ACER scholarship test levels by year: Level P vs Level 1

Quick answer: The ACER level is based on the year your child will start at the new school, not the year they're in now. Students applying for Years 4, 5 or 6 sit Level P. Students applying for Years 7 or 8 sit Level 1. So a child in Year 5 applying for a Year 6 place sits Level P, and a child in Year 6 applying for Year 7 sits Level 1. Levels 2 and 3 cover entry to Years 9 to 12.

Find your child's level

Scholarship tests are usually held early in the school year, for entry the following year. Find the year your child is in when they sit the test:

ACER describes Levels 1, 2 and 3 together as covering entry to Years 7 to 12, and Level 1 as the Years 7 and 8 entry level. For Year 9 to 12 entry, the school will tell you whether to register for Level 2 or Level 3.

Not sure? The school's scholarship page or confirmation email always states the level. If it doesn't, ask the school before you register, because the registration is for a specific level.

The most common mix-up

Many families look at their child's current year and pick the wrong level. The two catches:

• The test is a year ahead. A test sat in February 2027 is usually for entry in 2028. A child sitting it in Year 6 is applying for Year 7, so it's Level 1.
• Year 6 entry is still primary. Some schools offer scholarships for Year 6 entry. A Year 5 student applying for that sits Level P, even though some of their classmates may be sitting Level 1 a year later.

Level P vs Level 1: what's different

Question counts and times can vary slightly between years, so check the details your school sends.

What changes in reading

Level P "Reading and Viewing" uses texts and images pitched at primary students: short stories, information texts and pictures, with questions on the main idea, details, inference and vocabulary.

Level 1 "Humanities" is a step up in both volume and depth. Students interpret a wider range of texts, including poetry, cartoons and persuasive pieces, and more questions ask about tone, purpose and what a writer is implying. Students also have more questions to get through in the time.

What changes in maths

Both levels reward reasoning over routine calculation. Level P draws on number, measurement, shape and patterns from the primary years. Level 1 has more questions and more multi-step problems, and expects comfort with fractions, decimals, ratio and early algebra-style thinking.

What changes in writing

Both levels ask for two pieces of writing. In Level P, students share 40 minutes across the two tasks. In Level 1, each task gets its own 25 minutes. At both levels the biggest risk is not finishing the second piece, so practising two tasks back to back matters.

How to prepare for each level

Level P (Years 3 to 5)

• Read widely together and talk about what texts suggest, not just what happens.
• Keep number facts and problem solving sharp. Puzzles and "how could we work this out?" questions help.
• Practise two short writing tasks in 40 minutes, planning each for two or three minutes.
• Do at least one full practice test on paper, since Level P is paper-based.

Level 1 (Years 6 and 7)

• Add poetry, cartoons and opinion pieces to reading, and ask about the writer's purpose and tone.
• Practise multi-step maths problems under time, aiming for steady pace rather than perfection.
• Write two 25-minute pieces back to back, ideally one creative and one argumentative.
• If the school uses the online version, practise on screen.

ACER Level 1 practice tests

Our ACER-style practice tests follow the Level 1 format for Year 7 entry, with Humanities, Mathematics and Written Expression. See the product page for current mock and writing-marking options.

• Free ACER Level 1 practice test
• ACER Level 1 sample questions
• ACER Level 1 mock exams

For the full picture of how the test works, from registration to results, see the ACER scholarship test explained.

Frequently asked questions

What ACER level is Year 5?

A Year 5 student applying for Year 6 entry sits Level P. If they're applying for Year 7 entry two years ahead, check with the school, as this is unusual.

What ACER level is Year 6?

A Year 6 student applying for Year 7 entry sits Level 1.

Is Level P easier than Level 1?

It's pitched at younger students, so the texts and maths are simpler and the test is shorter. Both levels are designed to rank strong students, so both include questions that most students find hard.

What does the P in Level P stand for?

Primary. Level P is the primary-entry version of the test, for entry to Years 4 to 6.

Is Level P online?

No. Level P is paper-based. Levels 1 to 3 can be online or on paper.

Which level is Level 2 and Level 3?

Levels 2 and 3 cover secondary entry to Years 9 to 12. The school you're applying to will specify which one to register for.

Preparing for Level 1? Try a free ACER Level 1 practice test. No card required.

Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with ACER (the Australian Council for Educational Research). Level details are based on ACER's published information as of October 2026; always confirm the level with the school you're applying to.