If you’re planning to study at a South African university, chances are you’ll need to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). These tests are designed to assess your academic readiness for tertiary education and are often required alongside your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. Whether you’re writing the AQL (Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy) or the MAT (Mathematics) test—or both—it’s essential to know what to expect on test day to reduce anxiety and ensure smooth participation.
1. Arrival Time and Admission
Test sessions usually begin early in the morning, so punctuality is crucial. You should aim to arrive at the test venue at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be allowed to enter once the test begins, and missing your test could mean having to register and pay again.
Upon arrival, you’ll go through a check-in process where you’ll be asked to present:
- A valid South African ID book, smart ID card, or passport
- Your NBT registration letter or proof of registration (printed or digital copy)
- A printout of your NBT reference number
Without these documents, you may not be allowed to write.
2. What to Bring
To ensure a hassle-free experience, pack your essentials the night before. Here’s what you should bring:
- Two HB pencils
- An eraser and a sharpener
- A black or blue pen
- A ruler (for the MAT test)
- A snack and bottled water (to be consumed during breaks only)
- Face mask (if COVID-19 regulations are still in place)
Note: Calculators are NOT allowed during the test. All calculations must be done by hand.
3. Test Structure and Duration
The NBT consists of two sections:
- AQL (Academic and Quantitative Literacy): 3 hours
- MAT (Mathematics): 3 hours
If you are writing both tests on the same day, the AQL test is written first, followed by a short break, then the MAT test. This means you’ll be at the venue for most of the day.
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4. Test Day Rules
Strict rules are in place to ensure fairness and security:
- No cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices are allowed in the test room. These must be switched off and kept away.
- You must remain silent from the time you enter the room until you leave.
- You may not talk to or look at other candidates’ test papers during the session.
- Toilet breaks are allowed but must be supervised by an invigilator and only one person may leave at a time.
- You may not leave the room early, even if you finish your test before time is up.
- Cheating or dishonest behavior will result in disqualification and being barred from rewriting for a period.
5. During the Test
You’ll receive an answer sheet and a question booklet. All answers must be filled in on the answer sheet using the appropriate pencil or pen as instructed. Instructions will be read aloud before the test begins, so listen carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Time management is important. Pace yourself and don’t spend too long on any one question. Remember, you are not penalized for incorrect answers, so it’s better to guess than to leave blanks.
6. After the Test
After completing the NBTs, your results will be sent directly to the institutions you selected when registering. You’ll also be able to view your results online approximately four weeks after your test date by logging into your NBT account.
Also check: NBT Tests Dates and How to Master Them
Final Tips
- Get a good night’s sleep before the test.
- Eat a healthy breakfast.
- Bring everything you need and double-check your ID and reference number.
- Stay calm—preparation and knowing what to expect are your best tools for success.
Writing the NBT can feel intimidating, but with the right preparation and a clear understanding of test day guidelines, you’ll be able to tackle it with confidence.