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Understanding the National Benchmark Test (NBT): What You Need to Know


 National Benchmark Test, is a test that is used in South Africa, it is there to assess the academic readiness of the undergraduate “first-year” students in the university. There are two parts of the test, which are The Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy test (AQL) and the Mathematics test (MAT). The AQL test assess the language and math literacy, while the MAT test focuses on higher-level of the math skills. It is there to help the universities to be able to place the students in an appropriate courses or the courses of the student’s interest and it also provides the necessary academic support

The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) measures your academic readiness for University. Some South African universities use the NBTs in addition to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for access to higher education, while others use the tests to determine the kind of learning support a student will need during their studies.

What to expect

  • Two days before the test for which you have registered, you will receive an sms and an email confirming your test venue.
  • There are two tests, the AQL and the MAT. The AQL is written in a 3-hour morning session. The MAT is written on the same day in a 3-hour afternoon session.
  • You are not allowed to write the AQL test on one day and the MAT test on another.
  • Each university and faculty determines which tests must be written and the deadline to receive results.
  • A Sunday session is offered at major test sites to accommodate applicants who cannot write on Saturday.
  • You must be at the check-in desk by 7:30 AM on your scheduled test date.
  • You must use your name as printed on your official ID when registering and when writing. Your ID will be checked before you are allowed to write on test day.
  • Registration is date and site specific; learners who do not report as scheduled must re-schedule and pay for the initial test as well as the re-scheduled make-up test.
  • Get a good night's sleep and be sure to have your travel plans set in advance.
  • At check-in, you will be given an answer sheet with your name and ID number printed on the back.
  • Once you are seated inside the test room, carefully check the printed name.
  • You will be given instructions by the Senior Invigilator on how to make corrections.
  • You must show your official ID to an invigilator before the test begins.
  • Place your ID beside the answer sheet, along with your pencils and eraser. Everything else must be placed on the floor.
  • Now you can close your eyes, relax and prepare your mind while you wait for the session to begin. Note that bathroom breaks are not allowed. Plan ahead, and remember that the writing session is 3 hours.Test day checklist

    • You will need the followingYou may not use the following
    Paid test feesCalculator
    7:30 AM Check-inRuler
    South African ID book/card or passportDictionary
    Sharpened Pencils (2) and EraserScrappaper
    Lunch and waterNotebooks
    Smartphones, IPads, Tablets, Smartwatches
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