HAST Test: What It Is & How to Prepare

The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is a standardised aptitude test developed by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). It is used by many Australian schools — particularly private and independent schools — as part of their admissions and scholarship selection process.

Unlike the NSW selective school exam (which is specifically for government selective high schools), the HAST is used broadly across Australia by a wide range of schools for identifying high-ability students.

The HAST is designed to assess academic potential rather than taught knowledge. Schools use it because it provides a standardised, fair comparison between students from different educational backgrounds.

The HAST is typically sat by students seeking:

• Academic scholarships at private or independent schools
• Entry to gifted & talented programs at participating schools
• Placement in accelerated learning streams
• Entry to selective or partially selective schools that use HAST rather than the SHSPT

The test is available at multiple year levels — most commonly Years 4–6 and Years 7–10. Each level has age-appropriate content and difficulty.

Individual schools decide whether to use HAST as part of their selection process. Check with your target school to confirm whether HAST is required.

The HAST consists of four components:

Component	What It Tests	Duration
Mathematical Reasoning	Problem solving, logic, pattern recognition with numbers	30 minutes
Reading Comprehension	Understanding texts, inference, vocabulary, critical analysis	30 minutes
Abstract Reasoning	Non-verbal patterns, spatial reasoning, logical sequences	30 minutes
Written Expression	Persuasive or creative writing on a given prompt	25 minutes

The first three components are multiple choice. Written Expression requires a sustained written response.

The test is administered either on paper or online, depending on the school. Total testing time is approximately two hours.

Families preparing for both selective school entry and private school scholarships often encounter both tests. Here's how they compare:

Feature	HAST	NSW Selective Test (SHSPT)
Developed by	ACER	Janison / Cambridge (for NSW DoE)
Used for	Private schools, scholarships, gifted programs	NSW government selective high schools
Components	Maths, Reading, Abstract Reasoning, Writing	Maths, Reading, Thinking Skills, Writing
Abstract/Thinking	Very similar — both test non-verbal reasoning	Very similar — both test non-verbal reasoning
Writing	25 minutes	30 minutes
Availability	Multiple dates, school-administered	Single date, centrally administered

The skill overlap is substantial. A student preparing for the selective school test will be well-prepared for HAST, and vice versa. The main difference is that HAST Abstract Reasoning focuses more on visual patterns and spatial reasoning, while the selective school Thinking Skills section may include some verbal reasoning elements.

Because HAST measures aptitude over taught content, preparation should focus on skill development rather than memorisation:

Mathematical Reasoning:

• Practise word problems that require multi-step reasoning
• Work on number patterns, sequences, and algebraic thinking
• Focus on understanding concepts, not just performing calculations

Reading Comprehension:

• Read widely — fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, science articles
• Practise identifying themes, author purpose, and implied meaning
• Build vocabulary through context rather than memorisation

Abstract Reasoning:

• Practise visual pattern sequences (what comes next?)
• Work with spatial reasoning puzzles — rotations, reflections, paper folding
• Complete matrices and analogy-style pattern questions

Written Expression:

• Practise writing structured responses under timed conditions (25 minutes)
• Learn to plan quickly — 2 minutes planning saves time overall
• Focus on clear arguments with specific examples

HAST results are reported as standardised scores, typically on a scale with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. This means:

• 100 = average performance for that age group
• 115 = one standard deviation above average (top ~16%)
• 130 = two standard deviations above average (top ~2%)

Individual schools set their own score thresholds for scholarships and entry. A competitive scholarship at a top school might require scores of 125+ across all components, while a gifted program might look for 115+.

Scores are provided as individual component scores plus a composite. Schools may weight components differently depending on what they're looking for.

The skills tested in HAST — mathematical reasoning, reading comprehension, abstract thinking, and writing — are the same core skills tested in the NSW selective school exam. Practising one helps with both.

SelectiveExams offers free monthly mock exams covering all four of these skill areas. Each exam includes:

• Timed conditions that build real exam stamina
• Worked solutions for every question
• Performance analytics to identify strengths and gaps
• NSW-wide leaderboard for competitive benchmarking

Whether your child is preparing for HAST, the selective school test, or both — consistent practice under exam conditions is the most effective strategy.

Create your free account and start practising today.