What is the difference between the OC test and the Selective test?

The OC test is for Year 5 entry (sat in Year 4) and covers reading, mathematical reasoning and thinking skills. The Selective test is for Year 7 entry into selective high schools (sat in Year 6) and adds a writing section.

Should my child do the OC test before the Selective test?

They are separate opportunities at different stages. Sitting the OC test doesn't affect selective eligibility, but the overlapping skills mean OC preparation builds a strong foundation for the later selective test.

Can my child sit both the OC and Selective tests?

Yes — they occur at different year levels, so a child can sit the OC test in Year 4 and the Selective test in Year 6.

OC vs Selective: which test is right for your child?

Updated for 2027 · ~6 min read

Both open doors to academically focused schooling in NSW, but they happen at different stages and test slightly different things. Here's a clear comparison so you can decide which one — or both — makes sense for your child.

In this guide The quick comparison The key differences Can my child do both? How to choose Common questions

The quick comparison

	OC test	Selective test
Entry point	Year 5 (opportunity class)	Year 7 (selective high school)
Sat in	Year 4	Year 6
Sections	Reading, Maths Reasoning, Thinking Skills	Reading, Maths Reasoning, Thinking Skills, Writing
Format	Computer-based	Computer-based
Placement	Competitive, scaled score	Competitive, scaled score

The key differences that matter

Timing and stage

The OC test happens two years earlier. For some children, Year 4 is the right time to stretch; for others, the extra maturity by Year 6 makes the selective test the better fit. Neither is "better" — it depends on your child.

The writing section

The biggest content difference: the selective test includes a writing task, the OC test does not. If you're aiming for selective entry, writing becomes a skill to build over time — which is why starting early helps.

What they share

Reading, mathematical reasoning and thinking skills appear in both, in the same on-screen, timed format. That overlap is the strategic key: preparation isn't wasted.

Can my child do both?

Yes. Because they occur at different year levels, a child can sit the OC test in Year 4 and the selective test in Year 6. Sitting the OC test doesn't affect selective eligibility. Many families treat OC as an early opportunity and a foundation for the later selective test — the shared skills mean the work compounds.

The strategic view: whichever you're aiming for, the core skills are the same. Build reading, reasoning and thinking-skills strength early, add writing for the selective test, and you're prepared for both.

How to choose

Consider your child's stage. Are they ready to stretch in Year 4, or better suited to Year 6?
Run a diagnostic now. A timed practice test shows where they sit today — see is my child ready?
Think long-term. Even if you skip OC, early practice builds the foundation for the selective test.
Don't over-pressure. These are opportunities, not verdicts — a child who enjoys the challenge does best.

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Common questions

Is the OC test easier than the selective test?

They're pitched at different ages, so "easier" isn't quite the right frame. Both are competitive; the selective test adds writing and is sat by older children.

Does doing OC help with selective later?

The reading, maths-reasoning and thinking-skills work carries over directly — a strong foundation for the Year 7 test.

Can we prepare for both at once?

Largely yes for the shared subjects. Add dedicated writing practice when aiming for the selective test.