EduTest vs ACER: which scholarship test does your school use?

Quick answer: EduTest and ACER are two different organisations that run scholarship and selective-entry tests for Australian schools. Each school chooses one. EduTest has five sections, including dedicated verbal and numerical reasoning, and a short 15-minute writing task. ACER has three sections (Written Expression, Humanities and Mathematics), with two writing tasks and a stronger focus on interpreting texts. The fastest way to find out which one your school uses is to check where the scholarship registration link goes: acer.org or edutest.com.au.

Side by side

Times are the standard section lengths published by each provider. Individual schools may vary the arrangements, so always check the information you receive after registering.

The real differences

1. EduTest tests reasoning directly

EduTest's two "ability" sections, verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning, measure how a student thinks rather than what they've been taught. Expect analogies, word relationships, odd-one-out, logic statements, number series and codes. These question types are rarely taught in class, so students who've never seen them can lose time working out what's being asked.

ACER doesn't have separate reasoning sections. Its reasoning sits inside Humanities (interpreting what texts imply) and Mathematics (unfamiliar problems).

2. Writing works very differently

• EduTest: one short piece in 15 minutes, with no separate planning or reading time. Markers look at punctuation, grammar, spelling and relevance as well as ideas. Speed and control matter most.
• ACER: two pieces, 25 minutes each. Students need to plan quickly twice and switch between quite different tasks, often one creative and one argumentative.

A child who writes well but slowly may struggle with EduTest's 15 minutes. A child who writes quickly but runs out of ideas may struggle with ACER's second task.

3. ACER reading goes deeper into interpretation

ACER's Humanities section uses a wide range of texts, including poems, cartoons and opinion pieces, and asks about tone, purpose and what the writer implies. EduTest reading comprehension is more conventional: passages followed by questions on meaning, inference and vocabulary.

4. Both are built to rank

Neither test checks a pass mark. Both are designed to separate strong students, so both include questions most students find hard, and many students won't finish every section.

Which schools use which?

There's no single list, because each school chooses its provider and can change from year to year. Some examples:

• Queensland Academies (QASMT, QACI and QAHS) use an entrance test run by EduTest, with verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics and written expression.
• Many independent schools across Australia use either ACER or EduTest for academic scholarships.
• Brisbane State High School uses HAST-P (Year 5 applicants) and HAST (Year 6 applicants). HAST is a separate ACER test, not the ACER scholarship test, so prepare for its own format.
• NSW Opportunity Class and Selective High School placement tests are run by the NSW Department of Education, not by EduTest or ACER.

How to find out which test your school uses

1. Check the scholarship page. Most schools name the provider ("ACER scholarship test" or "EduTest") and link to registration.
2. Look at the registration link. If it goes to an ACER site, it's ACER. If it goes to edutest.com.au, it's EduTest.
3. Check the section names. "Humanities" and "Written Expression" point to ACER. "Verbal reasoning" and "numerical reasoning" point to EduTest.
4. Ask admissions. If the page doesn't say, a quick email gets a definite answer. Ask which level too, if it's ACER.

Applying to schools that use different tests?

It's common, and the preparation overlaps more than you'd think. Reading, maths and writing practice helps with both. Add the provider-specific pieces:

Practice tests for each format

EduTest-style practice: our EduTest-format practice tests cover all five sections, timed, with worked explanations and a skill breakdown. Written expression is marked by a human teacher.

• EduTest practice tests
• Free EduTest-style practice test

ACER Level 1 practice: for Year 7 entry, with Humanities, Mathematics and Written Expression.

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

New to ACER? Start with the ACER scholarship test explained and which ACER level your child sits.

Frequently asked questions

Is EduTest harder than ACER?

Neither is simply harder. EduTest is tougher for students who haven't practised reasoning questions or who write slowly. ACER is tougher for students who find poetry and visual texts difficult or who struggle to produce two pieces of writing in the time.

Does QASMT use EduTest or ACER?

EduTest. The Queensland Academies entrance test is run by EduTest and covers verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics and written expression.

Is HAST the same as the ACER scholarship test?

No. HAST (and HAST-P, used by Brisbane State High School) is a separate test developed by ACER for selective and gifted programs. It has its own format.

Can my child sit both EduTest and ACER?

Yes, if they're applying to schools that use different providers. Each is registered separately.

How long is the EduTest writing task?

15 minutes, with no separate planning or reading time.

Do EduTest and ACER release past papers?

Neither publishes full past papers for its scholarship tests. Both offer official practice materials, which are the best guide to question style.

Not sure which format suits your child? Try a free EduTest-style test or ACER Level 1 test and compare the skill breakdowns.

Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with EduTest, ACER, Queensland Academies or Brisbane State High School. Test details are based on information published by each provider and school as of October 2026; always confirm with the school you're applying to.