NAPLAN 2027 dates: the test window for every state, and what happens when

Quick answer: NAPLAN 2027 runs from Wednesday 10 March to Monday 22 March 2027. The window is the same in every state and territory. The writing test is sat first, on Wednesday 10 March, followed by reading, conventions of language and numeracy. Your school sets the exact day for each of the other tests within the window.

NAPLAN 2027 dates by state and territory

NAPLAN is a national test, so there is one testing window for the whole country. Each state and territory has its own test administration authority, which sends guidance to schools and is the place to check for local updates.

The window covers nine school days. Future windows have also been published: 15 to 27 March 2028 and 14 to 26 March 2029.

What order are the tests in?

The test order is set nationally:

1. Writing: Day 1, Wednesday 10 March 2027, for every school.
2. Reading
3. Conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
4. Numeracy

Apart from writing, schools build their own timetable within the window, based on class sizes, devices and network capacity. That means two schools in the same suburb can sit reading on different days. Ask your school for its schedule, usually shared in Term 1.

What if my child is away on a test day?

Schools can run catch-up tests for absent students, as long as they're completed within the 10 to 22 March window. If your child will be away, let the school know early. In 2027 the first test day falls on Eid al-Fitr, so families celebrating should speak to their school about catch-up arrangements.

Year 3: what's different

• Year 3 writing is on paper. Reading, conventions of language and numeracy are online, but the Year 3 writing test is done in a printed test booklet.
• Booklets are printed months ahead. Schools submit Year 2 enrolment details in Term 4 2026 so booklets can be printed over the summer holidays. If your child is changing schools before Year 3, tell the new school early.

Key dates for families

Results are reported against four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. Your school will tell you when reports are available.

A simple prep timeline

March comes around fast, because the test falls only five or six weeks into the school year. A calm plan looks like this:

• Now to December: Sit one free practice test to find your child's starting point. Look at which skills need work, not just the score.
• Summer holidays: Short, regular practice on the one or two weakest skills. Ten to twenty minutes a few times a week is enough.
• Late January: Sit a second practice test and compare skill by skill.
• February: Practise writing under time, both narrative and persuasive, since students don't know which one they'll get. Keep everything else light.
• The week before: Rest. Familiarity matters more than last-minute cramming.

Free NAPLAN practice tests

You can start now with a free, full-length practice test for your child's year level. Each one is marked, with a skill breakdown and worked explanations.

• Free Year 3 NAPLAN practice test
• Free Year 5 NAPLAN practice test
• Free Year 7 NAPLAN practice test
• Free Year 9 NAPLAN practice test

For a comparison of the free official and independent options, see our guide to free NAPLAN practice tests.

Frequently asked questions

When is NAPLAN 2027?

From Wednesday 10 March to Monday 22 March 2027, in every state and territory.

What day is the NAPLAN writing test in 2027?

Wednesday 10 March 2027. All schools sit writing on the first day.

Are NAPLAN dates different in each state?

No. The testing window and the writing day are national. Only the days for reading, conventions of language and numeracy vary, because each school sets its own timetable within the window.

Is NAPLAN in Term 1 or Term 2?

Term 1. NAPLAN moved to March in 2023 and has stayed there.

When is NAPLAN 2028?

15 to 27 March 2028.

Find your child's starting point before March. Try a free NAPLAN practice test. No card required.

Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with ACARA or NAPLAN. Dates are from ACARA and state test authorities as published in October 2026; always confirm your school's schedule.

Try the practice tests

Open NAPLAN practice and select your child’s year. Samples are available without signing in. Create an account and sign in for the full free mock. Paid bundles are available for Years 3 and 5. Practice scores are not official NAPLAN proficiency results.