How does the NBT test work?

The NBTs are multiple choice tests. Answers are recorded on what is called a ‘bubble sheet’. The answer sheets are scanned and then translated into scores using sophisticated computer programs. There are two tests. The Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy domains (AQL) are combined into one multiple-choice test.

How do you prepare for NBT?

There are no past papers or special study materials to prepare for the tests. The NBT assesses your prior knowledge – what you know and what you are able to do. Go to the NBT website to find out what is covered in the tests. Even if you’re applying to more than one university, you need only write the tests once.

How long is the NBT test?

3 hours
The NBTs are multiple-choice tests. Both the AQL and MAT test are 3 hours long. Answers are recorded on what is called a “bubble sheet”. The answer sheets are scanned and then transferred into scores using sophisticated computer software. The AQL is made up of 25-minute sections.

What happens if I fail NBT?

What if I fail? You can’t, strictly speaking, fail the NBTs. Your scores place you in a benchmark (see our website for details) and each university and sometimes, different Faculties within each university, use your scores in a slightly different way.

Is NBT difficult?

Student 1: “It’s tricky. Teachers tell you all the time to read the question carefully, but for the NBTs you REALLY have to read the question and carefully consider every single option, because the difference between them is so minuscule that you can get ‘tricked’.

Is NBT compulsory at UFS?

It is COMPULSORY for all prospective UFS students to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) BEFORE registration in 2020. We thus recommend that prospective students write the NBTs during their Grade 12 year or in 2019. The UFS has an NBT registration station, where students can register for the tests.

What is NBT AQL?

The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) measure your academic readiness for University. There are two tests, the AQL and the MAT. The AQL is written in a 3 hour morning session. The MAT is written on the same day in a 3 hour afternoon session. You are not allowed to write the AQL test on one day and the MAT test on another.

What happens if I don’t write NBT?

If you didn’t write the NBT, the team at Academic Language and Literacy Development will automatically apply the algorithm. You will see a message (also known as a ‘positive service indicator’) at the top of your enrolment documentation about whether you will need to register or not.

What happens if you fail NBT?