The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are a crucial part of the university application process in South Africa, especially for students applying to institutions that use the tests to assess academic readiness. These standardized tests evaluate proficiency in academic literacy, quantitative literacy, and mathematics. For many students, preparing for the NBT can feel overwhelming, but one of the most effective strategies is using NBT past papers.
NBT Past Papers: Where to Find Them & How to Use Them Effectively
This guide explains where to find these resources and how to use them effectively to boost your confidence and performance.
Where to Find NBT Past Papers
Finding official NBT past papers can be a bit tricky since the test administrators, the National Benchmark Test Project (NBTP), do not release full past papers. However, there are several legitimate ways to access practice material that closely mirrors the structure and content of the actual NBTs.
- Official NBT Website
The official NBTP website (www.nbt.ac.za) offers sample questions for each test component: Academic Literacy (AL), Quantitative Literacy (QL), and Mathematics (MAT). These samples are not full past papers, but they give a good sense of the question types and difficulty level. - University Websites
Some South African universities provide additional resources to help students prepare for the NBT. These may include sample questions, study guides, or links to preparatory tools. For example, the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University have been known to provide guidance on NBT preparation. - Educational Platforms and Publishers
Several education websites and South African publishers offer unofficial NBT practice books or downloadable question packs. Examples include Advantage Learn, NBT Prep, and Snapplify. While these are not official, many align closely with the structure and difficulty of the NBT. - Online Forums and Study Groups
Platforms like The Student Room, Reddit, or Facebook groups dedicated to Matric or university admissions sometimes share user-made mock papers or links to helpful study resources. Be cautious to verify the credibility of the content.
Read more: How to Prepare for the NBTs in 2025: A Complete Study Plan
How to Use NBT Past Papers Effectively
Once you’ve found reliable practice materials, it’s important to use them wisely. Here’s how to get the most out of NBT past papers and prep materials:
1. Simulate Real Test Conditions
One of the best ways to prepare is to treat practice sessions like actual exams. Time yourself according to the NBT schedule—three hours for AQL (Academic & Quantitative Literacy) and three hours for MAT (Math). Use only the tools allowed during the test, like a basic calculator for the MAT paper.
2. Review Your Answers Thoroughly
After completing a paper, go back through your answers and identify where you went wrong. Focus on understanding the concept behind each mistake rather than just memorizing the correct answer. This approach helps you build problem-solving skills.
3. Focus on Weak Areas
Use your results to identify topics you struggle with, whether it’s interpreting complex texts in the AQL test or solving equations in the MAT test. Spend additional time studying these specific topics using textbooks, online tutorials, or revision guides.
4. Practice Regularly
Make NBT practice a routine part of your weekly schedule in the months leading up to your test. Doing one or two papers a week, alongside other forms of studying, helps you build stamina and improve accuracy under pressure.
5. Combine with Other Study Resources
Past papers are a vital tool, but they should be combined with other learning resources like high school textbooks, study guides, and online videos to reinforce understanding. Some topics in the NBT require strong foundational knowledge, especially in maths and language skills.
6. Get Help When Needed
If you find certain concepts difficult, consider joining an NBT prep course or working with a tutor. Many online platforms offer NBT-specific courses that walk you through common question types and strategies for success.
While the NBTP doesn’t release full past papers, there are still plenty of high-quality resources available to help you prepare. Practicing under exam conditions, reviewing your mistakes, and targeting your weak spots are essential strategies. By using NBT past papers and related materials wisely, you can approach test day with confidence and increase your chances of securing admission to your chosen university program.
