ACER focuses on providing assessment and reporting tools for educational institutions

including schools, universities, and TAFE institutions, as well as training organisations and

workplaces.

The broad range of tests available from ACER means they’re used by educational institutions

looking to assess their students, as well as workplaces looking to hire new talent, or monitor

and identify opportunities for their staff.

ACER’s research-based model is designed to encourage constant learning and improvement,

and is one of the many reasons it’s so popular, globally, with education providers and

businesses alike.

Primary Level Test Year(4 to 6)

Primary (Level P) tests assess students entering Years 4 to 6 in key academic areas. Reading and Viewing evaluates comprehension and critical thinking, Mathematics tests problem-solving and numerical reasoning, and Writing measures clarity, grammar, and creativity. These tests ensure readiness for academic challenges. 

Secondary Level Test Year(7 to 12)

Secondary tests (Levels 1, 2, and 3) assess students entering Years 7 to 12 in key subjects. Tests include Written Expression for writing skills, Humanities for social studies and critical thinking, and Mathematics (Level 1) or Mathematics and Science (Levels 2 and 3) with 40-minute multiple-choice formats. These ensure readiness for secondary education. 

The ACER CSPA (Core Skills Profile for Adults)

This adaptive test changes in level depending on how easy or hard you’re finding the

questions. It includes:

1. Numeracy

2. Reading

3. Writing

4. Abstract reasoning

5. Mechanical reasoning

The ACER VST (Vocational Selection Test)

Generally a candidate will only be asked to take three out of the five possible sub-tests,

including:

1. ACER verbal reasoning

2. The core vocational selection test (this consists of verbal, numerical and abstract

reasoning)

3. ACER quantitative reasoning

4. ACER abstract reasoning

5. Optional components (including mechanical reasoning and interpersonal

understanding)

The ACER Special Tertiary Admissions Test

Designed to help people achieve a university education sooner, the tertiary test is suitable for

mature students, those who have studies outside Australia or those that didn’t get a

satisfactory ATAR.

The test consists of verbal and quantitative reasoning, rather than a specific knowledge of the

curriculum.

ACER verbal reasoning test

The ACER verbal reasoning test looks at how well you can understand and manipulate

words. There are three distinctive types of questions:

1. List of statements – a series of statements or facts will be presented and you’ll need to

identify which ones prove, or disprove, a certain conclusion.

2. Odd one out – you’ll need to identify the odd word out in a list by looking at the

meanings of each word you’re reading.

3. Word association – again, this section of the test looks at your ability to understand

what different words mean based on how capable you are of associating one’s

meaning with another.