"We started OC preparation in Year 3, not because our daughter needed to be pushed, but because we wanted her to feel calm and confident walking into that test centre. This guide would have saved us months of guesswork." — Angela T., Parent, Epping
Official Data Sources
All dates, test specifications, and programme details in this guide are sourced from the NSW Department of Education (education.nsw.gov.au) and the School Placement Unit's published guidelines for the 2026 OC Placement Test (for 2027 entry). We verify every detail against official sources and update this page when new information is released.
OC Test 2026: The Ultimate Preparation Guide for NSW Parents
Every year, thousands of NSW families navigate the Opportunity Class placement process — and every year, parents tell us the same thing: they wish they had found a single, comprehensive resource that covered everything. This is that resource. Whether you are just learning about OC classes or your child is already deep into preparation, this guide gives you the complete picture — verified dates, the exact test format, proven strategies for each component, realistic timelines, and a clear explanation of what happens after your child sits the test.
🎯 In this guide, you'll discover:
- Every official 2026 OC test date and deadline in one place
- A complete breakdown of all three test components with question counts and timing
- How the computer-based test actually works on the day
- Targeted preparation strategies for Mathematical Reasoning, Reading, and Thinking Skills
- Realistic preparation timelines — whether you have 18 months, 6 months, or 3 months
- How the equity placement model affects offers
- How school preferences work and how to choose wisely
- What happens after the test — results, offers, reserve lists, and next steps
- Links to free practice tests, sample questions, and official DoE resources
Navigate to any section of this comprehensive preparation guide.
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Key Dates and Deadlines for 2026
Missing a deadline means missing the opportunity entirely. The 2026 OC test cycle (for 2027 entry into Year 5) follows a structured timeline published by the NSW Department of Education. Here are the dates every parent needs in their calendar:
2026 OC Test — Critical Dates
For 2027 Opportunity Class entry
Applications Open
Online applications begin
Applications Close
Final day to submit your application
Update Details
Last day to update application details
OC Placement Test
Students allocated one test day only
Make-Up Test
For students with approved absences
Change School Choices
Last day to update school preferences
Outcomes Released
Placement results communicated (TBC)
Don't Miss the Application Deadline
Applications close 20 February 2026. Late applications are not accepted. If your child is currently in Year 3 or Year 4, check your eligibility and apply through the NSW Department of Education portal as early as possible. You will need your child's Student Registration Number (SRN), which their school can provide.
For a detailed walkthrough of the application process, see our 2026 OC test dates and application guide.
Important change for 2026: From this year, the OC Placement Test is only held in NSW. Students attending schools interstate or overseas are no longer able to sit the test at external locations outside New South Wales.
Understanding the OC Test Format
The OC Placement Test is a computer-based assessment comprising three equally weighted components. There is no writing section in the OC test — this is a key difference from the NSW Selective High School test, which includes a fourth writing component. Every question is multiple-choice, and each component contributes exactly one-third of the total score.
OC Test 2026 — Component Breakdown
Three components, equally weighted at 33.3% each
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | 35 questions | 40 minutes | Problem-solving, number sense, algebra, geometry, data |
| Reading | 25 questions | 30 minutes | Comprehension of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry passages |
| Thinking Skills | 30 questions | 30 minutes | Abstract reasoning, logic, pattern recognition, spatial skills |
By the Numbers
Total test specifications
Total Questions
Across all three components
Total Test Time
Combined active testing time
Components
Each weighted equally at 33.3%
Writing Tasks
No writing component for OC
The test is designed to assess reasoning ability rather than curriculum knowledge alone. Questions are calibrated to differentiate between high-ability students, meaning the difficulty level increases throughout each section. Not every student is expected to answer every question correctly — the test is intentionally challenging to identify the strongest performers.
How the Computer-Based Test Works
Understanding the test delivery format is just as important as knowing the content. Since 2023, the OC Placement Test has been fully computer-based. Here is what your child will experience:
- External test centres — Your child will not sit the test at their own school. They are assigned to a designated test centre, and you will receive the details after your application is confirmed.
- One test day only — Each student is allocated either 8 May or 9 May 2026. You cannot choose your test day.
- On-screen interface — Questions are displayed on screen with multiple-choice options. Students click to select their answer and can navigate forward and backward within a section.
- No devices permitted — Calculators, mobile phones, smart watches, and all electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
- Scratch paper — Students may be provided with paper or an on-screen notepad for working out.
- Timed sections — Each component is separately timed. When time expires, the section closes automatically.
- Breaks between sections — Short supervised breaks are provided between components.
Build Computer Confidence Early
If your child has limited experience with computer-based tests, practise with online assessment platforms before test day. Familiarity with clicking, scrolling, and navigating on-screen questions removes a layer of anxiety and lets your child focus entirely on the content.
The make-up test on 22 May 2026 is available only for students who miss the main test date due to approved circumstances such as illness (with a medical certificate) or religious observance. Contact the School Placement Unit immediately if your child cannot attend their allocated test day.
Test Day Checklist
- ✓Test admission details (printed or digital as specified)
- ✓Water bottle and a light snack for breaks
- ✓Comfortable clothing — no electronic watches
- ✓Arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start
- ✓No calculators, phones, or smart watches
- ✓Good breakfast before leaving home
- ✓Know the exact route to the assigned test centre
- ✓Positive, calm mindset — avoid last-minute revision
Preparing for Mathematical Reasoning
Mathematical Reasoning is the largest component by question count — 35 questions in 40 minutes — giving your child just over one minute per question. This section tests far more than basic arithmetic. It assesses your child's ability to apply mathematical concepts to unfamiliar problems, reason logically, and work efficiently under time pressure.
Key topics covered:
- Number and place value — Operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
- Patterns and algebra — Identifying number patterns, completing sequences, understanding simple algebraic relationships
- Measurement and geometry — Perimeter, area, volume, angles, symmetry, and 2D/3D shapes
- Data and probability — Reading and interpreting graphs, tables, and charts; basic probability concepts
- Problem-solving — Multi-step word problems requiring logical reasoning
Preparation strategies:
Strong mathematical reasoning begins with fluency in mental arithmetic. Your child should be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and accurately without a calculator. Daily mental maths practice — even just 10 minutes — builds the speed and confidence needed for the test.
Beyond fluency, focus on problem-solving skills. Work through word problems that require multiple steps, encourage your child to explain their reasoning aloud, and practise identifying what a question is really asking before jumping to calculations. Many students lose marks not because they cannot do the maths, but because they misread the question or rush through without checking their working.
The Power of Worked Examples
When your child gets a question wrong during practice, do not simply provide the correct answer. Work through the solution together step by step. Understanding why an answer is correct builds deeper mathematical reasoning than memorising solutions.
For structured practice questions aligned to the current test format, explore our OC practice tests and free sample questions.
Preparing for the Reading Component
The Reading section presents 25 questions across 30 minutes, requiring your child to comprehend and analyse written passages under time pressure. Passages include a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, with questions that test literal comprehension, inference, vocabulary in context, and the author's purpose and technique.
What the Reading section assesses:
- Literal comprehension — Finding specific information stated directly in the text
- Inferential comprehension — Drawing conclusions from implied meaning
- Vocabulary in context — Understanding word meanings based on surrounding text
- Author's purpose and technique — Recognising why and how a text is written
- Text structure — Understanding how a passage is organised and how parts relate
Preparation strategies:
The single most effective preparation for the Reading component is daily reading across varied genres. Children who read widely — novels, non-fiction articles, newspapers, poetry, even well-written magazines — develop the comprehension flexibility the test demands. Reading should be an enjoyable habit, not a chore.
Beyond reading, practise active comprehension strategies: ask your child to summarise what they have read, predict what might happen next, identify the main idea of a paragraph, and explain unfamiliar words using context clues. These skills directly mirror what the test questions assess.
During practice tests, teach your child to read the questions first before reading the passage. This primes their brain to look for specific information while reading, improving both accuracy and speed. Time management matters — if a question is taking too long, mark it and move on. Every unanswered question is a guaranteed zero; a quick educated guess is better than no answer at all.
For tips on using past test materials effectively, read our guide on how to use OC past papers effectively.
Preparing for Thinking Skills
Thinking Skills is often the component that surprises families the most. With 30 questions in 30 minutes, it moves fast — exactly one minute per question. This section tests abstract and logical reasoning through pattern recognition, spatial visualisation, and sequence completion. It is deliberately designed to be less dependent on taught curriculum, which means traditional study methods are less effective here.
Types of questions:
- Pattern completion — Identifying the missing element in a visual or numerical pattern
- Analogies — Recognising relationships between pairs of shapes, words, or numbers
- Spatial reasoning — Mentally rotating, folding, or transforming shapes
- Logical deduction — Drawing conclusions from a set of given rules or statements
- Sequence identification — Determining the next item in a progressive series
Preparation strategies:
Because Thinking Skills questions are less tied to school curriculum, many students encounter them for the first time during OC preparation. Start by familiarising your child with the question types — once they recognise the patterns, their confidence and accuracy improve significantly.
Work through logic puzzles, Sudoku, tangram challenges, and non-verbal reasoning exercises regularly. These activities develop the cognitive flexibility that the Thinking Skills section demands. Online platforms that offer adaptive abstract reasoning practice are particularly useful because they adjust difficulty based on your child's performance.
Encourage your child to verbalise their reasoning process when solving thinking skills questions. Saying "I can see that each row rotates 90 degrees clockwise" builds metacognitive awareness — the ability to think about their own thinking — which is exactly what this component measures.
Thinking Skills Is Learnable
Many parents assume that Thinking Skills is about innate intelligence and cannot be improved. This is not true. While these questions do assess reasoning ability, research consistently shows that regular practice with abstract reasoning tasks measurably improves performance. Start early and practise consistently.
For a deep dive into building these skills, read our guide on OC test thinking skills development strategies.
Preparation Timelines That Actually Work
The best preparation timeline depends on when you start and your child's current skill level. Below are three realistic scenarios. The key principle across all of them: consistency beats intensity. Thirty minutes of focused daily practice is more effective than four-hour weekend cramming sessions.
Preparation Timelines
18-Month Plan (Starting Mid-Year 3)
Objectives
- Build strong foundational skills with zero pressure
- Develop a love of reading and problem-solving
Key Activities
- Daily reading — 20-30 minutes of varied genres
- Mental maths practice — 10 minutes daily
- Weekly logic puzzles and spatial reasoning games
- Introduce OC-style questions from Term 4 of Year 3
- Begin regular timed practice in Term 1 of Year 4
- Full mock tests fortnightly from Term 2 of Year 4
6-Month Plan (Starting Late Year 3 / Early Year 4)
Objectives
- Accelerate skill development across all three components
- Build test familiarity and time management skills
Key Activities
- Daily reading and comprehension exercises — 20 minutes
- Daily maths problem-solving — 15 minutes
- Thinking skills practice — 3 sessions per week
- Weekly timed practice tests from Month 2
- Full mock tests weekly in the final 8 weeks
- Review and analyse every mistake systematically
3-Month Plan (Starting February Year 4)
Objectives
- Maximise readiness with focused, strategic preparation
- Build exam technique and manage test anxiety
Key Activities
- Daily mixed practice across all three components — 30-40 minutes
- Two full-length timed mock tests per week
- Focus extra time on weakest component
- Practise on a computer to simulate test conditions
- Review incorrect answers immediately after each test
- Wind down practice 3-4 days before the actual test
Avoid Burnout
Regardless of your timeline, protect your child's wellbeing. Signs of burnout include resistance to practice, declining scores despite more effort, sleep disruption, and increased anxiety. If you see these signs, reduce the intensity. A rested, confident child will always outperform an exhausted, anxious one on test day.
School Preferences and How to Choose
During the OC application, you can list up to two preferred OC schools. Your preferences are critical — they determine which school your child is offered if their score qualifies them for a place.
How preferences work:
The placement system processes students in order of their test score, from highest to lowest. For each student, it checks whether a place is available at their first-preference school. If yes, the student is offered that place. If the first-preference school is full, the system checks the second preference. If neither school has a place available, the student may be placed on a reserve list.
How to choose wisely:
- Proximity matters — OC classes run for two years (Years 5 and 6). A school within reasonable travel distance reduces daily stress for your child and your family.
- Research the school — Visit open days, read recent reviews, and talk to other OC families. Every OC school delivers the same enriched curriculum, but school culture and facilities vary.
- Consider competitiveness — Some OC schools are significantly more oversubscribed than others. If your child's practice scores suggest they are competitive but not at the very top, listing a slightly less competitive school as your first preference may increase their chance of an offer.
- Use both preferences — Always list two schools. Leaving the second preference blank provides no advantage and reduces your child's placement options.
- You can change preferences until 5 June 2026 — After the test, you have until this date to update your school choices based on how your child felt about their performance.
Strategic Preference Tip
There are 89 OC schools across NSW. Not all are equally competitive. Research the schools in your area and consider listing one highly desired school alongside one that may have lower demand. This balanced approach maximises your child's chance of receiving an offer.
The Equity Placement Model
The NSW Department of Education applies a 20% equity placement model to the OC programme. This means that approximately one-fifth of available places are reserved for students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. The equity model ensures that the programme remains accessible to talented students regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances.
What this means in practice:
- Around 80% of OC places are allocated purely on test score and preference ranking
- The remaining 20% are offered to students who qualify under the equity criteria and have achieved a competitive test score
- Equity eligibility is determined by factors such as geographic isolation, low socioeconomic status, or attendance at schools with high disadvantage indicators
- You do not need to separately apply for equity consideration — the Department identifies eligible students through existing data
The equity model does not lower the standard of the programme. Students offered places through the equity pathway have still demonstrated strong academic ability on the test. The model simply ensures that opportunity is not limited by background.
After the Test: Results, Offers, and Reserve Lists
The period between the test and results release is one of the most anxious times for families. Here is exactly what happens.
Results timeline:
OC placement outcomes for 2026 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 or by mail — they are not released through your child's school.
What you will receive:
- Your child's placement outcome — an offer at a specific school, a reserve list position, or an unsuccessful result
- If offered a place, instructions on how to accept and enrol
- If placed on the reserve list, your child's position and the school(s) they are waitlisted for
Understanding the reserve list:
If your child does not receive an immediate offer but scored competitively, they may be placed on a reserve list. The reserve list is ranked by score. When a student who received an offer declines their place, the next student on the reserve list for that school is offered the position. Reserve list movement can continue into Term 1 of the following year, so do not lose hope if your child is waitlisted. You will be contacted directly if a place becomes available.
One Opportunity Only
The OC test is a one-time assessment. Students sit the test in Year 4 for entry into Year 5. There is no option to resit the following year. If your child does not receive a place, the NSW Selective High School test in Year 6 provides another pathway into an academically enriched programme for Year 7 onwards.
If your child is unsuccessful:
An unsuccessful OC result does not define your child's potential. Many students who do not receive OC placement go on to achieve outstanding results in the Selective High School test two years later. Continue to nurture your child's love of learning, maintain the reading and reasoning habits built during preparation, and approach the Selective test as a fresh opportunity.
"Our daughter missed out on OC by a handful of marks. We kept up her reading habit and thinking skills practice, and two years later she was offered a place at a top selective high school. The preparation was never wasted."
Parent, Hills District
Frequently Asked Questions
What year level does my child need to be in to sit the OC test?
Your child applies during Year 3 or early Year 4 and sits the OC Placement Test during Year 4. If successful, they enter an Opportunity Class at the start of Year 5. The test is a one-time assessment — there is no option to resit in a later year.
Is the OC test free?
Yes. There is no application fee, sitting fee, or administrative charge for the OC test. The entire Opportunity Class programme is funded by the NSW Department of Education. Be cautious of any third-party website that asks for payment to register your child — always apply through the official DoE portal.
How is the OC test different from the Selective High School test?
The OC test has three components — Mathematical Reasoning, Reading, and Thinking Skills — all multiple-choice. The Selective High School test has four components, adding a Writing section. The OC test is sat in Year 4 for Year 5 entry, while the Selective test is sat in Year 6 for Year 7 entry.
Can my child sit the OC test outside NSW?
No. From 2026, the OC Placement Test is only held at designated test centres within New South Wales. Students attending schools interstate or overseas are no longer able to sit the test at external locations outside NSW.
How many OC schools can I list as preferences?
You can list up to two preferred OC schools during the application process. Always use both preferences to maximise your child's chance of receiving an offer. You can update your school choices until 5 June 2026.
What does the 20% equity placement model mean?
The NSW Department of Education reserves approximately 20% of OC places for students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. These students still need to achieve a competitive test score — the equity model ensures that talented students are not excluded by their socioeconomic circumstances. You do not need to separately apply for equity consideration.
Are calculators or devices allowed during the test?
No. Calculators, mobile phones, smart watches, and all electronic devices are strictly prohibited during the OC test. All mathematical working must be done mentally or on provided scratch paper. Bringing prohibited items may result in disqualification.
What happens if my child is sick on test day?
Contact the School Placement Unit immediately. A make-up test is scheduled for 22 May 2026 for students who miss the main test due to approved absences such as illness (a medical certificate is required) or religious observance. Do not send your child to sit the test if they are unwell — they will not perform to their ability.
When will we find out the results?
OC placement outcomes for 2026 are expected in late September 2026. Results are communicated directly to parents through the online portal or by mail — not through your child's school. The exact date will be confirmed by the Department of Education.
Can my child resit the OC test if they are unsuccessful?
No. The OC test is a one-time assessment. There is no option to resit the following year. However, the NSW Selective High School test in Year 6 provides another pathway into an academically enriched programme for Year 7 and beyond.
How long should my child prepare for the OC test?
Most education specialists recommend 12 to 18 months of structured preparation, beginning in Year 3. However, meaningful improvement is possible with 6 months or even 3 months of focused, consistent practice. The key is daily consistency rather than occasional intensive sessions.
Is coaching necessary for OC preparation?
Coaching is not strictly necessary, but many families find it valuable — particularly for Thinking Skills, which is the least familiar component for most students. A quality programme provides structure, expert guidance, and regular assessment. Whether you use coaching or prepare at home, daily reading and consistent practice remain essential.
Resources and Next Steps
Structured courses, 400+ practice tests, and expert strategies designed for the 2026 OC Placement Test format.
Start Your OC Preparation with BrainTree
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- ✓5 Thinking Skills tests with video explanations
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- ✓Full-length mock tests with instant scoring & progress tracking
- ✓90 days of unlimited access to all resources
- ✓10 Thinking Skills tests with video explanations
- ✓10 Mathematical Reasoning tests with video explanations
- ✓10 Reading tests
- ✓Foundation + Advanced Vocabulary Courses
- ✓Full-length mock tests with instant scoring & progress tracking
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Essential OC Test Resources
Everything you need for a confident, well-prepared OC test journey
2026 OC Test Dates & Application Guide
Complete walkthrough of the application process with every deadline and step explained.
Access ResourceOC Test FAQ: 25 Questions Parents Ask
Quick answers to the most common questions about eligibility, format, and results.
Access ResourceFree OC Practice Test & Sample Questions
Try real-format questions across all three components at no cost.
Access ResourceHow to Use OC Past Papers Effectively
Strategies for getting maximum value from past test materials during preparation.
Access ResourceOC Practice Tests
Full-length practice tests aligned to the current OC test format and difficulty.
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Access our complete library of free mock tests for OC and Selective preparation.
Access ResourceOC Preparation Courses
Comprehensive preparation programmes designed by experienced educators.
Access ResourceOfficial NSW DoE — OC Placement
The official NSW Department of Education page for Opportunity Class placement information.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Last updated: 5 February 2026