NAP sample assessments

The NAP sample assessments test students’ skills and understanding in science literacy, civics and citizenship and information and communication technology (ICT) literacy. Only selected groups of students in Years 6 and 10 participate in these sample assessments, which are held on a rolling three-yearly basis. NAP sample assessments began in 2003 with science literacy (NAP–SL), followed by civics and citizenship (NAP–CC) in 2004 and information and communication technology literacy (NAP–ICTL) in 2005.

Primary and secondary schools participating in the NAP sample assessments benefit in a number of ways. Their students have the opportunity to engage with state-of-the-art assessment materials delivered online and to become familiar with test-taking in the online environment. This is an excellent learning opportunity for students.

International assessments

The National Assessment Program (NAP) also includes the delivery of international sample assessments which are overseen by international organisations. For more information on how these assessments are managed in Australia on behalf of the Education Council, please click on the links below:

• The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is conducted every three years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This is administered to samples of 15-year-old school students.

• The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is conducted every four years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). This tests a sample of students in Years 4 and 8 from each participating country.

• The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is conducted every five years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). This test is administered to a sample of students in their fourth year of schooling from each participating country. Australia was involved for the first time in the study in 2011.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is the independent authority responsible for the overall management of the National Assessment Program, including the NAP sample assessments. However, ACARA does not oversee the delivery of these international assessments (ie PISA, TIMSS and PIRLS).