2026 Selective School Test Format: Full Section-by-Section Breakdown

The 2026 NSW Selective High School Placement Test (SHSPT) is a fully computer-based exam with four equally weighted components: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing. Each section contributes 25% to the overall placement score.

The test is delivered by Janison in partnership with Cambridge University Press & Assessment, replacing the previous paper-based format. Students sit the exam at designated test centres using department-provided computers.

Section	Questions	Time	Format	Weight
Reading	17 questions (38 answers)	45 min	Multiple choice	25%
Mathematical Reasoning	35 questions	40 min	Multiple choice (5 options)	25%
Thinking Skills	40 questions	40 min	Multiple choice (4 options)	25%
Writing	1 extended task	30 min	Typed open response	25%

All four sections are completed in one sitting. Scratch paper is provided for working out and planning, but all answers are entered digitally. There is no negative marking.

The shift from the old paper-based test to the new Janison/Cambridge computer-based format brought several important changes:

• Equal weighting: All four sections are now weighted at 25% each. The old format weighted Thinking Skills more heavily and Writing less.
• Computer-based delivery: Students use on-screen navigation, flagging tools, and scrollable text passages. The official practice tests use the same Janison environment.
• Typed Writing: The Writing task is now typed instead of handwritten. The rubric doesn't assess typing speed, but it's practically important for completing and revising a full response in 30 minutes.
• New Reading vocabulary cloze: The Reading section now includes a passage-based multi-gap item where students select words from dropdown lists — a significant new question type.
• Expanded abstract reasoning: The Thinking Skills section now contains a substantial block of non-verbal/abstract reasoning questions (pattern matrices, figure series, spatial transformations) alongside verbal argument analysis.
• Increased Writing time: Writing time increased to 30 minutes from 20 minutes in the old format.
• Reading has 45 minutes: The Reading section has 45 minutes (not 40), reflecting the complexity of multi-part questions and the new cloze format.

The Reading Test assesses a range of reading skills using diverse text types: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, magazine articles, and reports. All texts are displayed on screen with scrollable areas.

The 17 displayed questions include three multi-part items, yielding 38 separate answers. The major question types are:

1. Single-passage comprehension

• Main idea and summary identification
• Specific detail retrieval
• Inference and implied meaning
• Cause–effect and sequence relationships
• Author's attitude, tone, and purpose
• Vocabulary-in-context

2. Poetry-based questions

• Interpretation of imagery and figurative language
• Mood, theme, and the effect of particular lines

3. Paired-extract comparisons

• Comparing viewpoints, tone, or shared characteristics across two texts

4. Multi-extract sets (3–4 texts)

• Synthesising across multiple related texts
• Identifying which extract best illustrates a given idea

5. Vocabulary cloze (NEW in 2026)

• A passage with approximately 8 blanks where words/phrases have been removed
• Students select the best option from dropdown lists for each blank
• Tests vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, collocations, and contextual fit

6. Structural/organisation cloze

• Entire sentences or paragraphs removed from a passage, to be reinserted
• Tests understanding of text structure, logical flow, and cohesion

No outside specialist knowledge is required — all answers can be found within the texts provided.

The Mathematical Reasoning Test has 35 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 options. No calculator is allowed — students may use scratch paper for working out. The section assesses the ability to apply mathematical understanding to solve problems, not just recall procedures.

Key topic areas include:

Number and arithmetic: Operations with whole numbers, multi-step word problems involving money/time/measurement, estimation.

Fractions, decimals, and percentages: Comparing and ordering, converting between formats, percentage of a quantity, percentage increase/decrease, fraction-of-amount problems.

Patterns and sequences: Additive, multiplicative, and mixed rules. Completing tables or sequences, identifying nth terms.

Pre-algebra: Simple algebra notation, solving for unknowns in balance equations, equalities/inequalities.

Measurement and geometry: Perimeter, area, volume of basic shapes. Angle properties. Unit conversions for length, mass, capacity, time. Reading scales.

Data and chance: Reading tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts. Calculating averages. Basic probability with equally likely outcomes.

Multi-step problem-solving: Problems combining multiple topic areas, logical numeric puzzles requiring deduction from constraints.

The emphasis is on reasoning and application — students who rely on rote memorisation without understanding concepts will struggle. Time management is critical at roughly 1 minute and 9 seconds per question.

The Thinking Skills Test has 40 multiple-choice questions, each with 4 options. It requires no subject-specific prior knowledge and assesses critical thinking and problem-solving across three reasoning domains:

1. Argument analysis and critical reasoning (verbal)

• Identifying the main conclusion of a short passage
• Identifying assumptions an argument depends on
• Strengthening or weakening an argument with new information
• Spotting reasoning flaws (correlation vs causation, over-generalisation, circular reasoning)
• Finding parallel arguments with the same logical structure

2. Logical and analytical puzzles

• Ordering and arrangement under constraints (seating, scheduling, ranking)
• Set and Venn-type reasoning (deducing group membership)
• Code and rule-based puzzles (decoding transformation rules)
• Grid and path puzzles
• Quantitative reasoning (comparing quantities from relational statements)

3. Abstract / non-verbal reasoning (expanded in 2026)

• Pattern matrices: 3×3 or 2×4 grids — select the missing figure
• Figure series: Shape sequences changing by rotation, reflection, addition/removal, or shading
• Figure analogies: "A is to B as C is to ?" transformations
• Odd one out: Identify the shape that doesn't follow the group's rule
• Spatial reasoning: Mental rotation, reflection, folding/unfolding of nets

With 1 minute per question, rapid reasoning and the ability to switch strategies quickly are essential. Many questions present answer options as images, making this section visually intensive.

The Writing Test presents a single stimulus (image, quote, scenario, or combination) and asks students to produce one extended piece of typed writing. There is no choice between prompts — students respond to the task given.

Prompts may specify a text type (narrative, persuasive, discursive) or leave it open. Topics revolve around broad, accessible themes like personal growth, community, fairness, and technology.

Marking criteria (two sets, marked by Cambridge assessors):

Set A — Content, form, organisation and style (max 15 marks):

• Selecting interesting, relevant content and details
• Using an appropriate form for the task
• Organising ideas coherently with effective paragraphing
• Using deliberate style, varied vocabulary, and appropriate formality

Set B — Sentences, punctuation and spelling (max 10 marks):

• Constructing varied sentences
• Using punctuation correctly
• Spelling accurately

Each response is marked independently by two markers and scores are averaged. Total: 25 marks. Typing speed isn't directly assessed in the rubric, but it's practically important — students need to complete and revise a full response within 30 minutes.

The new format demands a preparation strategy that accounts for the specific changes:

• Get comfortable with computer-based testing: Use the official NSW practice tests on the Janison platform to become familiar with on-screen navigation, flagging tools, and scrollable passages.
• Practise the new Reading cloze format: Build vocabulary, collocation knowledge, and grammar skills through wide reading. Practise cloze-style exercises specifically.
• Develop abstract reasoning skills: The expanded non-verbal reasoning block requires exposure to pattern matrices, figure series, and spatial transformations.
• Build typing fluency for Writing: With 30 minutes to type, students need to produce 400–600 words comfortably. Regular typing practice helps.
• Treat every section equally: With equal 25% weighting, neglecting any single section is costly. A balanced approach across all four is essential.
• Sit full-length mock exams regularly: The best preparation mirrors real test conditions — timed, no pausing, all four sections in one sitting.

SelectiveExams provides free monthly mock exams covering all four sections under strict timed conditions — the most realistic practice available for the 2026 format.

Create your free account and start practising today.