The SEAL test is the entrance exam for Select Entry Accelerated Learning programs in Victorian government schools. It's sat in Year 6, usually between late July and mid-August, at the school your child is applying to. Most schools use EduTest; a few use ACER's Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST).
New to SEAL? Start with our SEAL program guide.
EduTest or HAST: which does your school use?
| EduTest | ACER HAST | |
|---|---|---|
| Used by | Most SEAL schools, e.g. Brighton SC, Glen Eira College, Sandringham College, St Albans SC, Gladstone Park SC, Williamstown HS | Some schools, e.g. Keilor Downs College, Reservoir High School |
| Typical fee | About $99 to $100 | About $110 |
| Format | Separate timed tests for each skill | Separate timed tests for each skill |
The school's SEAL page or registration link tells you which one it uses. The registration link usually goes to either an EduTest or an ACER page.
What the EduTest SEAL test covers
EduTest tests are built from ability and achievement sections. For SEAL, schools typically use:
- Verbal reasoning: analogies, odd one out, word relationships, codes and logic. See our verbal reasoning guide.
- Numerical reasoning: number series, matrices and number logic. See number series and matrices.
- Reading comprehension: fiction, non-fiction and poetry. See our EduTest reading tips.
- Mathematics: upper primary maths, often above grade level, without a calculator.
- Written expression: a short timed piece, usually narrative or persuasive.
The multiple-choice sections usually run about 30 minutes each. The full test takes a morning, often about three hours with breaks.
Read our EduTest exam format guide for a section-by-section breakdown.
What the ACER HAST covers
ACER's HAST is used for gifted and selective programs nationally. For junior secondary entry it typically includes:
- Reading comprehension
- Mathematical reasoning
- Abstract reasoning (patterns in shapes and diagrams)
- Written expression
Abstract reasoning is the section most children have never seen. See our abstract reasoning guide and HAST exam format.
What else schools look at
The test is the biggest factor, but most schools also consider:
- your child's most recent school report
- NAPLAN results (Year 3 and Year 5)
- a writing sample (some schools ask for handwritten work)
- a teacher reference or referral form
- an interview for students with strong test results
Selection is usually a combination of these. A strong test with a weak report can still miss out.
How hard is the SEAL test?
It's designed to sort the top few per cent of applicants, so questions often go one to two years beyond Year 6. A child who finds school maths and reading easy will still meet many unfamiliar questions, especially in verbal and numerical reasoning.
Most children are not expected to finish every section. Teaching your child to move on from a hard question, and come back if there's time, is worth several marks.
A 12-week preparation plan
Weeks 1 to 2: diagnose. Sit a timed practice test in each section. Note the weakest two.
Weeks 3 to 8: build skills.
- Four or five short sessions a week, 20 to 30 minutes each
- Rotate verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading and maths, with extra time on the two weakest
- One timed writing piece a week, alternating narrative and persuasive
- Daily reading, including some non-fiction and poetry
Weeks 9 to 11: test conditions.
- One full practice test a week, sections in order, timed
- Review every wrong answer and write down why it was wrong
Week 12: taper. Light review only. Sleep, a normal routine and a good breakfast matter more than last-minute cramming.
Gather the supporting documents early, especially the teacher reference, so the application isn't rushed in the same weeks as the test.
Practise with the right tests
- EduTest practice tests: full timed papers across verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading, maths and writing, with human-marked writing
- HAST practice tests for schools using ACER
- Not sure where your child sits? Start with a free sample test
For writing practice, see our narrative writing prompts and persuasive writing prompts.
Frequently asked questions
When is the SEAL test? Usually between late July and mid-August of Year 6. Each school sets its own date.
Can my child sit SEAL tests at more than one school? Usually only at the school where they hold a Year 7 place, because government schools generally only test students who've been offered placement there.
How long is the SEAL test? Usually a morning session of about three hours including breaks.
Are there official SEAL past papers? No. EduTest and ACER don't release past papers. Use practice tests in the same format.
Sources: school SEAL pages and brochures for Brighton SC, Glen Eira College, Gladstone Park SC, St Albans SC, Keilor Downs College, Reservoir HS, Sandringham College and Williamstown HS (2026); EduTest and ACER test information. Confirm the test format with your school.