What Is the National Benchmark Test?
The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are designed to measure an applicant's academic readiness for university study.
The NBTs provide information about academic and quantitative literacy and, where required, mathematics proficiency. The results may be used by higher education institutions alongside other information when considering applicants.
What Is the Purpose of the NBT?
The NBTs are intended to provide additional information about an applicant's readiness for higher education study.
South African higher education institutions may use NBT results in different ways. Some institutions may use the results as part of their admission processes, while others may use them to help determine appropriate academic support or placement.
The NBTs support and complement school-leaving results such as the National Senior Certificate (NSC); they do not replace the NSC.
What Tests Are Included in the NBTs?
There are two NBT tests: the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test and the Mathematics (MAT) test.
The AQL test combines Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy. It is a multiple-choice test with a total writing time of three hours.
The MAT test assesses mathematics and is also a multiple-choice test with a total writing time of three hours.
Not every applicant is required to write both tests. The institution and faculty to which a student is applying determine which test or tests are required.
What Does the AQL Test Assess?
The Academic Literacy component assesses skills related to understanding and working with academic texts, including interpreting information, evaluating evidence and drawing conclusions.
The Quantitative Literacy component assesses the ability to work with quantitative information and apply mathematical reasoning in contexts relevant to higher education study.
The AQL test therefore focuses on skills that may be relevant to academic study rather than simply testing the recall of school subjects.
What Does the MAT Test Assess?
The Mathematics test assesses mathematical knowledge and reasoning relevant to higher education study.
The test may include areas such as algebra, functions, patterns, geometry, trigonometry, data interpretation and other mathematical concepts.
Students should confirm whether the MAT is required for the programme or institution to which they are applying.
Who Needs to Write the NBT?
Whether an applicant needs to write the NBT depends on the requirements of the institution and faculty to which they are applying.
Each institution and faculty determines which NBT test or tests applicants must write and the deadline for submitting their results.
Students should therefore check the official admission requirements of every institution and programme to which they intend to apply.
How Do You Register for the NBT?
NBT registration is completed online through the official National Benchmark Test Project website.
Applicants need to provide the information requested during registration and select an available test date and location or an available online test option.
Students should check the official NBT website for current registration requirements, test dates, fees and available test options before registering.
When Should You Write the NBT?
Students should consider the NBT deadlines set by the institutions and programmes to which they are applying when deciding when to write the tests.
Applicants should allow sufficient time for their results to be processed and made available before the relevant institutional deadline.
The NBT Project advises applicants to consider institutional deadlines when planning their test date.
Where Can You Write the NBT?
The NBTs may be written online or at designated physical test venues, depending on the available test sessions.
Students should consult the official NBT test schedule for current test dates, locations and available options.
How Can You Prepare for the NBT?
Students should familiarise themselves with the type of skills assessed in the relevant NBT before writing the test.
The official NBT website provides information about the content of the tests as well as exemplar questions that students can use to become familiar with the types of questions and skills assessed.
Students should also review the requirements of the institution and programme to which they are applying to determine which test or tests they need to write.
What Should You Take to the NBT?
Students should check the official NBT instructions for the requirements applicable to their test session.
For test sessions where identification is required, applicants should bring the identification specified by the NBT Project. Other permitted materials may also depend on the test format and current instructions.
Students should review the official NBT information before attending the test to ensure that they follow the current test-day requirements.
Important Information
NBT requirements differ between institutions, faculties and programmes. Students should not assume that the same NBT requirements apply to every programme or institution.
Always consult the official website of the institution to which you are applying and the official National Benchmark Test Project website for the most current requirements, deadlines, registration information and test details.
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes and does not guarantee admission to any higher education institution or programme.