The Opportunity Class test, commonly referred to as the OC test, is an assessment taken by Year 4 students seeking placement in academically selective Year 5 Opportunity Classes. These classes are available in 77 public primary schools across New South Wales (NSW).
Admission into an Opportunity Class provides an enriched educational environment tailored to the needs of high-achieving students. It also serves as excellent preparation for the Selective School Placement Test, which students may take in later years.
Opportunity Classes, often referred to as OC, are part of a targeted two-year educational initiative by the NSW Government. Designed for high-achieving students in Years 5 and 6, this program aims to challenge and nurture learners who show strong academic aptitude and potential.
The program commences in Year 5 and concludes at the end of Year 6, offering students an enriched learning environment that goes beyond the standard curriculum.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the OC program is the continuity it provides—students progress through Years 5 and 6 with the same cohort, fostering stronger peer relationships and a consistent academic atmosphere.
Academically, OC students are introduced to more advanced concepts and topics, often at a faster pace. The teaching methods, class discussions, and educational resources are all tailored specifically for gifted learners, helping them reach their full potential.
Despite the competitive selection process, preparing for the OC test can be a highly worthwhile investment. Participating in this program not only boosts academic development but also helps build confidence, independence, and a love for learning by surrounding students with like-minded peers in a supportive setting.
Students who wish to enter an Opportunity Class must take part in the OC Placement Test. Admission is highly competitive, and students are ranked based on their test results.
Once the tests are scored, a selection committee reviews the rankings to determine final placements. The process is designed to ensure that only students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit are offered a place.
The OC Placement Test is a standardized, paper-based exam used to determine student eligibility for one of the 1,840 available places in selective Opportunity Classes across 77 NSW public primary schools.
The test is conducted on a single day and begins promptly at 9:00 AM. Students are advised to arrive early to avoid the stress of last-minute entry.
The total test duration is 1 hour and 40 minutes, administered in three parts on the same day.
The test includes three sections—each assessing different academic skills. All questions are multiple choice, and there is no writing section included.
| Test Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 35 | 40 minutes |
| Thinking Skills | 30 | 30 minutes |
The Reading section of the OC Test evaluates a student's ability to comprehend and critically engage with written material. Our Reading Preparation module is designed to enhance reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and analytical skills in preparation for the test.
This section, conducted first on test day, includes 25 multiple-choice questions based on 4-5 reading passages. Students are given a total of 30 minutes to complete the questions. The focus is on understanding the deeper meaning of the text, including both direct information and inferred meaning.
| Test Section | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 25 | 30 minutes |
The OC Reading section assesses how well students can interpret and analyze written texts. Through multiple-choice questions, students must demonstrate the ability to:
Key Preparation Tips for the Reading Test
To help your child succeed in the OC Reading section, here are some strategies we emphasize in our prep course:
Our course is structured to focus on building confidence and skill in reading comprehension. With regular practice tests, strategies for tackling different types of questions, and personalized feedback, students will develop the tools necessary for excelling in the OC Reading test.
The Mathematical Reasoning section in the OC Test is an important part of assessing students' ability to think critically and apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems. This section is designed to test students' mathematical understanding and reasoning skills across a range of content areas.
Students are given a set of 35 multiple-choice questions to complete in 40 minutes. This section follows the Reading test and challenges students with problems involving number patterns, sequences, worded puzzles, and other mathematical concepts.
| Test Section | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | 35 | 40 minutes |
The Mathematical Reasoning section evaluates students' ability to apply mathematical concepts in various contexts. Key areas covered in this section include:
To excel in the OC Test's Mathematical Reasoning section, students should focus on building strong problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and a solid understanding of key mathematical concepts. Here are some strategies:
Our Mathematical Reasoning preparation course is designed to enhance students' ability to think critically and apply mathematical concepts efficiently. Through targeted practice, personalized guidance, and structured lessons, students will be prepared to tackle any mathematical challenge that comes their way during the OC test.
The Thinking Skills component of the OC Placement Test is designed to assess students' critical thinking abilities. The Thinking Skills test requires students to identify patterns to solve visual, numerical, and word problems and puzzles under a broad range of topics.
| Test Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking Skills | 30 | 30 minutes |
The Thinking Skills test is conducted last, after the Reading and Mathematical Reasoning tests. No extra paper is given for working out, but students are encouraged to write on the question paper.
Questions in the Thinking Skills test can be categorised into Spatial Reasoning or Logical Reasoning.
Each category can be further broken down into different question types.
This section provides an overview of the most recent updates to the OC Test for 2025, including changes in format, timing, and scoring. It also features expert preparation tips from TutorX and a schedule of upcoming events to help students stay prepared and confident.
| Area | Update |
|---|---|
| Test Format | Remains computer-based with the introduction of adaptive questioning in the Thinking Skills section. |
| Timing | An additional 5 minutes has been added to the Mathematical Reasoning section to accommodate question complexity. |
| Question Design | Increased emphasis on real-world application and reasoning across Reading and Mathematical Reasoning. |
| Scoring Criteria | Higher weighting has been given to the Thinking Skills section in overall test scoring. |
Administrator
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
