Australia • Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
NAPLAN Exam Timetable 2027
The official national test window runs from 10 to 22 March 2027. Explore all nine school testing days, the required national sequence, year-by-year test durations, scheduling rules and official sources.
Complete NAPLAN 2027 national test window
All nine school days are listed with the national requirement, Writing status, other-test sequence, catch-up position, operational notes and official source.
Window: Wednesday 10 March 2027 to Monday 22 March 2027.
Must begin first; Year 3 uses paper.
Completed after Writing.
Completed after Reading.
Completed after Conventions.
| Test day | Date | Day | National requirement | Writing status | Other tests | Catch-up / reschedule | Notes | Official source |
|---|
NAPLAN test duration and structure by year level
Filter all 16 records by Year 3, 5, 7 or 9 and by test domain. Every duration, delivery mode, scheduling requirement and assessed area from the workbook is retained.
Delivery: online, except Year 3 Writing on paper.
| Year level | Test domain | Sequence | Duration | Mode | Scheduling requirement | What is assessed | Official source |
|---|
National NAPLAN scheduling rules
These 9 rules explain the window length, Writing priority, required order, breaks, catch-ups, participation and online delivery.
Schools set local dates and start times within these national requirements.
| Rule | Official requirement / guidance | Operational meaning | Official source |
|---|
Future official NAPLAN test windows
The workbook also records the officially published national windows for 2028 and 2029.
3 national windows retained.
| Year | Official test window | Start date | End date | Status | Official source |
|---|
Official NAPLAN information sources
Use these direct National Assessment Program resources to verify dates, test content, parent guidance, participation and Ramadan-related arrangements.
6 official source records included.
| Official source | URL | Use in workbook |
|---|
NAPLAN 2027 planning and preparation guide
Use the national window for planning, then rely on the school-issued schedule for the exact local session dates, times, rooms and device instructions.
For families
Confirm the school timetable, explain the test calmly, maintain normal routines and notify the school promptly about absence or access needs.
For students
Practise familiar literacy and numeracy skills, learn the online tools, read instructions carefully and take each domain one at a time.
For schools
Schedule early in the window, prioritise morning sessions, preserve the national sequence and allow at least 20 minutes between multiple tests.
- Save 10–22 March 2027 as the national window.
- Obtain the exact schedule from the school.
- Put Writing first for every year level.
- Remember Year 3 Writing is paper-based.
- Plan catch-ups inside the nine-day window.
- Check devices and connectivity for online tests.
- Allow the required break between sessions.
- Review official participation guidance when needed.
NAPLAN exam timetable FAQs
18 answers covering the 2027 dates, year levels, test order, durations, online delivery, start times, breaks, absences and preparation.
When is NAPLAN in 2027?
The official national NAPLAN test window is Wednesday 10 March to Monday 22 March 2027, covering nine school testing days.
Which year levels take NAPLAN in 2027?
NAPLAN is for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, subject to the official participation, exemption and withdrawal provisions.
Is there one fixed national NAPLAN timetable for every school?
No. The national authority sets the nine-day window and required test sequence, while each school schedules its own session dates and times within those rules.
What is the required NAPLAN test sequence?
Writing must come first, followed by Reading, then Conventions of Language, and finally Numeracy. Schools cannot change this national sequence.
When is the NAPLAN Writing test in 2027?
Year 3 completes paper Writing on Day 1 only. Years 5, 7 and 9 must start online Writing on Day 1; Day 2 may be used only where technical or logistical limitations prevent completion.
Is NAPLAN online in 2027?
Yes, the tests are online except Year 3 Writing, which remains paper-based.
How long is the Year 3 NAPLAN Writing test?
The workbook lists 40 minutes for Year 3 Writing. It is completed on paper on Day 1.
How long are Year 5 NAPLAN tests?
Year 5 Writing is 42 minutes, Reading is 50 minutes, Conventions of Language is 45 minutes and Numeracy is 50 minutes.
How long are Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN tests?
For both Year 7 and Year 9, Writing is 42 minutes, Reading is 65 minutes, Conventions of Language is 45 minutes and Numeracy is 65 minutes.
What time does NAPLAN start?
There is no national fixed clock time. Schools set local session times and should prioritise morning sessions where possible.
Can students sit more than one NAPLAN test on the same day?
Yes, if the required sequence is followed and students receive at least a 20-minute break between test sessions.
What happens if a student misses a NAPLAN test?
Schools may schedule a catch-up session later within the national test window for a student absent from the original session.
Can NAPLAN testing continue after 22 March 2027?
The workbook identifies 22 March 2027 as the final day of the national window. Schools must complete remaining permitted tests and catch-ups within that window unless official authorities issue different directions.
What does Conventions of Language assess?
It assesses spelling, grammar and punctuation. It must be completed after Reading and before Numeracy.
What does the NAPLAN Numeracy test assess?
It covers number, algebra, measurement, space, statistics and probability, and comes last in the national test sequence.
Are all students required to take NAPLAN?
Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate. Absence, exemption or withdrawal may apply in specified circumstances under official participation rules.
How can families help students prepare for NAPLAN?
Keep preparation balanced: practise familiar reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy skills, become comfortable with the online format, and prioritise sleep and normal routines.
Where can I verify the official 2027 NAPLAN dates?
Use the official National Assessment Program website. This page retains direct source links for the test window, key dates, test content, parent guidance and participation rules.
