NBT stands for National Benchmark Test. The National Benchmark Test, NBT is an assessment used by many universities in South Africa to interpret school leaving results such as those of the National Senior Certificate (NSC). The combination of NBT and Matric results is used to determine the admission and placement of university applicants.
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About National Benchmark Test, NBT
The National Benchmark Test, NBT is an entry-level academic and quantitative literacy and mathematics proficiency assessment used to provide addition information in the admission and placement of the student in many universities in South Africa.
NBT Test helps higher education institutions to interpret school leaving results such as those of the National Senior Certificate (NSC). The test results support, but don’t replace or duplicate, NSC results.
Why Write NBT Test
South African higher education institutions use the NBTS for admission and others use them to determine whether you will need extra academic support during your studies. They also assist with the development of curricula. Find out from the institution you are applying to whether you are required to write the tests.
The faculty or department will determine which test/s you must write and the deadlines for receiving your results.
Applicants should write the NBT before the closing date of their university application, in order to meet all deadlines and requirements for the programme(s) to which they are applying. You must write both AQL and MAT tests on the same day.
You are allowed to write the NBT for a second time, but you will need to confirm with your faculty first that a second score will be accepted.
There is no pass mark for the NBT. Your scores tell universities how ready you are for university education and each university uses your NBT scores differently.
NBT Test Subjects
There are two tests:
- Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy (which are combined: AQL)
- Mathematics (MAT).
The QL test is closely related to the intended outcomes of the NSC subject, Mathematical Literacy. Students with disabilities are accommodated. The AL test has also been translated into Braille.
Each test requires you to apply prior learning-what you know and are able to do-to materials that reflect expectations for first-year students in university programmes.
The tests are confidential, so there are no past papers and no special study materials to prepare for the tests.
Mode of NBT Assessment
There are two modes of NBT assessment:
- Online
- Pencil & Paper Test
To choose your mode of assessment, here’s all you need to know:
- The tests are equilibrated so there is no difference in writing the online or pencil and paper form of the NBT.
- You should choose the test form that suits you the best.
- The online test is convenient as you would normally write the test at home, but you will need a computer that meets the minimum specification and have stable internet access and sufficient bandwidth or data.
- You may prefer to write in a test venue using the pencil and paper form of the NBT, in which case you should book your test in a venue closest to you on a date that suits you.
Here are the complete NBT schedules (dates and venue) with all the test locations. If there are no tests near where you live, and the online test is not a viable option for you, Contact NBT.
Apply as a Remote Writer
A remote writer/student is someone who is unable to write at an institution that generally facilitates the national benchmark test sessions.
A remote writer is a writer who is in another country or in an area too remote to be able to make a trip of a reasonable distance to the nearest testing center. Contact NBT.
Contact NBT
Send an e-mail to [email protected]
Phone us on 021650 3523
Send an email to [email protected] to register as a remote writer
