About NBT
The National Benchmark Tests were commissioned by Higher Education South Africa (HESA) and reflect almost ten years of research and collaboration among leading content specialists and researchers from Institutions of Higher Education across South Africa. The NBT Project is managed by the Alternate Admissions Research Project in the Centre for Higher Education Development at the University of Cape Town.
The NBT is an assessment for prospective first year entry students into Higher Education. The assessment was designed to measure a writer’s levels of proficiency in Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy and Mathematics as related to the demands of tertiary study. The NBT also provides information to assist in the placement of students in appropriate curricular routes (e.g. regular, augmented, extended, bridging or foundation programmes) and with the development of curriculum for Higher Education programmes. In addition, it assists Higher Education to interpret school-leaving results, such as those of the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
The Tests
There are two tests. The Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy domains (AQL) are combined into one multiple-choice test. Each section is timed, for a total of three hours and five minutes of writing time. The AQL Test is written by applicants to all programmes. The second test is Mathematics (MAT), which is written by applicants to programmes for which Mathematics is a requirement. The Mathematics test is also multiple-choice and timed, with three hours allowed. These tests are described in more detail under ‘Test Content’.
Benefits to Writers
- Your results will help institutions to design courses that build directly on your level of learning at school.
- Good results on the NBT could give you an edge if you are in competition for scarce places in selective programmes.
- Many bursary awarders use the NBT results to help them make their decisions.
General Information
- There are currently 12 NBT test dates for the 2012 intake cycle. Test sites are located in major cities across South Africa, with a few in neighbouring countries. Additional sessions are held in more remote locations at key times during the test cycle. The table listing NBT National Sessions is updated frequently.
- Each university and faculty determines which tests must be written and the deadline to receive results, which generally is posted on the university’s website.
- The AQL is written during a morning session, with applicants required to report at 7:30 AM on the test date. The AQL is a timed, multiple-choice test, with total writing time of 3 hours and 5 minutes.
- The MAT is written on the same day, in the afternoon session of the same day, with a short break between the two tests. The MAT is also a timed, multiple-choice test, with 3 hours of writing time.
- Costs for the 2012 intake cycle are:
AQL only R 90 AQL and MAT R 165
- Learners who do not report for their scheduled tests must register and pay again in order to re-schedule a missed test.
- Registration is required and must be done online, with payment made through the EasyPay system. Scores are not released unless fees have been paid.
- Results will be available to Institutions of Higher Education two weeks after the test. Learners are advised to plan in advance to ensure that they are ready to write, but have allowed sufficient results processing time to meet university application deadlines.