How to Prepare for the OC and Selective Tests
The NSW OC and Selective tests are genuinely competitive, but they reward clear reasoning — which can be built with the right practice. Here's a simple, step-by-step plan.
The 7-step preparation plan
Know which test your child is sitting
OC is sat in Year 4 for Year 5 entry; Selective is sat in Year 6 for Year 7 entry. Both test Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills — Selective also has a Writing task.
Start early and practise little and often
Short, regular sessions (20–30 minutes a few times a week) beat occasional cramming. Aim to begin several months out so there's time to build skill without pressure.
Cover every section, not just the strong ones
Thinking Skills and timed Maths Reasoning are unfamiliar to most students, so give them real attention. For Selective, practise the Writing task too.
Use real, exam-style questions
Match the real format: five options on Maths questions, plenty of visual questions (grids, charts, shapes, 3D), and a single best answer. Familiar formats remove surprises on test day.
Teach the reasoning, not the answer
Review every wrong answer and make sure your child can explain why the right answer is right. Understanding the method transfers to new questions; memorising answers does not.
Build timing and exam stamina
Closer to the test, do timed sets at the real pace (about a minute per question) so your child learns to move on and manage the clock.
Keep it positive
Confidence matters as much as content. Praise effort, keep sessions calm, and avoid burnout — a relaxed, well-rested child performs better than an over-drilled one.
A simple weekly rhythm
- 2–3 short practice sessions across the week.
- Rotate sections so every area gets covered.
- Review mistakes together — the most valuable 5 minutes.
- One timed set a week as the test approaches.
What to avoid
- Last-minute cramming — it raises stress and rarely helps.
- Memorising answers instead of methods.
- Skipping Thinking Skills because it feels unfamiliar.
Ready to start? PrepPath has unlimited OC and Selective practice across every section — each question explained in full, with an AI Tutor for the tricky ones. See worked examples in our OC Maths practice questions guide.
PrepPath is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with ACARA or the NSW Department of Education. This guide is general information only — always check the official ACARA (nap.edu.au) or NSW Department of Education websites for current dates and rules.