What is the OC test?
The Opportunity Class Placement Test, for children in Year 4 who want a place in a Year 5 opportunity class. It has three parts: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills. There are 1,840 places for 2027.
The OC test, for parents
Year 4 now, for a Year 5 opportunity class. What your child sits, how places are offered and how to prepare.
1,840Year 5 places for 2027
3parts, all multiple choice
110minutes of testing, no calculator
What your child sits
OC test
Year 4 now, for a Year 5 opportunity class. No calculator.
- Reading33 responses40 minutes
- Mathematical reasoning35 questions40 minutes
- Thinking skills30 questions30 minutes
No writing section.
How places are offered
- NSW gives a band for each part: top 10%, next 15%, next 25% or lowest 50%. It gives no score and sets no cut-off.
- You list up to 4 schools in order. You get at most one first offer: the highest school on your list your child qualifies for.
- From 2027, coeducational opportunity classes offer equal places to girls and boys.
When it happens
- For 2027 entry, applications opened on 6 November 2025 and closed on 20 February 2026.
- The test was on 8-9 May 2026, in Year 4.
- The 2028 entry dates are not published yet.
How to prepare
Find the gaps
Take the free 17-minute practice test. It marks each part and names the weakest skill.
Learn the skill
Short lessons teach one move at a time, with feedback on every step.
Rehearse
Six full OC trial tests, timed like the real one, every answer explained.
Questions parents ask
When is the test?
For 2027 entry, applications ran from 6 November 2025 to 20 February 2026 and the test was on 8-9 May 2026. NSW has not published the 2028 entry dates yet; they usually follow the same pattern.
What score does my child need?
NSW says there are no set minimum entry scores, for any school. NSW does not give out test scores or placement ranks. Families get a band for each part: top 10%, next 15%, next 25% or lowest 50%.
How are places offered?
You list up to 4 schools in order. You get at most one first-round offer: for the highest school on your list that you qualify for. Putting a school first gives no extra advantage in the merit order.
Is a calculator allowed?
No. The test is on a computer at an allocated NSW centre, and working paper is given out.
Does my child need a tutor?
No. NSW says coaching is not necessary. Knowing the format and practising each skill helps most.
One payment, no subscription
NSW Selective Pro
A$349one payment
- 112 interactive lessons
- 1,089 practice questions
- 12 writing prompts
- 12 full timed mocks
- 5 free tools
Score in the top 10% or your money back. Finish the course and 10 timed mocks before the test. Claim within 30 days of your result. Conditions
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