What Is the AAS Scholarship Test? A Parent's Guide
AAS (Academic Assessment Services) writes the scholarship and placement tests that many independent schools use, especially in Western Australia. Most children sit it in Year 6, for entry to Year 7.
The four subjects
| Subject | Format |
|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | Multiple choice, four or five options |
| Mathematics | Multiple choice, four or five options; no calculator |
| Reasoning | Multiple choice, four or five options |
| Writing | One long-form piece of writing |
Timing
- Each multiple-choice exam is 40–50 minutes.
- The Writing test is 25–30 minutes.
- The tests are sat in two sessions with a 20-minute break between them.
What is not allowed
Calculators and mathematical instruments such as compasses are not allowed, so Mathematics is done by hand.
How results are shared
Results go to the school, and each school decides when and how to tell families. Results are not passed between schools unless they are in a scholarship co-op. If you have a question about a result, ask the school.
What AAS does not publish
AAS does not publish how many questions each test has, or exactly which kinds of question the Reasoning test uses. Be wary of anyone who claims to know the exact paper.
How to prepare
The skills are the familiar ones: reading closely and finding evidence, solving maths problems without a calculator, spotting patterns in words, numbers and pictures, and writing a well-organised piece in under half an hour. Practising under time, in two sittings with a break, is the best rehearsal for the day.
Try our AAS-style Year 6 practice: a timed mock paper in two sessions across Reading, Mathematics and Reasoning, with a Writing task, and every question explained.
PrepPath is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Academic Assessment Services.
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.