HAST Test Yr 7–10 – Australian Edu

HAST Test Preparation

HAST Test —

Mock Test Preparation

ACER's Higher Ability Selection Test for gifted program entry across NSW, VIC, SA, WA & TAS — Years 8–11

Aligned to QLD Curriculum

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Real-Time Performance Insights

Explore HAST Mock Exams

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5

SECTIONS

121+

QUESTIONS

195 min

TOTAL TIME

Online

DELIVERY MODE

No

CALCULATOR

Self-Assessment

WRITING FEEDBACK

Exam At a Glance

Age / Year

Years 8–11 (Age 13–17)

Subjects

4 Sections

Total Duration

125 minutes

Format

Online / Paper (ACER)

TARGET SCHOOLS

4 Sections. 125 Minutes.
One Chance.

Here's exactly what your child will face — broken down by subject, question count, time limit, and format.

01

30 30 min

Reading Comprehension

Passage-based comprehension across humanities, sciences and social science texts. Tests inference, analysis, and critical evaluation.

02

35 40 min

Mathematical Reasoning

No calculator. Multi-step problem solving across number, algebra, measurement, geometry, and data. Emphasis on higher-order reasoning.

03

35 25 min

Abstract Reasoning

Visual pattern recognition including series completion, matrix problems, odd-one-out, and spatial reasoning. Not curriculum-dependent.

04

1 TASK

25 min

Written Expression

Extended writing task — either persuasive or creative. Assessed on ideas, structure, vocabulary, cohesion, and language conventions.

Overview

The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is developed and administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) to identify students with high academic potential for entry into gifted and accelerated learning programs.
Used by schools in NSW, VIC, SA, WA and TAS, the HAST assesses reasoning ability beyond standard curriculum knowledge, making it one of Australia's most widely used tools for identifying gifted learners.

Who Is This For?

Students in Years 7–10 applying for gifted and accelerated programs, selective school entry (Years 8–11), or scholarship positions at independent schools using the HAST format.
The test is used across multiple states including NSW, VIC, SA, WA and TAS.

Key Details

Administered By

ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research)

USED ACROSS

NSW, VIC, SA, WA, TAS

ENTRY YEARS

Years 8–11

SECTIONS

FORMAT

Multiple choice + written expression

PURPOSE

Gifted program entry, selective school placement, scholarships

Application & Exam Process

Follow each step to stay on track and maximise your child's chances of success.

🕒 6–12 Months Prior

Research Programs

Identify gifted programs in your state that use the HAST.
Check application requirements and deadlines.

Step 1

🕒 3–6 Months Prior

Begin Preparation

Start with AustralianEdu.au HAST mock exams to build familiarity with all 4 sections, especially Abstract Reasoning.

Step 2

🕒 1–2 Months Prior

Intensive Practice

Complete full-length mock exams under timed conditions.
Focus on weaker sections identified through analytics.

Step 3

🕒 Test Date

Sit the HAST

The HAST is administered at designated centres or schools.
Exact dates vary by state and program.

Step 4

🕒 4–8 Weeks Later

Receive Results

Results are provided to schools and programs.
Offers may follow based on scores and available places.

Step 5

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Not happy? Contact us within 7 days for a full refund. No questions asked. All packs include 12 months of unlimited access.

Everything your child needs
to succeed

Prepare with real exam-style questions written by teachers

Identical to Real Exams

Our mocks replicate the exact structure, question types, and timing so your child knows exactly what to expect.

Pinpoint Weaknesses

See a clear breakdown by section and skill area after each test — know exactly where to focus revision.

Built by Educators

Content designed by experienced Australian educators and markers who understand the marking criteria.

Unlimited practice attempts

Works on any device

Results emailed to parents

Teacher approved content

Zara Khan's Test Report

Here is a detailed report on your child's progress

Language Conventions

Attempts 6

Best Result 85%

Average Result 67%

Lowest Result 41%

National Average 69%

Results summary

Clear summaries show overall performance, strengths, and areas for improvement at a glance.

Student Dashboard

Writing Numeracy Reading Grammar

AprMayJunJul

Progress tracking

Visual tracking shows how your child's skills develop over time across subjects and tests.

Liam Thompson's Test Report

Here is a detailed report on your child's progress

Language Conventions

Average Result

Highest Result

National Average 69%

National comparison

Compare your child's results with national averages to see how they are performing overall.

Schools & Programs Using the HAST

SA Ignite Program Schools

📍 South Australia

Gifted Program

Various NSW Independent Schools

📍NSW

Scholarship Entry

Various VIC Independent Schools

📍VIC

Scholarship Entry

Various TAS Independent Schools

📍TAS

Scholarship Entry

Various WA Independent Schools

📍WA

Gifted Entry

The HAST is used by schools across 5 states for gifted program entry, accelerated learning, and scholarship assessment.

Watch & Learn

Official videos from exam boards and education departments to help you understand what to expect.

Understanding the HAST

Overview of the ACER Higher Ability Selection Test format and what to expect.

Helpful Links & Official Information

Trusted government and institutional sources to support your child's preparation.

SA Ignite Program

SA's gifted education program uses the HAST for selection

MySchool — Compare Schools

Compare school results, NAPLAN data and ICSEA ratings.

Australian Curriculum

Official Australian Curriculum standards and resources.

What's in Our Mock Packs?

The HAST assesses higher-order reasoning beyond curriculum knowledge — dedicated mock practice is the most effective preparation

Abstract Reasoning is a unique HAST component — our mocks help students approach these unfamiliar question types with confidence

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything parents ask about this exam — answered clearly.

What states use the HAST?

The HAST is used in NSW, VIC, SA, WA, and TAS for entry into various gifted and accelerated learning programs, selective schools, and scholarship positions.

Is the HAST the same as the ACER Scholarship test?

No. While both are administered by ACER, the HAST specifically assesses higher-order reasoning for gifted program entry. The ACER Scholarship test is used for independent school scholarships.

What makes Abstract Reasoning unique?

Yes. All three Queensland Academies use the same EduTest assessment for Year 7 entry.

Can my child prepare for the HAST?

Yes. While the test assesses innate reasoning ability, familiarity with the format and question types significantly improves performance. Our mock exams build this familiarity.

What year levels is the HAST for?

The HAST is typically used for students in Years 7–10 applying for entry into Years 8–11 gifted programs, though exact year levels vary by program.

Ready to Start Preparing?

Join thousands of Australian families who trust us. Start with a free trial — no credit card required.

By State

By Exam Type

By Age & Grade

How It Works

Pricing

HAST Test —

Mock Test Preparation

5

121+

195 min

Online

No

Self-Assessment

Exam At a Glance

Age / Year

Subjects

Total Duration

Format

TARGET SCHOOLS

4 Sections. 125 Minutes. One Chance.

Here's exactly what your child will face — broken down by subject, question count, time limit, and format.

01

30

30 min

Reading Comprehension

02

35

40 min

Mathematical Reasoning

03

35

25 min

Abstract Reasoning

04

1 TASK

25 min

Written Expression

Overview

Who Is This For?

Key Details

Application & Exam Process

Follow each step to stay on track and maximise your child's chances of success.

Research Programs

Step 1

Begin Preparation

Step 2

Intensive Practice

Step 3

Sit the HAST

Step 4

Receive Results

Step 5

Mock Exam Packs

HAST Mock Exam Packs

Category

Subcategory

ACER Scholarship

HSC

NAPLAN

NCEA

NSW Opportunity Class

NSW Selective

QCE

QLD Academies

SA Ignite

SACE

TCE

VCE

VIC Selective Entry (SEHS)

WA GATE

VCE Further Mathematics Units 1 & 2 — 3 Practice Pack

VCE Biology Units 1 & 2 — 1 Practice Pack

NCEA Whole Bundle Level 2 — 5 Practice Pack

NCEA Whole Bundle Level 2 — 8 Practice Pack

NCEA Whole Bundle Level 3 — 1 Practice Pack

NCEA Whole Bundle Level 3 — 3 Practice Pack

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Everything your child needs to succeed

Prepare with real exam-style questions written by teachers

Identical to Real Exams

4 Sections. 125 Minutes.
One Chance.

Everything your child needs
to succeed