HSC Minimum Standard

Students in NSW need to meet a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive the Higher School Certificate.

The HSC minimum standard is set at Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). It is a standard most students are expected to achieve by the end of Year 12 when they sit their HSC. To show they meet the HSC minimum standard, students need to achieve Level 3 or 4 in short online reading, writing and numeracy tests of skills for everyday life.

Key dates

An Administration Handbook is available via Schools Online. For support contact Online Test Support on 1800 200 955 or lnsupport@nesa.nsw.edu.au

2024

Term 4

Open/Available
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Action
14 October
20 December
Enter Year 10-Year 11 students into Minimum Standard tests
-
30 November
Year 12 Minimum Standard HSC credential deadline


2025

Open/Available
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Action
10 February
17 DecemberLockdown Browser available for download


Term 1

Open/Available
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Action
10 February
11 April 
Enter Year 10 - Year 12 students into HSC minimum standard tests for Term 1 test window.
17 February
11 April
Term 1 window for HSC minimum standard.


Term 2

Open/Available
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Action
28 April
4 July 
Enter Year 10 - Year 12 students into HSC minimum standard tests for Term 2 test window.


Term 3

Open/Available
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Action
21 July
26 September 
Enter Year 10 - Year 12 students into HSC minimum standard tests for Term 3 test window.


Term 4

Open/Available
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Action
13 October
28 NovemberEnter Year 12 students into HSC minimum standard tests for Term 4 test window. Students must sit the test before the due date to be eligible to receive the HSC credential by results release day if all other eligibility criteria is met.
13 October
17 DecemberEnter Year 10 - Year 11 students into HSC minimum standard tests for Term 4 test window.

How do students meet the HSC minimum standard?

To show they meet the HSC minimum standard, students need to:

  • achieve Level 3 or 4 in the online reading test and
  • achieve Level 3 or 4 in the online writing test and
  • achieve Level 3 or 4 in the online numeracy test.

What happens if a student doesn’t meet the HSC minimum standard?

Students do not need to meet the HSC minimum standard to:

  • study HSC courses
  • sit HSC exams
  • receive HSC assessment and exam results
  • receive an ATAR
  • receive a Record of School Achievement

Only students who meet the HSC minimum standard will receive a Higher School Certificate testamur.

Online Tests

Students will have a number of opportunities to meet the HSC minimum standard. This includes six opportunities each year from Year 10 up to five years after starting their first HSC course. At least 30 calendar days are required before re-attempting a test in the same domain. Students have to meet the HSC minimum standard in reading, writing and numeracy only once.

There are three 45 minute online tests:

  • an adaptive, multiple choice reading test
  • an adaptive, multiple choice numeracy test
  • a test for writing based on a written or visual prompt

The online tests will be administered by schools. Schools will help students to decide when they are ready to take each test.

For further information and resources please go to the NESA website.

Links and resources

HSC Minimum Standard – Reading Resources

Access resources related to Minimum Standard - Reading. AISNSW Member School login required to access.
Access now

NESA

The NESA website has information and resources available, including details about:

  • timeframes
  • online tests
  • demonstration tests and sample questions
  • disability provisions and exemptions
  • resources for students, parents and teachers.


Schools Online

Additional information, support and resources are available in Schools Online to help schools implement the HSC minimum standard and the associated tests including:

  • Online self-paced modules for Secondary teachers
  • Information kits
  • Guidelines

AISNSW

AISNSW Teaching & Learning team provides tailored in-school consultancy support. 

Email litnumstrategy@aisnsw.edu.au for further support.