National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) Are Your Entry Into Varsity
The NBTs are your tickets to university entrance as they let you show how well you can cope with language and maths tasks at university level.
The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are assessments that you will have to write if you want to study at universities in South Africa.
There are a few different dates available for you to write the NBTs at a university or school in your province. You can write them more than once so it is a good idea to try to write them early. Then if one of them doesn’t go well, you have the chance to re-write the test. You can also choose to write the NBTs online if you would prefer.
The NBTs were designed to assess the student’s ability to cope with university work by seeing how well they can transfer understanding of academic literacy, quantitative literacy and mathematics to the demands of university-level work.
The National Benchmark Tests consist of three multiple choice tests. These tests are written as a combined Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test, and a separate Mathematics test.
The AQL is a three-hour test that consists of an Academic Literacy (AL) section and a Quantitative Literacy (QL) section. The results of the two sections of the test are noted separately.
The second test that is offered is Mathematics (MAT), which is also multiple-choice and three hours long.
Depending on which university courses you are applying for, you may one have to write one, or both of the NBTs.
The Academic Literacy test looks at how well the student can work with the demands of academic study in the language they will use at the university.
The Quantitative Literacy test looks at how well you can manage situations and solve examples of real-world problems. The test will show you basic quantitative information and this may be presented in written form or graph form.
The Cognitive Academic Mathematics Proficiency Test (shortened as CAMP) is a three-hour test that looks into the writer’s ability with mathematical concepts that are part of the high school curriculum (Maths Papers 1 and 2) with a focus on the parts that are most relevant for Higher Education studies.
To prepare for the tests you might want to go through past papers or use the Preparation App.
UPDATE: The NBTS for 2024 Are Now Open For Bookings
All About The National Benchmark Tests — The NBTs
- How To Register To Write The National Benchmark Tests
- How To Register To Write Your NBTs online
- What Are The National Benchmark Tests?
- What Is An NBT Simulation Test
- NBT Test Past Papers and Memos
- New NBT Preparation App Launched
- This Is What Your NBT Results Mean
- Here’s The Difference Between the NSC and NBTs
- How Much NBTs Cost and How To Pay
- How To Get Your NBT Results
- How The NBT Online Test Work And What You Need To Know
- How You Can Register For Your NBT Test
- How To Prepare For The National Benchmark Tests