"I almost missed the OC application deadline because I assumed it opened in March like I had heard from other parents. It actually opened in November the year before. This guide would have saved me weeks of stress."
OC Parent, Epping
Applications Close 20 February 2026
The application window for the 2026 OC Placement Test (for 2027 Year 5 entry) closes on 20 February 2026. No late applications are accepted under any circumstances. All dates on this page are sourced from the NSW Department of Education.
OC Test 2026: Key Dates and Registration Guide — Everything Parents Need to Know
The Opportunity Class (OC) Placement Test is one of the most important milestones for academically gifted primary school students in NSW. If your child is currently in Year 3 or Year 4, the 2026 test cycle is the one that matters — and the application window is already open. Missing a single deadline can mean your child loses the chance to sit the test entirely, with no second chances and no late entries accepted.
This guide gives you every official date, a complete registration walkthrough, and practical advice to ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- Every official 2026 OC test date — from application opening to placement outcomes
- Who is eligible to apply and common eligibility misconceptions
- The exact 5-step registration process, explained in detail
- All 8 application sections and what documents you need ready
- Critical rules about saving vs submitting your application
- What happens if you miss the deadline (spoiler: there is no remedy)
- Make-up test provisions for illness or misadventure
- How to change school preferences after submitting
- Answers to 12 frequently asked questions from parents
Navigate to any section for quick answers about the OC application process.
Click any section above to jump directly to that content
Official 2026 OC Test Dates at a Glance
Every date listed below is sourced directly from the NSW Department of Education. These dates apply to the 2026 OC Placement Test for students seeking Year 5 entry in 2027.
2026 OC Placement Test — Official Timeline
Applications Open
Objectives
- Online application portal opens for parents
Key Activities
- Register your account
- Verify your email address
- Begin completing the 8 application sections
Applications Close
Objectives
- Final deadline — no late applications accepted
- Also the last day to request reasonable adjustments
Key Activities
- Submit your completed application
- Lodge any reasonable adjustment requests
- Confirm all details are accurate
Last Day to Update Details
Objectives
- Final opportunity to correct information in your submitted application
Key Activities
- Review child details, photo, and contact information
- Make any necessary corrections
OC Placement Test
Objectives
- Students sit the test on ONE allocated day only
Key Activities
- Attend assigned test centre
- Complete Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills sections
Make-Up Test
Objectives
- For students who missed the main test due to illness or misadventure
Key Activities
- Must have applied for make-up test provisions
- Medical certificate or evidence required
Last Day to Change School Choices
Objectives
- Final opportunity to update your ranked school preferences
Key Activities
- Log in to the application portal
- Reorder or change your school selections
OC Placement Outcomes
Objectives
- Results and placement offers communicated to parents
Key Activities
- Check the online portal for your outcome
- Accept or decline your placement offer
Set Calendar Reminders Now
The single most common mistake parents make is assuming they have more time than they do. Set reminders for 20 February 2026 (application deadline), 13 March 2026 (last detail update), and 5 June 2026 (last school choice change). These dates are non-negotiable.
Who Can Apply for the OC Test
The OC test is open to a broader range of students than many parents realise. Your child does not need to be attending a NSW government school to be eligible. The following students can apply for OC placement:
- NSW government school students — the most common applicant group
- Non-government school students — children attending Catholic or independent schools in NSW
- Home-schooled students — registered home education students in NSW
- Interstate students — children currently living and studying in another Australian state
- Overseas students — Australian citizens or eligible visa holders studying abroad
Your child must be in Year 4 at the time of the test (May 2026) and entering Year 5 in 2027. Applications are typically completed while the child is in Year 3 or early Year 4, since the application window opens in November.
2026 Testing Change: NSW Only
From 2026, OC Placement Tests are only held within NSW. Students who are interstate or overseas at the time of testing must return to NSW to sit the exam at an allocated test centre. There are no interstate or overseas testing venues.
The 5-Step Registration Process
The OC application is completed entirely online through the NSW Department of Education's placement portal. The process has five distinct steps, and it is essential you understand the difference between saving your application and submitting it.
How to Register for the 2026 OC Test
Step 1: Register Your Account
Visit the NSW Department of Education placement portal and create a parent/carer account. You register with YOUR details — not your child's. Use a valid email address you check regularly, as all communications will be sent there.
Step 2: Verify Your Email
After registering, you will receive a verification email. Click the link to confirm your email address. Without verification, you cannot proceed to the application. Check your spam folder if the email does not arrive within a few minutes.
Step 3: Log In to the Portal
Once your email is verified, log in using your registered credentials. You will see the application dashboard where you can begin completing your child's application.
Step 4: Complete All 8 Application Sections
The application contains 8 sections covering your child's details, school preferences, photo upload, and more. You can save your progress and return later — but remember that saving does NOT submit the application. Every section must be completed before you can submit.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once all 8 sections are complete, review everything carefully and click Submit. You will receive a confirmation email. Your application is only considered lodged once you have submitted — a saved but unsubmitted application will NOT be processed.
Saving ≠ Submitting
This is the most critical distinction in the entire process. You can save your application at any time and return to it later — but a saved application is NOT a submitted application. If you only save and never submit, your child will NOT be registered for the test. Always confirm you have received a submission confirmation email.
The 8 Application Sections Explained
The online application contains 8 sections that must all be completed before you can submit. Here is what each section covers and what you need to have ready:
-
Parent/Carer Details — Your name, contact details, and relationship to the child. Remember, you register with your own details, not the child's.
-
Child's Personal Details — Full legal name, date of birth, gender, and residency status. Ensure these match official records exactly.
-
Child's School Details — Current school name, school type (government, non-government, home education), and your child's Student Registration Number (SRN). Contact your child's school if you do not have the SRN.
-
Child's Photo Upload — A recent passport-style photograph of your child. This is used for identification at the test centre. The photo must be clear, front-facing, and meet the specified size requirements.
-
School Preferences — Your ranked list of preferred OC schools. The order matters — placement offers follow your preference ranking combined with your child's test score. You can change these preferences after submitting, up until 5 June 2026.
-
Additional Information — Any relevant information about your child's circumstances, such as language background, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status, or other demographic details.
-
Reasonable Adjustments — If your child has a disability, medical condition, or specific learning need that requires adjustments during the test, you must request them here. Supporting documentation is required. The deadline for reasonable adjustment requests is 20 February 2026 — the same as the application deadline.
-
Declaration and Consent — Acknowledgement that all information is accurate and consent for the Department to process the application. This is the final section before you can submit.
Document Checklist
Before you begin the application, gather everything you need. Having documents ready prevents delays and last-minute scrambling.
OC Application Document Checklist
- ✓Your (parent/carer) email address — must be one you check regularly
- ✓Your child's full legal name (as it appears on official records)
- ✓Your child's date of birth
- ✓Your child's Student Registration Number (SRN) — ask the school if unsure
- ✓Current school name and type (government, non-government, home education)
- ✓Recent passport-style photo of your child (clear, front-facing)
- ✓List of preferred OC schools in ranked order (research schools beforehand)
- ✓Supporting documentation for reasonable adjustments (if applicable)
- ✓Medical or specialist reports (if requesting test accommodations)
Get the SRN Early
The Student Registration Number (SRN) is the item parents most commonly struggle to find. Contact your child's school office well before the deadline — they can provide it quickly. Do not leave this to the last week.
Critical Rules Every Parent Must Know
The OC application process has several rules that catch parents off guard every year. Understanding these now will prevent costly mistakes.
Saving vs Submitting
You can save your application at any point and return to complete it later. This is useful if you are waiting for a document or need to confirm school preferences. However, saving does not register your child for the test. Only clicking "Submit" after completing all 8 sections will lodge the application. The number of parents who save but forget to submit is higher than you might expect.
Changing School Preferences After Submission
One of the most parent-friendly features of the application is that you can change your school preferences after submitting — right up until 5 June 2026. This means you do not need to have your final school list locked in at the time of application. If you learn new information about a school, move house, or simply change your mind, you can log back in and update your preferences.
No Late Applications — No Exceptions
The application deadline of 20 February 2026 is absolute. The NSW Department of Education does not accept late applications for any reason. There is no appeals process, no special consideration pathway, and no way to submit after the portal closes. If you miss the deadline, your child cannot sit the 2026 OC Placement Test. This is the single most important date in the entire process.
Parent Registration, Not Child Registration
A common misconception is that you register using your child's details. In fact, the account is created using your details as the parent or carer. Your child's information is entered within the application sections after you have created your account and logged in.
Common Mistakes vs Correct Approach
Avoid these errors during the OC application
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Registration | Register with child details | Register with parent/carer details | Use YOUR details |
| Application Status | Save and assume it is submitted | Save AND submit as separate steps | Always click Submit |
| Deadline Approach | Submit on the last day | Submit at least 1 week early | Early avoids tech issues |
| School Preferences | Stress about perfect order at submission | Submit now, update preferences until 5 June | Preferences can be changed |
| Reasonable Adjustments | Request after the deadline | Request by 20 February 2026 with documentation | Same deadline as application |
Make-Up Test Provisions
If your child is unable to sit the OC Placement Test on their allocated day (8 or 9 May 2026) due to illness, injury, or misadventure, a make-up test is scheduled for 22 May 2026.
To be eligible for the make-up test, you must:
- Have already submitted a valid application before the 20 February 2026 deadline
- Notify the School Placement Unit as soon as possible about the absence
- Provide supporting evidence — typically a medical certificate from a registered practitioner
- Follow the Department's process for requesting the make-up test
The make-up test covers the same content and format as the main test. Students who sit the make-up test are assessed on the same basis as those who sat the main test — there is no disadvantage.
One Allocated Test Day
Students are allocated to sit the test on one day only — either 8 May or 9 May 2026. You do not choose which day. If your child misses their allocated day, the make-up test on 22 May 2026 is the only alternative.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
There is no gentle way to put this: if you miss the 20 February 2026 application deadline, your child cannot sit the 2026 OC Placement Test. The Department of Education does not accept late applications under any circumstances — not for technical difficulties, not for medical reasons, not for any other justification.
This is a one-time test. Your child sits the OC test in Year 4 for Year 5 entry. There is no option to apply again the following year. If you miss this cycle, the opportunity is gone.
The only positive note is that academically talented students who miss OC placement can still aim for the NSW Selective High School test in Year 6 for Year 7 entry. But that is a separate process, a different test, and years away.
Our strong advice: Submit your application well before the deadline. Do not wait until the last day. Technical issues, internet outages, and forgotten passwords have caused parents to miss the deadline in previous years. Aim to submit by early February at the latest.
After You Submit: What Happens Next
Once you have submitted your application, here is what to expect in the months ahead:
- Confirmation email — You will receive an email confirming your application has been submitted. Save this email.
- Test allocation — The Department will notify you of your child's allocated test day (8 or 9 May 2026) and test centre location.
- Detail updates — You can update your child's details until 13 March 2026 if you notice any errors.
- School preference changes — You can adjust your ranked school preferences until 5 June 2026.
- Test day — Your child attends the allocated test centre on their assigned day. The test covers Reading (40 min), Mathematical Reasoning (40 min), and Thinking Skills (30 min).
- Results — OC Placement outcomes are expected in late September 2026 (exact date to be confirmed by the Department).
2026 OC Test at a Glance
Key numbers for the current application cycle
OC Schools
Across NSW offering placement
Places Available
Offered each year
Test Components
Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills
Total Test Time
Across all three sections
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do applications open for the 2026 OC test?
Applications opened on 6 November 2025 through the NSW Department of Education's online placement portal. The portal remains open until the closing date of 20 February 2026. You can begin your application at any time during this window.
2. When do applications close?
Applications close on 20 February 2026. This is also the last day to request reasonable adjustments for the test. No late applications are accepted — the deadline is strictly enforced with no exceptions.
3. Can I submit a late application if I miss the deadline?
No. The NSW Department of Education does not accept late applications for the OC Placement Test under any circumstances. There is no appeals process, no hardship provision, and no alternative pathway. If you miss 20 February 2026, your child cannot sit the 2026 test.
4. When is the 2026 OC Placement Test?
The OC Placement Test is held on 8–9 May 2026. Each student is allocated to sit the test on one day only — you do not choose which day. The allocation is made by the Department of Education after your application is submitted.
5. What if my child is sick on test day?
A make-up test is scheduled for 22 May 2026. You must notify the School Placement Unit as soon as possible and provide a medical certificate or supporting evidence. Only students who have already submitted a valid application by the deadline are eligible for the make-up test.
6. Do I register with my details or my child's details?
You register with your own details as the parent or carer. Your child's personal information, school details, and photo are entered within the application sections after you have created and verified your account.
7. Can I save my application and come back later?
Yes. You can save your progress at any time and return to complete the application later. However, saving is not the same as submitting. Your application is only lodged once you complete all 8 sections and click Submit. A saved-only application will not be processed.
8. Can I change my school preferences after submitting?
Yes. You can update your ranked school preferences at any time after submission, up until 5 June 2026. Log back into the placement portal to make changes. This is a valuable feature — you do not need to have your final school list decided at the time of initial submission.
9. What is the last day to update my child's details?
You can update your child's details — including the photo, personal information, and school details — until 13 March 2026. After this date, the information in your application is locked for processing.
10. Is there a fee to apply for the OC test?
No. The OC test application is completely free. There is no registration fee, sitting fee, or administrative charge. The entire Opportunity Class programme is part of the NSW public education system. Be wary of any third-party website charging for OC registration — the only legitimate channel is the official Department of Education portal.
11. Can interstate or overseas students apply?
Yes. Students living interstate or overseas can apply for OC placement. However, from 2026, the placement test is only held in NSW. Interstate and overseas students must travel to NSW to sit the test at an allocated test centre. There are no interstate or overseas testing venues.
12. When will we find out the results?
OC Placement outcomes are expected to be released in late September 2026. The exact date is to be confirmed by the Department of Education. Results are communicated directly to parents through the online portal — they are not released through schools.
For answers to 25 more common OC questions, read our comprehensive OC Test FAQ guide.
Start Preparing While You Wait
Submitting your application is only the first step. The months between now and the May test date are your child's preparation window. A structured approach to Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills will give your child the best possible chance of securing an OC placement.
Explore our OC practice tests for targeted preparation, or try a free mock test to see where your child currently stands.
Structured courses designed by experienced educators to build the reasoning, comprehension, and problem-solving skills tested in the OC Placement Test.
Prepare for the 2026 OC Test with BrainTree
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- ✓10 Thinking Skills tests with video explanations
- ✓10 Mathematical Reasoning tests with video explanations
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Essential OC Test Resources
Official information and preparation tools for the 2026 OC application cycle
Official Application Portal
The NSW Department of Education page for OC and Selective School applications — the only legitimate source for registration.
Access ResourceOC Practice Tests
Targeted practice materials covering Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills in the current test format.
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Try a full-length mock test at no cost to benchmark your child and identify areas for improvement.
Access ResourceOC Test FAQ: 25 Questions Parents Ask
Comprehensive answers to the most common OC test questions — eligibility, format, preparation, results, and more.
Access ResourceOC Preparation Courses
Structured programmes designed to build genuine reasoning ability and exam confidence for Year 4 students.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Last updated: 5 February 2026