The Australian Council for Educational Research administers the ACER Exam, a standardised examination designed to evaluate students’ academic performance. The examination is essential to scholarship programmes since it gives students a chance to demonstrate their competence and get financial support for their studies.
The ACER exam provides students with numerous benefits, ranging from financial gain and academic recognition to personal growth and skill development. Students who take part in such exams improve their chances of getting into university and set themselves up for future academic and personal success.
Taking the ACER exam can unlock a world of opportunities for your child. Here are some key benefits:
| BENEFIT | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Opportunities | The opportunity to receive scholarships, which significantly reduces school costs and increases access to high-quality education, is the main advantage of passing the ACER exam. |
| Academic Recognition | Performing well on the ACER Exam can lead to recognition from top universities and educational institutions, opening doors to more advanced programmes and improving a student’s academic resume. |
| Self-Assessment | Provides a baseline for students to evaluate their academic strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to set realistic goals and seek targeted support when necessary. |
| Enhanced Learning Experience | Thorough study for the ACER exam can improve learning in general, foster the growth of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and strengthen work ethics and study habits. |
| Increased Confidence | A student’s confidence can be increased by effectively studying for and taking the ACER exams. This will promote a positive outlook on upcoming academic problems and improve academic achievement. |
| Motivation and Goal Setting | Serves as a motivator for students to set and attain academic goals, encouraging them to put in the work necessary to succeed and reach their full potential. |
| Preparation for Future Exams | Prepares students for other standardised tests, such as college entrance exams (e.g., SAT, ACT), using transferable skills and strategies learned during ACER test preparation. |
The ACER Scholarship Exam is designed to cater to students across a range of academic levels, typically from Year 4 to Year 12. To ensure that the evaluation is appropriate for the student’s knowledge and skills, each grade level has a unique test designed to fit the student’s academic stage.
ACER collaborates with around 250 independent schools in Australia to conduct the scholarship tests. These exams assess critical thinking and academic aptitude. Find the full list of schools and their exam dates at: Participating Schools.
Exam dates vary by school, commonly on one of these dates:
| LEVEL | SECTION | FORMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Level | Reading Comprehension | 30 multiple-choice questions |
| Mathematics | 30 multiple-choice questions | |
| Writing | One essay task | |
| Secondary Level | Reading Comprehension | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Mathematics | 40 multiple-choice questions | |
| Writing | One extended essay task |
For entry into Years 4 to 6
| Component | Description | No. of Questions | Time | Assessment Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Viewing | Comprehension and interpretation of written and visual material. | 25 MCQs | 30 min | Comprehension & interpretation. |
| Mathematics | Application of math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide. | 20 MCQs | 30 min | Problem-solving & calculation. |
| Writing | Two writing pieces in different genres. | N/A | 40 min | Ideas & expression quality. |
For entry into Years 7 to 12
| Component | Description | No. of Questions | Time | Assessment Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities | Critical analysis of material across subjects (English, History, etc.). | 40–45 MCQs | 40 min | Critical thinking, text judgment. |
| Mathematics | Quantitative problem-solving, transformation, synthesis. | 32–36 MCQs | 40 min | Problem-solving, evaluation. |
| Science | Scientific reasoning: logic, hypothesising, evaluating evidence. | Half of 32–36 | 40 min | Experiment & evidence evaluation. |
| Written Expression | Writing 2 pieces from prompts (image, statement). | N/A | 40 min | Thought, structure, expression. |
Registration and test window dates for 2025 are provided below.
| Test Window | Registration Opens ^ | Registration Closes ^ | Test Window Dates * |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Window 1 | 8 January 2025 | 21 January 2025 | 10 February 2025 – 23 February 2025 |
| 2025 Window 2 | 1 April 2025 | 14 April 2025 | 5 May 2025 – 18 May 2025 |
| 2025 Window 3 | 1 July 2025 | 14 July 2025 | 4 August 2025 – 17 August 2025 |
| 2025 Window 4 | 23 September 2025 | 6 October 2025 | 27 October 2025 – 9 November 2025 |
^ Registrations open between 10am–12pm and close at 5pm AEST/AEDT (Melbourne time).
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