Master advanced problem-solving and reasoning skills to excel in the NSW OC Test. Strengthen your Mathematical Reasoning Skills through expert OC Test Preparation to achieve success in the NSW Opportunity Class Test.
The OC Test (Opportunity Class Test) is an exam for Year 4 students in NSW who wish to enter Year 5 Opportunity Classes — special classes for academically gifted students in government schools.
It tests reasoning and problem-solving skills across three areas:
Reading – comprehension and interpretation
Mathematical Reasoning – problem-solving and logic
Thinking Skills – critical and abstract thinking
Students who perform well gain entry into programs that provide advanced and enriched learning, helping them develop higher-order thinking and prepare for Selective High School placement later on.
Doing well in the OC Test shows strong academic ability and helps students join a motivated, high-achieving peer group. It provides a challenging and supportive environment that builds confidence and prepares them for Selective High School and future success.
Total Questions:
78 multiple-choice questions (divided across 3 sections)
Total Time:
1 hour 40 minutes (split into three timed sections)
Test Mode:
Online – held only at authorised NSW Department of Education test centres
Test Dates:
Held annually around July/August
Topics Assessed:
Reading comprehension (understanding and analysing different types of texts): 13 Questions (2 with multiple parts); Time: 30 minutes
Mathematical reasoning (numbers, patterns, and problem-solving): 35 Questions; Time: 40 minutes
Thinking skills (logic, reasoning, and pattern recognition): 30 Questions; Time: 30 minutes
Negative Marking:
None – students should attempt every question, even if unsure.
Calculators, Rulers, or Geometrical Instruments:
Not allowed.
Items Allowed:
Pencils, erasers, and sharpeners only (plus printed admission ticket and water bottle).
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The details above are based on the most recent information about the Opportunity Class (OC) Test provided by the NSW Department of Education.
Test structure or rules may change at any time at the Department’s discretion. Please refer to the official Opportunity Class Placement Test website for the latest updates.
We begin with a free diagnostic assessment based on the NSW syllabus to identify strengths and weak areas in problem-solving, conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, and applied mathematics.
Practice selective-level questions under timed conditions, tackling multi-step problems to boost accuracy and speed. Review mistakes with explanations and take mock exams to simulate real test pressure.
We focus on mastering NSW syllabus topics and strengthening key areas—Applying maths through problem solving, number sense, patterns, logic — based on concepts up to Year 4
We train students to think like top performers—using pattern recognition, smart skipping, and confidence-building through regular practice and feedback.
The NSW Opportunity Class (OC) Maths syllabus focuses on key areas like Numbers, Patterns and Algebra, Measurement, and Chance (Probability).
It isn’t officially published but aims to build strong reasoning, pattern recognition, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills for Year 5 and 6 students.
The Mathematical Reasoning Test measures how well students think, reason, and solve problems — not just how fast they calculate. Here’s a breakdown of the main topics students need to master:
🔢 Number and Operations
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Number patterns and sequences (including doubling or halving)
Place value and rounding to the nearest 10 or 100
Working with fractions, percentages, and simple ratios
Multi-step word problems involving everyday maths
📏 Measurement
Length, distance, perimeter, and area
Time calculations and calendar problems
Mass and capacity (grams, kilograms, millilitres)
Converting between units (m to cm, g to kg)
🔺 Geometry and Spatial Reasoning
Identifying 2D and 3D shapes
Symmetry, reflection, and mirror images
Counting hidden faces and edges of 3D objects
Understanding maps, grids, directions, and compass points
📊 Data and Graphs
Reading and comparing bar graphs
Analysing information from tables or charts
Drawing logical conclusions from visual data
🧩 Algebraic and Logical Thinking
Finding unknown numbers and following operation rules
Analysing patterns and relationships
Using logic to evaluate statements or complete puzzles
💡 Real-World Problem Solving
Applying maths in everyday contexts (money, travel, measurements)
Visualising problems using diagrams or number lines
Building reasoning, accuracy, and time-management skills
🎯 In Short
The OC Maths Test is about reasoning, logic, and applied understanding — helping identify students who can think like problem-solvers, not just memorise formulas.
No. There is no Negative Marking for the test
Yes. Because there is no penalty for incorrect answers, students should attempt all questions and make educated guesses if time is limited.
Yes — tutoring can make a significant difference in how well a student performs in the NSW the Opportunity Class (OC) Test
The exam is highly competitive and focuses on advanced reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that go beyond the regular school curriculum. Tutoring helps students:
✅ Understand the test format and question styles before exam day
🧮 Build strong maths, reading, and thinking skills through structured practice
⏱️ Develop time-management strategies to handle pressure and complete all questions
💪 Boost confidence and reduce test anxiety through guided support
🎯 Identify weaknesses early and turn them into strengths
While natural ability plays a role, regular guided preparation ensures students are familiar with real test conditions and can perform at their best.
At Aussie Math Tutor NSW, our specialised the Opportunity Class (OC) Test programs are designed to build the exact skills needed for success — from problem-solving drills to mock tests under timed conditions.
To perform well in the NSW Opportunity Class (OC) Test, students should practise with books that build both reasoning and problem-solving skills — not just regular syllabus maths. The best resources combine concept mastery with test-style practice questions.
Here are some recommended books and resources used by top-performing students:
OC Trial Test Exam Pack 1 by Pre-Uni College Digital
Start with concept-building books first, then move to timed OC-style mock exams to strengthen accuracy and speed.
Students don’t lose anything academically if they choose not to sit for the OC Test.
However, they do miss out on the opportunity to learn alongside a motivated, high-achieving peer group. Being surrounded by driven students encourages healthy competition, inspires improvement, and helps each child reach their full potential.
They also miss valuable learning opportunities and early preparation for Selective High School. In essence, students miss the chance to study in a challenging, enriched environment that nurtures confidence, problem-solving skills, and overall academic growth.
OC Test results help the NSW Department of Education select students for Opportunity Classes in Years 5–6.
Each student’s score is based on their test results and school assessments in English and Maths.
These scores are used only for placement, not for school grades, to match high-achieving students with the right learning environment.
Students no longer receive a numerical score or rank. Instead, their performance in each section — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills — is shown in broad achievement bands compared to all students who sat the test that year.
The categories are:
Top 10% of candidates – performed as well as or better than 90% of students
Next 15% of candidates – performed as well as or better than 75% of students
Next 25% of candidates – performed better than 50% of students
Lowest 50% of candidates – the lower half of all students who sat the test
These bands show relative performance, not the percentage of correct answers.
This reporting style helps protect student privacy, reduce competition, and focus on identifying students who are ready for selective and enriched learning opportunities.
Parents receive this report through the official NSW Department of Education portal once results are released.
There are around 89 public primary schools across New South Wales that offer Opportunity Classes (OC) for high-achieving Year 5–6 students.
These classes are designed to extend and challenge gifted learners through enriched programs in Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills.
Some well-known OC schools include:
Artarmon Public School, Beecroft Public School, Ermington Public School, Matthew Pearce Public School, North Rocks Public School, Summer Hill Public School, and Woollahra Public School.
OC classes are available in both metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW.
The full, up-to-date list of schools can be found on the official NSW Department of Education website:
👉 Find an Opportunity Class School
Opportunity Classes run for two years — Year 5 and Year 6 in NSW public primary schools.
Students who are offered a place after sitting the OC Test in Year 4 join the program at the start of Year 5 and continue until the end of Year 6.
After completing Year 6, many students apply for Selective High Schools.
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