National and international assessments

This page has information on national and international assessments.

National Assessment Program (NAP)

NAP- ICTL

National Assessment Program – Information and Communication technology literacy assessment measures and reports on the ability of students to use ICT appropriately to access, manage, integrate and evaluate information, develop new understandings and communicate with others in order to participate effectively in society. A sample of students in Years 6 and 10 in selected schools in all states and territories participate.

Go to the National Assessment Program website for more information, national reports and school release materials.

NAP-SL (National Assessment Program – Science Literacy)

This national assessment involves a sample of Year 6 students participating in an assessment of scientific literacy. Science literacy measures and reports on the student’s capacity to use scientific knowledge and approaches. The test is a 60-minute pencil and paper section and a 45-minute practical task.

Go to the National Assessment Program website for more information, national reports and school release materials.

NAP-CC (National Assessment Program – Civics and Citizenship)

A sample of students in Years 6 and 10 in selected schools in all states and territories participate in this assessment. Civics and Citizenship measures and reports on civic knowledge and understanding and the skills and values needed for active citizenship. The assessment is a 60-minute test with multiple-choice, short-response and extended-response items.

Go to the National Assessment Program website for more information, national reports and school release materials.

International Assessments

PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment)

The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) involves a sample of 15 year-old students participating in an international assessment of Reading, Mathematical and Scientific Literacy. Participation in PISA provides an indicator on how Australia compares with other countries.

Go to the ACER website for more information.

TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study)

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) involves a sample of students in Years 4 and 8. It allows countries to measure their progress in educational achievement in mathematics and science.

Go to the ACER website for more information.

PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study)

The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is conducted every five years to measure progress in the reading achievement of students in their fourth year of schooling, as well as trends in the associated home and school contexts for learning to read.  A sample of Year 4 students from across Australia participated in this study for the first time in 2010 and is repeated every 5 years.

Go to the ACER website for more information.

ICILS (International Computer and Information Literacy Study)

The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) examines the outcomes of student computer and information literacy (CIL) education across countries. A sample of Year 8 students participate in the study.  Australia participated in the 2013 and 2018 cycles of ICLES.

Go to the ACER website for more information.