"We started with the OC test in Year 4 and then moved into Selective preparation. Having that early foundation made all the difference — by the time Year 6 came around, our daughter already knew what to expect." — Priya M., Parent, Epping
Official Data Sources
All exam details in this guide are sourced from the NSW Department of Education and verified against official 2025–2026 testing documentation. The OC test is administered to Year 4 students for Year 5 Opportunity Class placement, while the Selective High School Placement Test is sat by Year 6 students for Year 7 entry. Both tests are developed by Cambridge Assessment.
OC Test vs Selective Test: Understanding NSW's Two Major Academic Exams
If you're a parent of a primary school student in NSW, two exams dominate the academic landscape: the Opportunity Class (OC) Placement Test and the Selective High School Placement Test. Both are highly competitive, both assess reasoning and aptitude, and both can shape your child's educational journey for years to come.
But they are not the same test.
Understanding the difference between the OC test and the Selective test is critical for planning your child's preparation. Many families navigate both exams — first the OC test in Year 4, then the Selective test in Year 6 — while others focus on just one. The right approach depends on your child's age, goals, and readiness.
This guide provides a thorough, side-by-side comparison so you can make an informed decision about which test to prioritise and how to prepare effectively for both.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- The fundamental differences between the OC and Selective tests in format, structure, and scoring
- How the age and timing of each exam affects preparation strategy
- A detailed comparison of test components, including the Selective writing task
- Whether one test is harder than the other and what difficulty actually means
- How families can prepare for both tests with a practical year-by-year timeline
- Which core skills transfer between both exams and how to build them early
- Key preparation strategies tailored to each test's unique requirements
Navigate directly to the section most relevant to your family's planning.
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Key Differences at a Glance
Before diving into the detail, here is a high-level comparison of the two tests. This table covers the most important factors parents ask about when deciding between OC test vs Selective test preparation.
OC Test vs Selective Test: Complete Comparison
Side-by-side overview of the two major NSW academic placement exams
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Year Group | Year 4 students (entry into Year 5) | Year 6 students (entry into Year 7) | OC is two years earlier |
| Number of Components | 3 (Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills) | 4 (Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills, Writing) | Selective adds a writing task |
| Test Format | Computer-based, multiple-choice | Computer-based, multiple-choice + typed writing | Both computer-based |
| Total Questions | ~79 questions across 3 sections | ~92 questions + 1 writing task | Selective has more content |
| Total Test Duration | ~110 minutes | ~155 minutes | Selective is 45 mins longer |
| Writing Component | No | Yes — 30 minutes, 25% of total score | Major structural difference |
| Number of Schools | 89 OC schools across NSW | 47 selective schools (25 fully, 22 partially) | More OC schools available |
| Available Places | ~2,500 places | ~4,248 places | More selective places overall |
| Approximate Applicants | 15,000+ | 17,000+ | Both highly competitive |
| Equity Placement Model | 20% | 20% | Same equity approach |
| Calculator Allowed | No | No | Neither allows calculators |
| Assessment Focus | Aptitude and reasoning | Aptitude, reasoning, and written expression | Selective tests broader skills |
| Typing Requirement | Basic navigation only | 30–35 WPM recommended for writing | Selective requires typing fluency |
The most striking difference is the writing component. The OC test is entirely multiple-choice across three sections, while the Selective test adds a typed writing task worth 25% of the total score. This single difference changes the preparation landscape significantly.
Age and Timing Differences
The OC test is sat by students in Year 4, typically when they are 9 or 10 years old. Successful candidates enter an Opportunity Class in Year 5 and remain there through Year 6. OC classes operate within regular primary schools — there are 89 schools offering them across NSW.
The Selective High School Placement Test is sat by students in Year 6, typically when they are 11 or 12. Successful candidates gain entry to one of 47 selective high schools (25 fully selective, 22 partially selective) starting in Year 7.
This two-year gap matters enormously for preparation planning.
Why the Age Gap Changes Everything
A Year 4 student is at a fundamentally different stage of cognitive and emotional development compared to a Year 6 student. The OC test is designed with this in mind — its content, complexity, and time demands are calibrated for younger learners.
For families, this means:
- OC preparation must be age-appropriate. Overloading a 9-year-old with intensive drilling can be counterproductive. Short, focused practice sessions work better than marathon study blocks.
- Selective preparation can be more structured and intensive. Year 5–6 students have greater stamina, better time management, and the maturity to handle longer practice sessions and exam-style conditions.
- The transition is natural. Many students who enter OC in Year 5 spend two years in an academically enriched environment, which builds a strong foundation for Selective test preparation in Year 6.
Planning Ahead for Younger Children
If your child is in Year 2 or Year 3, you have time to build foundational skills before the OC test. Focus on developing a love of reading, strong number sense, and logical thinking through puzzles and games — not formal test preparation. Structured OC prep is most effective when started in the second half of Year 3 or early Year 4. For a detailed plan, see our OC Test Preparation Guide for Year 4 Parents.
Test Format and Structure Compared
Both tests are computer-based and administered at external test centres by Cambridge Assessment on behalf of the NSW Department of Education. However, the structure and content of each test differ in important ways.
OC Test Structure (3 Components)
The OC Placement Test has three equally weighted sections:
- Reading Test: 14 questions (including 3 multi-part items), 40 minutes — worth 33.3%
- Mathematical Reasoning: 35 questions, 40 minutes — worth 33.3%
- Thinking Skills: 30 questions, 30 minutes — worth 33.3%
Total test time is approximately 110 minutes. All questions are multiple-choice. There is no writing component and no requirement for extended typed responses.
Selective Test Structure (4 Components)
The Selective High School Placement Test has four equally weighted sections:
- Reading: 17 questions (including 3 multi-part items), 45 minutes — worth 25%
- Mathematical Reasoning: 35 questions, 40 minutes — worth 25%
- Thinking Skills: 40 questions, 40 minutes — worth 25%
- Writing: 1 extended response task, 30 minutes — worth 25%
Total test time is approximately 155 minutes. The first three sections are multiple-choice. The writing task requires students to compose a typed response, making keyboard fluency essential.
What the Writing Component Means for Preparation
The addition of the writing task in the Selective test is the single biggest structural difference. It changes the preparation equation in several ways:
Typing speed matters. Students need to type at approximately 30–35 words per minute to comfortably complete the writing task within 30 minutes. This is not just about speed — it's about being able to think and type simultaneously, editing as they go.
Written expression is a separate skill. Multiple-choice reasoning and extended writing require different cognitive processes. A student who excels at pattern recognition and logical deduction may still need focused work on essay structure, persuasive writing, and grammatical accuracy.
It broadens the assessment. By adding writing, the Selective test evaluates a wider range of academic skills. This means preparation needs to be more diverse, covering both reasoning-based practice and writing development.
By the Numbers
Key statistics for both NSW academic placement exams
OC Places
Across 89 schools for 15,000+ applicants
Selective Places
Across 47 schools for 17,000+ applicants
Writing Weight
The Selective writing task's share of the total score
Equity Model
Both tests reserve places under the equity placement model
Difficulty Comparison: Which Test Is Harder?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask: is the OC test or the Selective test harder? The answer is more nuanced than a simple ranking.
They Test Different Developmental Levels
The OC test is designed for Year 4 students and the Selective test for Year 6 students. Each test is calibrated to challenge students at their respective age levels. A Selective test question is not simply a harder version of an OC test question — it may assess the same underlying skill (such as verbal reasoning or numerical patterns) but in a more complex, layered way that reflects two additional years of cognitive development.
Competition Intensity
Both tests are intensely competitive, but the ratios tell a slightly different story:
- OC Test: Approximately 2,500 places for over 15,000 applicants — roughly 1 in 6.
- Selective Test: Approximately 4,248 places for over 17,000 applicants — roughly 1 in 4.
On raw acceptance rates alone, the OC test appears more competitive. However, the Selective applicant pool includes many students who have already spent two years in Opportunity Classes, raising the overall standard of the cohort.
The Writing Factor
The Selective test's writing component introduces an element of subjectivity that the OC test avoids entirely. Some students find this freeing — it gives them a chance to demonstrate skills that multiple-choice questions cannot capture. Others find it challenging because it requires a different type of preparation and performance under pressure.
"The OC test rewards quick, accurate reasoning across three focused sections. The Selective test demands everything the OC does, plus the ability to construct a coherent, well-argued written response under time pressure. Neither is inherently harder — they test different things at different stages."
Academic Assessment Team
Bottom Line on Difficulty
Rather than asking "which is harder," consider asking "which requires broader preparation." The OC test is more focused — three multiple-choice sections assessing reasoning. The Selective test is broader — the same reasoning foundation plus a writing task that tests structure, expression, and typing fluency. For most families, the Selective test requires more diverse preparation, but the OC test demands an exceptionally high standard in its narrower scope.
Can You Prepare for Both Tests?
Absolutely — and most families do. The OC and Selective tests are not competing pathways. They are sequential milestones in many students' academic journeys. A child can sit the OC test in Year 4, enter an Opportunity Class in Year 5, and then sit the Selective test in Year 6 for entry into a selective high school in Year 7.
This is, in fact, the most common pathway for high-achieving students in NSW.
Why Preparing for Both Makes Sense
The core skills overlap significantly. Both tests assess reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, and thinking skills (which includes abstract and logical reasoning). A student who develops strong foundations in these areas for the OC test has already completed a substantial portion of their Selective test preparation.
The key additional element is the Selective test's writing component. Families who plan ahead can introduce writing development gradually during Years 5 and 6, building on the reasoning skills already established through OC preparation.
When Preparing for Both Doesn't Make Sense
There are situations where focusing on one test is the wiser choice:
- Late starters. If your child is already in Year 5 and did not sit the OC test, focus entirely on Selective preparation. There is no benefit in looking back.
- Year 4 students under significant stress. If preparing for the OC test is causing anxiety or resistance, it may be better to ease off and focus on building skills for the Selective test with a longer runway.
- Different schooling goals. Some families prefer to keep their child in their local primary school through Year 6 and target selective entry for high school only. This is a perfectly valid approach.
Avoid Preparation Burnout
Preparing for two high-stakes tests across four years can lead to burnout if not managed carefully. Keep preparation enjoyable and age-appropriate. The goal is sustained skill development, not relentless drilling. If your child begins to resist or shows signs of fatigue, step back and reassess the pace. A burnt-out student performs worse than a well-rested one.
The Family Journey: A Year-by-Year Timeline
For families planning to navigate both the OC and Selective pathways, here is a practical timeline showing what to focus on at each stage.
The Typical OC → Selective Family Journey
Year 3: Foundation Building
Objectives
- Develop a strong reading habit across fiction and non-fiction
- Build number sense and mental arithmetic confidence
- Introduce logic puzzles and pattern-recognition games
Key Activities
- Daily reading for pleasure (20–30 minutes)
- Maths games and real-world problem solving
- Puzzle books, Sudoku, and visual reasoning activities
- No formal test preparation needed at this stage
Year 4: OC Test Preparation
Objectives
- Familiarise with OC test format and question types
- Build speed and accuracy in reading, maths, and thinking skills
- Develop exam technique and time management
Key Activities
- Regular practice with OC-style questions across all three components
- Timed practice sessions to build exam stamina
- Mock tests under realistic conditions
- Review weak areas systematically and track progress
Year 5: Consolidation and Broadening
Objectives
- Deepen reasoning skills in an academically enriched environment
- Begin introducing structured writing practice
- Develop keyboard typing fluency towards 30–35 WPM
Key Activities
- OC classwork provides natural academic extension
- Weekly writing practice (persuasive essays, narratives, expositions)
- Typing practice using age-appropriate software
- Continue reading widely and building vocabulary
Year 6: Selective Test Preparation
Objectives
- Master all four Selective test components including writing
- Achieve consistent performance under timed conditions
- Finalise school preference list based on realistic score estimates
Key Activities
- Structured practice across reading, maths, thinking skills, and writing
- Full-length mock tests replicating Selective test conditions
- Writing practice with feedback — focus on structure and argument
- Review school options and submit well-researched preferences
This timeline is not rigid. Every child is different, and preparation should be adapted to your child's strengths, weaknesses, and wellbeing. The key principle is progressive development — start with broad foundational skills and gradually introduce test-specific preparation as the relevant exam approaches.
Skills That Transfer Between Both Tests
One of the strongest arguments for preparing for both tests is the significant skill overlap. Here are the core competencies that transfer directly from OC preparation to Selective preparation.
Reading Comprehension
Both tests assess the ability to understand, interpret, and analyse written texts. The Selective test uses slightly longer and more complex passages, but the underlying skills — identifying main ideas, making inferences, understanding vocabulary in context, evaluating arguments — are the same.
A student who performs well in OC reading will have an excellent foundation for Selective reading. The transition involves encountering more sophisticated texts and practicing with longer passages, not learning entirely new skills.
Mathematical Reasoning
The mathematical reasoning sections in both tests focus on problem-solving and logical thinking, not rote calculation. Questions test the ability to recognise patterns, work with spatial concepts, interpret data, and apply mathematical concepts to novel situations.
Since neither test allows calculators, mental arithmetic and estimation skills developed for the OC test carry directly into Selective preparation. The Selective test introduces more complex multi-step problems, but the reasoning framework is identical.
Thinking Skills
Both tests include a dedicated thinking skills section assessing abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and logical deduction. These are among the most transferable skills in education — they improve with practice and rarely regress.
Students who develop strong thinking skills for the OC test will find the Selective thinking skills section familiar in format, even though the complexity increases.
Skills That Transfer Directly from OC to Selective
- ✓Reading comprehension — inference, analysis, and vocabulary in context
- ✓Mathematical reasoning — pattern recognition, problem-solving, and mental arithmetic
- ✓Abstract and logical reasoning — the backbone of thinking skills sections
- ✓Exam technique — time management, question triage, and working under pressure
- ✓Computer-based test navigation — familiarity with on-screen testing format
- ✓Emotional resilience — experience with high-stakes testing conditions
The One Skill That Doesn't Transfer: Writing
The writing component in the Selective test is genuinely new for students coming from the OC pathway. It requires:
- The ability to construct a coherent argument or narrative under time pressure
- Strong sentence structure, paragraph organisation, and grammatical accuracy
- Keyboard fluency — typing at 30–35 words per minute while composing
- The discipline to plan, write, and review within 30 minutes
This is why Year 5 is such an important year for families on the OC-to-Selective pathway. It's the ideal time to begin building writing skills before the intensity of Year 6 preparation begins.
Preparation Strategies for Each Test
While there is significant overlap, each test benefits from tailored preparation strategies.
OC Test Preparation Strategy
The OC test is a focused, three-component exam that rewards speed, accuracy, and reasoning ability. Preparation should emphasise:
OC Test Preparation Approach
Build Foundational Skills First
Before introducing test-specific practice, ensure your child has strong reading habits, solid number sense, and enjoys logical puzzles. These foundations make formal preparation far more effective.
Introduce Test Format Gradually
Familiarise your child with OC-style questions across all three sections. Start untimed to build confidence, then gradually introduce time constraints as accuracy improves.
Focus on Reasoning, Not Memorisation
The OC test assesses aptitude and reasoning, not curriculum knowledge. Practice should develop thinking processes — how to approach unfamiliar problems — rather than memorising formulas or word lists.
Use Mock Tests Strategically
Full mock tests are valuable but should not dominate preparation. Use them periodically to assess progress, identify weak areas, and build exam stamina. One mock test per fortnight is typically sufficient.
Keep It Age-Appropriate
Your child is 9 or 10. Sessions should be short (30–45 minutes), varied, and include positive reinforcement. Avoid creating a high-pressure environment that associates learning with stress.
For a comprehensive preparation plan, see our OC Test Preparation Guide for Year 4 Parents and explore our Opportunity Class preparation courses.
Selective Test Preparation Strategy
The Selective test is a broader, four-component exam that adds writing and requires greater stamina. Preparation should build on OC foundations while addressing the additional demands:
Selective Test Preparation Approach
Leverage Existing Strengths
If your child sat the OC test, they already have a strong reasoning foundation. Assess their current level across all four Selective components to identify where targeted work is needed.
Develop the Writing Component Early
Begin structured writing practice in Year 5. Focus on persuasive and analytical writing — the types most commonly assessed. Practise planning, drafting, and reviewing within timed conditions.
Build Typing Fluency
A typing speed of 30–35 WPM is essential for the writing task. Start regular typing practice well before Year 6 so it becomes automatic rather than a source of stress during the exam.
Increase Exam Stamina
At 155 minutes, the Selective test is significantly longer than the OC test. Build up to full-length practice sessions gradually so your child can maintain focus and accuracy through all four sections.
Practise Under Realistic Conditions
Computer-based mock tests that replicate the actual testing environment are invaluable. Ensure your child is comfortable reading passages on screen, navigating between questions, and typing extended responses.
For a complete guide to the Selective entry process, see our NSW Selective School Entry Guide and explore our Selective School preparation courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OC test just an easier version of the Selective test?
No. The OC test is designed for Year 4 students and assesses the same types of reasoning skills but at an age-appropriate level. It has three components (Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills) while the Selective test has four (adding Writing). Each test is calibrated independently for its target age group — the OC test is not a simplified Selective paper.
Can my child skip the OC test and just prepare for the Selective test?
Yes. The OC test and Selective test are independent pathways. Many students enter selective schools without ever attending an Opportunity Class. If your child is already in Year 5 or if the OC pathway does not suit your family's circumstances, focusing directly on Selective preparation is a perfectly effective approach.
If my child gets into an OC class, does that guarantee a selective school place?
No. OC placement and selective school placement are entirely separate processes. However, students in Opportunity Classes do benefit from two years of enriched academic instruction, which provides an excellent foundation for Selective test preparation. Many OC students go on to secure selective school places, but it is not automatic.
Which test has a higher acceptance rate?
The Selective test has a slightly higher acceptance rate in absolute terms (~4,248 places for ~17,000 applicants versus ~2,500 places for ~15,000+ OC applicants). However, the Selective applicant pool tends to be more academically focused (many having already been through OC), which raises the standard. Both tests are genuinely competitive.
Does the 20% equity model work the same way for both tests?
Yes. Both the OC Placement Test and the Selective High School Placement Test use a 20% equity placement model. This ensures that students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds have access to places, recognising that not all students have equal access to preparation resources.
When should my child start preparing for each test?
For the OC test, light foundation-building can begin in Year 3, with structured preparation most effective from mid-Year 3 to the test date in Year 4. For the Selective test, writing development should begin in Year 5, with focused four-component preparation ramping up from mid-Year 5 through Year 6. See our What Is the OC Test guide for more context.
Do both tests use the same testing platform?
Both tests are computer-based and administered by Cambridge Assessment on behalf of the NSW Department of Education. The interface is similar, so students who have experience with the OC testing platform will find the Selective platform familiar — with the addition of a typing-based writing section.
Are calculators allowed in either test?
No. Neither the OC test nor the Selective test allows calculators. Both exams assess mathematical reasoning and mental arithmetic rather than computational ability. This makes mental maths practice essential for both pathways.
Expert-designed courses covering Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills — the three pillars of OC test success. Build the foundation that carries through to Selective preparation.
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Resources and Next Steps
Essential Guides for Your Family
Explore these verified resources to plan your child's OC and Selective test preparation.
What Is the Opportunity Class Test?
A complete overview of the OC test including eligibility, format, and what to expect on test day.
Access ResourceOC Test Preparation Guide for Parents
Detailed preparation strategies, timelines, and practice advice specifically for Year 4 families.
Access ResourceNSW Selective School Entry: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the Selective High School Placement Test, from registration to results.
Access ResourceOC Preparation Courses
Structured online and in-person courses designed to build the reasoning skills assessed in the OC test.
Access ResourceSelective Preparation Courses
Comprehensive courses covering all four Selective test components including writing and typing skills.
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Try a free diagnostic test to assess your child's current level across key reasoning areas.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
- What Is the Opportunity Class Test in NSW? — Full overview of the OC test format, eligibility, and process
- NSW Selective School Entry: Complete Guide — Detailed guide to the Selective test and school options
- OC Test Preparation Guide for Year 4 Parents — Step-by-step preparation plan for OC families
- Opportunity Class Preparation Courses — Structured OC courses from BrainTree Coaching
- Selective School Preparation Courses — Comprehensive Selective test preparation
Last updated: 2 February 2026