NAP Opt-in assessment – information for schools

Australian schools can enrol Year 6 and Year 10 students in NAP Opt-in assessments across key curriculum areas that are informed by aspects of the Australian Curriculum:  

• science literacy 

• civics and citizenship  

• information and communication technology (ICT) literacy

These assessments are derived from the National Assessment Program (NAP) and are completely optional for schools. The assessments are available to schools each May, with test content for each domain refreshed every 3 years on a rotating cycle. This approach ensures that assessments remain current, engaging and aligned with evolving student learning needs.

This year marks an exciting milestone, with the introduction of brand new science literacy assessments. These updated assessments bring fresh content and provide students with renewed opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and achievement. 

Wondering whether your school should take part in these assessments? Watch our webinar for more information. 

The value to schools

Schools taking part in NAP Opt-in assessment will be able to: 

1. Measure student performance against national standards in key curriculum areas beyond literacy and numeracy. 
2. Use the results (available only to the participating school to review, plan and adapt teaching and learning programs, and share with the school community if they wish. 
3. Run the assessments using a self-service platform at a time that suits them in the testing window. 

Registering for NAP Opt-in assessment 2027

Schools can register between 23 March and 30 April 2027. There is no fee for schools to take part in this assessment. 

School principals can register their school at www.assessform.edu.au. ACARA will verify the school’s registration details and send confirmation to the email address provided.

Preparing for NAP Opt-in assessment 2027

Principals can use the platform (www.assessform.edu.au) to:

• nominate their school technical support officer, NAP coordinator and test administrator.

Ahead of the testing window, schools will:

• access training manuals and guides on this website
• carry out technical preparation including device checks 
• select their preferred assessment dates
• enrol students.

Schools do not have to enrol all students in Years 6 and 10. Schools can enrol both years, or one year, or individual classes of students within either year. When schools enrol full-year cohorts, they benefit from more data for school-wide planning. 

All students are enrolled in all 3 domains by default. Schools can choose to participate in any or all of the 3 domains. If completing more than one domain, schools can complete the assessments simultaneously or at a different time during the test window, depending on the school setting and school preference. 

Receiving results

ACARA will: 

Note: ACARA will not make a school's results public – only a participating school can see its results. Schools can use the information to review, plan and adapt teaching and learning programs.  

Privacy

Personal information about students and school staff is collected to enable the administration of NAP Opt-in tests. See:

• NAP Opt-in student privacy notice (Sept 2026) (PDF 200 KB)
• NAP Opt-in school staff privacy notice (Sept 2026) (PDF 138 KB)

2027 Key dates 

More information

Schools can find more information and Frequently Asked Questions in our NAP-Opt-In assessments 2027 information sheet (PDF 852 KB))