary level (Years 5–6). The test takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes in total and assesses four components:
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
- Written Expression
The content and difficulty are age-appropriate for primary-aged students, but the questions still require genuine reasoning ability — not simply recalling what's been taught in class.
HAST Secondary
HAST Secondary serves students across a broader age range, with Junior, Middle, and Senior sub-levels covering entry from Years 7 to 11. The four components are:
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning (note: this includes scientific reasoning, unlike the primary level)
- Abstract Reasoning
- Written Expression
The inclusion of scientific reasoning in the secondary level reflects the broader analytical skills expected of older students. This doesn't mean students need to memorise science facts — rather, they need to demonstrate scientific thinking and logical analysis.
Which Level to Register For
Your target school determines which HAST level your child sits. Contact the school directly to confirm which level and sub-level (Junior, Middle, or Senior for HAST Secondary) applies to your child's entry year. Each school manages its own HAST registration independently.
Test Components Breakdown
Both HAST-P and HAST Secondary assess four core skill areas. Here's a detailed look at each component, starting with the confirmed HAST-P specifications.
HAST-P Component Details
HAST-P at a Glance
~2 hours 45 minutes total testing time
Reading Comprehension Questions
~45 minutes
Mathematical Reasoning Questions
~40 minutes
Abstract Reasoning Questions
~30 minutes
Written Expression Tasks
~25 minutes
Reading Comprehension (~45 minutes, 35–40 questions)
The Reading Comprehension component presents students with a variety of text types and asks questions that assess their ability to understand, interpret, and analyse what they've read. Questions range from straightforward comprehension to more complex inference and critical analysis tasks.
What it assesses:
- Understanding of main ideas and supporting details
- Ability to draw inferences from textual evidence
- Vocabulary understanding in context
- Critical evaluation of author's purpose, tone, and perspective
- Ability to synthesise information across a passage
Because this component tests reading skill and aptitude rather than prior knowledge, the passages cover diverse topics that don't require specialist background knowledge.
Mathematical Reasoning (~40 minutes, 28–35 questions)
Mathematical Reasoning evaluates a student's ability to think logically and solve problems using mathematical concepts. The emphasis is on reasoning processes, not computational speed or memorised procedures.
What it assesses:
- Pattern recognition and logical sequences
- Problem-solving with multi-step reasoning
- Spatial and proportional thinking
- Application of mathematical concepts to unfamiliar contexts
- Ability to identify relevant information and filter distractions
Students don't need to have covered advanced mathematics — the test is designed to measure how well they can think mathematically, not what content they've been taught.
Abstract Reasoning (~30 minutes, ~30 questions)
Abstract Reasoning is often the most distinctive component of the HAST. It presents non-verbal, visual puzzles that assess pure logical thinking — independent of language ability, cultural background, or specific educational experiences.
What it assesses:
- Visual pattern recognition and completion
- Logical sequence identification
- Spatial relationships and transformations (rotation, reflection, scaling)
- Classification and categorisation of abstract shapes
- Rule identification and application
This component is particularly important because it measures reasoning ability in its purest form, without the influence of language or learned content.
Written Expression (~25 minutes, 2 essays)
Written Expression requires students to produce two written pieces within approximately 25 minutes. This is the only component that isn't multiple-choice — it's scored by human markers.
What it assesses:
- Ability to develop and organise ideas coherently
- Quality of argument, narrative, or exposition
- Vocabulary range and accuracy
- Sentence structure variety and control
- Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Written Expression Scoring
The Written Expression component is human double-marked — each essay is read and scored by two independent markers. This ensures fairness and consistency. All other components (multiple-choice) are machine scored.
HAST Secondary Components
The HAST Secondary shares three components with HAST-P (Reading Comprehension, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression) but replaces Mathematical Reasoning with Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning. This expanded component assesses:
- All the mathematical reasoning skills tested in HAST-P
- Scientific thinking and logical analysis
- Interpretation of scientific data and relationships
- Hypothesis evaluation and evidence-based reasoning
The inclusion of scientific reasoning doesn't require memorised science content. Instead, it tests a student's ability to think like a scientist — analysing data, identifying patterns, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Participating Schools: 60+ Across Four States
The HAST is used by a diverse range of schools across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. Unlike centralised state tests, each school independently decides to use the HAST and manages its own registration, test dates, and admissions processes.
New South Wales (33 Schools)
NSW has the largest number of HAST-participating schools, spanning selective high schools, gifted programmes, and specialist entry pathways:
Notable NSW schools include:
- Fort Street High School (Senior level only) — one of Sydney's most prestigious selective schools
- Girraween High School — highly sought-after selective school in Western Sydney
- Hornsby Girls High School and Cheltenham Girls High School — leading girls' selective schools
- Epping Boys High School and Homebush Boys High School — prominent boys' selective schools
- Hurlstone Agricultural High School — unique selective school with agricultural focus
- Sydney Grammar Edgecliff (Primary) — uses HAST for primary-level entry
- Sydney Catholic Schools Newman Program — Catholic schools gifted programme using HAST
Full NSW list: Beverly Hills Girls, Blacktown Girls, Canterbury Boys, Caringbah, Castle Hill, Chatswood, Cheltenham Girls, Cronulla, Epping Boys, Fort Street (Senior only), Girraween, Gorokan, Gosford, Granville Boys, Homebush Boys, Hornsby Girls, Hurlstone Agricultural, Macquarie Fields, Narara Valley, NBSC, Northmead, Pennant Hills, Penrith Selective, Ryde Secondary, St George Girls, Sefton, Sydney Catholic Schools Newman Program, Sydney Grammar Edgecliff (Primary), Sydney Technical, Toronto, Wadalba Community, Willoughby Girls, and Woolooware.
Victoria (28 Schools)
Victoria has a substantial network of HAST-participating schools, including:
Notable VIC schools: Balwyn High School, Box Hill High School, Cheltenham Secondary College, Dandenong High School, St Helena Secondary College, and Wheelers Hill Secondary College, plus many more across metropolitan and regional areas.
Queensland (9 Schools)
Queensland's HAST schools include some of the state's most competitive selective entry programmes:
Notable QLD schools:
- Brisbane State High School — Queensland's most prominent HAST school and one of the most competitive selective entry schools in the state
- Benowa State High School, Brisbane South State Secondary College, Indooroopilly State High School, Murrumba State Secondary College, Narangba Valley State High School, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, Robina State High School, and The Southport School
South Australia (5+ Schools)
South Australia's HAST schools include several operating under the IGNITE programme for gifted students:
SA schools: Aberfoyle Park High School (IGNITE), Glenunga International High School (IGNITE), The Heights School (IGNITE), Adelaide Botanic High School, and Norwood International High School.
Finding Your School
The list above covers confirmed HAST-participating schools, but new schools may join the programme. Contact ACER directly on +61 3 9007 2037 or check with your target school to confirm whether they use the HAST for their selective entry process.
Registration & Key Dates
Unlike centralised state-run selective tests, HAST registration is managed by each individual school. This means there is no single registration portal, no universal test date, and no state-wide application deadline.
How Registration Works
HAST Registration Process
Identify Your Target School(s)
Research which schools use the HAST for entry into your child's target year level. Confirm the HAST level required (HAST-P or HAST Secondary).
Contact the School Directly
Each school manages its own HAST registration. Contact the school's enrolments or admissions office to request registration details, deadlines, and fees.
Complete Registration
Follow the school's individual registration process. This may involve online forms, paper applications, or both. Submit all required documentation before the school's deadline.
Confirm Your Test Date
Schools choose their own HAST test dates. Once registered, confirm the exact date, time, venue, and what your child needs to bring on test day.
Receive Results
ACER provides results within 10 working days of the test. Schools receive individual student reports and school ranking reports. ACER also provides free assistance interpreting results.
Key Timing Considerations
Because each school sets its own schedule, there is no single "HAST test date" to prepare for. However, there are important patterns to be aware of:
- Schools choose their own test date — this can vary significantly between schools
- Registration opens at different times for each school — contact your target school early to avoid missing deadlines
- Results turnaround is 10 working days — ACER processes and returns results within this timeframe
- You can sit the HAST at multiple schools — if your target schools hold tests on different dates, you may be able to apply to more than one
Don't Miss Registration Deadlines
Because each school manages its own registration independently, there's no centralised reminder system. Contact your target school(s) as early as possible — ideally at the beginning of the school year — to confirm registration dates and requirements. Schools may not accept late applications.
Results and Reporting
Once the test is complete, ACER scores and reports the results:
- Multiple-choice components (Reading Comprehension, Mathematical/Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning) are machine scored
- Written Expression is human double-marked — two independent markers assess each essay
- Schools receive both individual student reports and a school ranking report
- ACER provides free help interpreting results — schools can contact ACER for guidance on understanding reports
Preparation Strategy & Timeline
Because the HAST tests skills and aptitude rather than retrieved knowledge, preparation should focus on building thinking capabilities over time. Cramming facts won't help — but consistent practice in reasoning, analysis, and written expression will make a genuine difference.
HAST Preparation Timeline
Foundation Phase (3–6 Months Before Test)
Objectives
- Understand the HAST format and all four components
- Identify your child's strengths and areas for development
- Build a regular practice routine that's sustainable
Key Activities
- Complete a diagnostic practice test to establish a baseline
- Begin daily reading across diverse text types (fiction, non-fiction, science, opinion)
- Introduce abstract reasoning puzzles and pattern exercises
- Start a weekly writing practice with two short pieces per session
- Develop mathematical reasoning through problem-solving activities
Development Phase (6–12 Weeks Before Test)
Objectives
- Build speed and accuracy across all four components
- Develop time management strategies for each section
- Address specific skill gaps identified during foundation phase
Key Activities
- Complete timed practice sections to build pacing awareness
- Focus additional time on weaker components without neglecting strengths
- Practise writing under timed conditions (two essays in 25 minutes)
- Work through varied abstract reasoning question types
- Review errors systematically to identify patterns and recurring mistakes
Refinement Phase (2–4 Weeks Before Test)
Objectives
- Simulate full test conditions including timing and paper-based format
- Build confidence through consistent performance
- Develop test day routines and anxiety management strategies
Key Activities
- Complete full-length practice tests under realistic paper-based conditions
- Review and refine time allocation strategy for each component
- Practise relaxation and focus techniques for test day
- Confirm test day logistics: location, arrival time, required materials
- Reduce preparation intensity in the final days — rest is more valuable than last-minute cramming
Daily Practice Routine
A consistent daily routine is more effective than sporadic intensive study sessions. Here's a balanced approach:
Weekdays (30–45 minutes total):
- 10–15 minutes: Reading a challenging text and answering comprehension questions
- 10–15 minutes: Mathematical reasoning or abstract reasoning practice (alternate daily)
- 10 minutes: Vocabulary building through wide reading or word study
Weekends (60–90 minutes, one session):
- Complete a timed practice section for one component
- Write two short essays under timed conditions (25 minutes)
- Review the week's errors and identify improvement areas
Quality Over Quantity
Shorter, focused practice sessions where your child actively engages with challenging material will produce better results than long, unfocused study sessions. Aim for consistency — 30 minutes of concentrated practice every day is more effective than three hours once a week.
The Aptitude vs Knowledge Distinction in Practice
Because the HAST tests aptitude, your preparation approach should reflect this:
- Don't drill multiplication tables or memorise science definitions
- Do practise solving unfamiliar problems using logic and reasoning
- Don't have your child memorise essay templates or vocabulary lists
- Do encourage wide reading, discussion of ideas, and regular writing practice
- Don't focus on covering specific curriculum content
- Do build flexible thinking through puzzles, debates, and open-ended questions
Subject-Specific Tips
Each of the four HAST components requires a slightly different preparation approach. Here are targeted strategies for each.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
The Reading Comprehension component rewards students who can engage deeply with unfamiliar texts and extract meaning efficiently. With 35–40 questions in approximately 45 minutes (for HAST-P), time management is critical.
Preparation strategies:
-
Read widely and diversely — expose your child to fiction, non-fiction, scientific articles, opinion pieces, historical texts, and poetry. The HAST draws from varied text types, so breadth of reading experience is valuable.
-
Practise inference skills — the most challenging questions ask students to read between the lines. After reading a passage, ask: "What does the author imply but not directly state?" and "What evidence supports this conclusion?"
-
Build contextual vocabulary — rather than memorising word lists, practise working out word meanings from surrounding context. This mirrors what the test actually requires.
-
Use the text, not your memory — train your child to always refer back to the passage when answering questions, rather than relying on what they think they remember.
"The best preparation for Reading Comprehension isn't doing more practice tests — it's doing more reading. Students who read widely and critically develop the inference and analysis skills that the HAST rewards."
HAST Preparation Specialists
Mathematical Reasoning Strategies
Mathematical Reasoning (or Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning for HAST Secondary) focuses on problem-solving ability, not computational speed. With 28–35 questions in approximately 40 minutes for HAST-P, students need to think efficiently.
Preparation strategies:
-
Focus on patterns and relationships — many questions involve identifying number patterns, geometric sequences, or logical relationships. Practise looking for the underlying rule rather than trying to calculate every possibility.
-
Break complex problems into steps — train your child to read the full question, identify what information is given, determine what needs to be found, and work through the solution logically.
-
Practise estimation and elimination — for multiple-choice questions, eliminating obviously wrong answers narrows the field and saves time. Estimation skills help identify whether an answer is reasonable.
-
Work with unfamiliar problem types — because the HAST tests aptitude, your child may encounter problems they haven't seen in school. Practise approaching unfamiliar questions with curiosity rather than anxiety.
-
For HAST Secondary: develop scientific reasoning by practising data interpretation, hypothesis evaluation, and evidence-based analysis. Read scientific articles and discuss what the data shows.
Abstract Reasoning Strategies
Abstract Reasoning is purely visual and non-verbal, making it one of the most level components of the HAST. With approximately 30 questions in 30 minutes, pace matters.
Preparation strategies:
-
Learn to identify what changes — in pattern sequences, systematically check what changes between frames: shape, size, colour, position, orientation, number of elements. Identifying the rule is the key skill.
-
Practise multiple question formats — abstract reasoning questions come in several formats: sequence completion, odd-one-out, matrix patterns, and analogies. Familiarity with each format reduces test-day surprises.
-
Use process of elimination — if you can't immediately see the pattern, eliminate answer options that clearly don't follow the rule you're testing.
-
Don't overthink — abstract reasoning questions typically follow clean, logical rules. If your reasoning becomes overly complex, step back and look for a simpler explanation.
-
Time yourself — with approximately one minute per question, practise working at a steady pace. Flag difficult questions and return to them if time permits.
Written Expression Strategies
Written Expression is unique among the HAST components: it requires your child to produce two essays in approximately 25 minutes (for HAST-P), and the work is human double-marked. This is where practice has an enormous impact.
Preparation strategies:
-
Practise planning quickly — with limited time for two essays, your child needs to spend no more than 2–3 minutes planning each piece. Practise jotting down a quick structure before writing.
-
Focus on idea development — markers value original thinking, clear reasoning, and well-developed ideas. Encourage your child to go beyond surface-level responses.
-
Vary sentence structures — strong writers mix short and long sentences, use different sentence openings, and demonstrate vocabulary range. Practise this variety explicitly.
-
Write legibly — since the HAST is paper-based, handwriting must be legible for markers to assess the work fairly. If your child's handwriting is difficult to read, dedicate time to improving clarity.
-
Practise under timed conditions — writing two quality pieces in 25 minutes requires regular timed practice. Start with longer time limits and gradually reduce them as your child becomes more comfortable.
Paper-Based Writing
Remember: the HAST is entirely paper-based. Your child will write essays by hand, not on a computer. Practise handwriting speed and legibility alongside content quality. The best ideas won't score well if markers can't read them.
Test Day Guide
Knowing what to expect on test day helps reduce anxiety and ensures your child can focus entirely on performing their best. Because the HAST is paper-based and administered by individual schools, the test day experience may vary slightly between schools — but these essentials apply universally.
HAST Test Day Essentials
- ✓Multiple sharpened pencils (HB or 2B) and a quality eraser — the test is paper-based
- ✓A pencil sharpener in case pencils break during the test
- ✓A black or blue pen for the Written Expression essays
- ✓A watch (non-digital, no smart features) for personal time management
- ✓Water bottle and a light, nutritious snack for breaks between components
- ✓Confirmation of registration or any documentation the school has requested
- ✓Comfortable clothing — test rooms can be warm or cool
- ✓Know the exact location, arrival time, and parking or drop-off arrangements
Timing and Pacing
With four components to complete, pacing is essential. Here's how to approach each section:
Reading Comprehension (~45 minutes): Aim for roughly one minute per question. Read the passage carefully first, then answer the questions. Return to the text for evidence rather than relying on memory. If a question is taking too long, mark your best guess and move on.
Mathematical Reasoning (~40 minutes): Work methodically through each question. Show your working on scratch paper if provided — this helps you track your reasoning. Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any single question; flag difficult ones and return to them.
Abstract Reasoning (~30 minutes): This component moves quickly — roughly one minute per question. Identify the pattern rule, apply it, and move on. Don't second-guess yourself if your first analysis seems logical.
Written Expression (~25 minutes): Divide your time between two essays. Spend 2–3 minutes planning each, 8–9 minutes writing each, and reserve a minute at the end for a quick review.
Managing Test Anxiety
Some nervousness on test day is normal and can even be helpful — it keeps your child alert and focused. But excessive anxiety can undermine performance. Here's how to help:
- Normalise the experience — talk about the test as an opportunity, not a threat. Your child's worth isn't determined by a single test.
- Practise the routine — if possible, visit the test venue beforehand so it feels familiar. Practise the morning routine in advance.
- Deep breathing — teach your child a simple breathing technique: breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, breathe out for four counts. This can be used between sections or during moments of stress.
- Focus on the next question — if a question feels overwhelming, skip it and focus on the next one. Returning to difficult questions later, with fresh eyes, often helps.
- Get a good night's sleep — no amount of last-minute revision is worth sacrificing sleep. Ensure your child is well-rested and has a calm evening before the test.
"The night before the test, put the books away. A relaxed, well-rested child will always outperform an anxious, sleep-deprived one — no matter how much extra revision they've done."
HAST Preparation Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the HAST, and who develops it?
The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is a standardised assessment developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), an independent educational research organisation with over 50 years of experience. The test is designed to measure skills and aptitude — not retrieved knowledge — and is used by more than 60 schools across NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA for selective entry decisions.
What are the four components of the HAST?
Both HAST-P and HAST Secondary assess four components: Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning (or Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning for Secondary), Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression. The multiple-choice components are machine scored, while Written Expression is human double-marked by two independent assessors.
Is the HAST paper-based or computer-based?
All HAST assessments are paper-based only. There is no computer-based option. This means your child will read passages, answer multiple-choice questions, and write essays entirely on paper. Preparation should include practice in a paper-based format to build familiarity with this testing environment.
How long does the HAST take?
HAST-P takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes in total, broken into four components: Reading Comprehension (~45 min), Mathematical Reasoning (~40 min), Abstract Reasoning (~30 min), and Written Expression (~25 min). HAST Secondary timing varies by sub-level — contact your target school or ACER for specific details.
How do I register my child for the HAST?
Registration is managed by each individual school, not by ACER centrally. Contact your target school's enrolments or admissions office directly to inquire about registration deadlines, required documentation, and testing dates. Schools also choose their own test dates, so timing varies. Start the process early to avoid missing deadlines.
When will we receive HAST results?
ACER provides results within 10 working days of the test. Schools receive individual student reports and a school ranking report. ACER also provides free assistance interpreting results — schools can contact ACER for guidance on understanding the reports.
Can my child sit the HAST at more than one school?
Because each school chooses its own test date and manages registration independently, it may be possible to sit the HAST at multiple schools if their test dates don't overlap. Contact each school to confirm their test date and whether they accept results from HAST sittings at other schools.
How should we prepare if the HAST tests aptitude, not knowledge?
Focus on building thinking skills rather than memorising content. Practise reasoning and problem-solving with unfamiliar question types. Read widely to build comprehension and inference skills. Practise writing under timed conditions to develop fluency and idea generation. Work through abstract reasoning puzzles regularly. The key is developing flexible, analytical thinking — the kind of preparation that can't be crammed in a weekend. Consider structured preparation programmes like BrainTree's HAST Exam Preparation course for guided, expert-designed practice.
Essential Resources
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- ✓Priority email support
- ✓5 Thinking Skills tests with video explanations
- ✓5 Mathematical Reasoning tests with video explanations
- ✓5 Reading tests
- ✓Detailed explanations and model answers for every question
- ✓Full-length mock tests with instant scoring & progress tracking
- ✓90 days of unlimited access to all resources
- ✓Access 95 solved non-verbal reasoning test papers online
- ✓Expert-designed questions mirroring real exam challenges
- ✓Covers 14 key topics including analogies, matrices, and 3D shapes
- ✓Practice over 1,900 questions with detailed answers
- ✓Boost exam speed, accuracy, and time management skills
- ✓Suitable for all major selective school and scholarship exams in Australia
- ✓Online platform to track progress and review performance
- ✓90 days of unlimited access to all resources
- ✓Foundation + Advanced Vocabulary Courses
- ✓50+ targeted, topic-wise vocabulary practice test sets
- ✓1,000+ high-impact, exam-relevant words with contextual sentences and model usage
- ✓Multiple formats: multiple-choice, sentence application, usage tasks
- ✓Detailed answers, explanations, and progress tracking
- ✓Enhances comprehension and precise word use
- ✓Improves persuasive and creative writing expression
- ✓90 days of unlimited access to all resources
- ✓18 narrative writing prompts across genres like mystery, suspense, and fantasy
- ✓Learn key storytelling techniques to build tension
- ✓Flexible and self-paced, perfect for busy students
- ✓Ideal for creative writing exams and competitions
- ✓Engaging exercises to expand writing abilities
- ✓Expert-led lessons to guide you step-by-step
- ✓Receive personalised feedback, sample responses, and vocabulary usage examples to refine your skills
- ✓Comprehensive curriculum for all skill levels
- ✓180 days of unlimited access to all resources
- ✓Foundation + Advanced Vocabulary Courses
- ✓50+ targeted, topic-wise vocabulary practice test sets
- ✓1,000+ high-impact, exam-relevant words with contextual sentences and model usage
- ✓Multiple formats: multiple-choice, sentence application, usage tasks
- ✓Detailed answers, explanations, and progress tracking
- ✓Enhances comprehension and precise word use
- ✓Improves persuasive and creative writing expression
- ✓90 days of unlimited access to all resources
- ✓200+ Vocabulary Words
- ✓Sentence Usage & Quizzes
- ✓Self-paced Learning
- ✓Lifetime Access
- ✓Email Support
- ✓3 Reading Comprehension tests
- ✓3 Mathematical Reasoning tests
- ✓3 Numerical Reasoning tests
- ✓3 Verbal Reasoning tests
- ✓Detailed explanations for every question
- ✓Performance analytics and progress tracking
- ✓90 days unlimited access
- ✓Email support
- ✓60+ Verbal Reasoning lessons
- ✓Pattern, analogy, and logic mastery
- ✓Timed practice sets
- ✓Detailed explanations
- ✓Self-paced
- ✓Email support
HAST Preparation Resources
Carefully curated resources to support your preparation journey
BrainTree HAST Exam Preparation
Comprehensive HAST preparation course covering all four test components with expert-designed practice materials
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Access free practice tests to assess your child's current skill levels and identify areas for improvement
Access ResourceACER Official HAST Information
Official test information, sample questions, and school listings directly from ACER
Access ResourceSelective School Preparation
Broader selective school preparation resources for families considering multiple pathways
Access ResourceContact BrainTree
Speak to our team for personalised advice on HAST preparation for your child
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Explore more preparation resources to support your child's selective school journey:
- Selective School Success Strategies 2026 — Proven preparation methods for Australian selective school entrance exams
- NSW Selective School Test Components: Complete Guide — Detailed breakdown of the four NSW selective test components
- OC Test Preparation Guide for Year 4 Parents — Comprehensive guide for families preparing for Opportunity Class entry
- All BrainTree Courses — Browse our full range of preparation courses
Last updated: 4 February 2026
Have questions about HAST preparation? Contact our team for personalised advice tailored to your child's needs and target school.