Guides · Scholarship exams
ACER vs EduTest scholarship exams: what's the difference?
Most Australian independent schools award scholarships using one of two test providers: ACER or EduTest. They assess similar abilities but differ in structure and style. Knowing which one your child will sit shapes how you prepare. (Always confirm the exact test with the school — some use their own assessment.)
What is the ACER scholarship test?
ACER (the Australian Council for Educational Research) runs scholarship and selective tests used by many schools. An ACER scholarship exam is typically built around a smaller number of broad components — commonly written expression, mathematics, and reading & reasoning — with longer, more sustained tasks. The questions tend to reward careful reasoning and clear writing rather than rapid recall.
What is the EduTest scholarship exam?
EduTest exams generally split the assessment into more, shorter sections — commonly verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics and written expression. The multiple-choice sections are typically fast-paced with a tight time-per-question, so speed and accuracy under pressure matter a great deal.
The key differences at a glance
| ACER | EduTest | |
|---|---|---|
| Components | Fewer, broader (writing, maths, reading & reasoning) | More, distinct (verbal, numerical, reading, maths, writing) |
| Style | Sustained reasoning, fewer items | Fast multiple-choice, many items |
| Pace | More time per question | Tight time per question |
| Calculator | Generally not permitted | Generally not permitted |
Components and timing vary by school and year — confirm the specifics with the school and the test provider before you prepare.
How to prepare for each
For an ACER exam, prioritise clear written expression and multi-step reasoning, and practise reading passages closely. For an EduTest exam, add dedicated work on verbal and numerical reasoning, and rehearse pacing hard — the speed demand is the main differentiator. In both cases, the same routine works: sit full-length timed mock exams, review every mistake with a worked solution, and re-test weekly to track progress.
Which should you prepare for?
Start by asking each target school which test they use and for which year level (most scholarship exams are sat for Year 7 entry). If your shortlist includes both, prepare broadly across all the reasoning and writing components — the underlying skills overlap, so strong general preparation serves both.
Practise for both styles
Quantyle offers ACER-style and EduTest-style practice questions and full mock exams, with a worked solution for every question.
Quantyle is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACER or Edutest; these names are used only to describe the exams our practice helps students prepare for.