BlogNAPLANNAPLAN Past Papers and Practice Tests for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9

NAPLAN Past Papers and Practice Tests for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9

Pens in a jar - NAPLAN Practice Tests/Past Papers

Looking for NAPLAN practice tests or past papers?

Before you give in and pick up one of those books on an impulse buy, we’re here to remind and inform you that there are plenty of free practice tests and past papers out there for you and your child to use!

In this article, we’ll provide you with a bunch of free NAPLAN practice tests for Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9!

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in!

Everything You Need to Know About NAPLAN
Year 3 NAPLAN Practice Tests
Year 5 NAPLAN Practice Tests
Year 7 NAPLAN Practice Tests
Year 9 NAPLAN Practice Tests
Other Resources

Everything You Need to Know About NAPLAN

What is NAPLAN?

Before you begin downloading a bunch of NAPLAN past papers for your child, it’s important to have a solid understanding of what the NAPLAN is and the areas in which your child will be assessed.

The NAPLAN, which is short for the National Assessment Program — Literacy and Numeracy, consists of 4 tests that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit across a period in March during Term 1.

These assessments are run by ACARA — the Australian Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting Authority. Your child will be assessed on the following:

  • Language Conventions: Multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank questions which focus on a student’s understanding of Australian English grammar, spelling and language.
  • Writing: Students are required to write a concise original text following a ‘writing stimulus’ and they will be assessed on their knowledge of combining language, formal writing formats and creativity.
  • Reading: This test involves reading through a magazine including various text types. In order to assess students’ reading comprehension, students will need to answer multiple choice and short answer questions.
  • Numeracy: Students will need to use their mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills to answer a range of multiple choice, short answer and fill-in-the-blank questions. In Years 7 and 9, there are two sections to the exam — non-calculator and calculator allowed.

To learn more about what is involved in NAPLAN, check out our article!

Wondering which outcomes are assessed for each year group?

We’ve created guides for each of the year groups that are required to complete the NAPLAN, so you and your child have a better understanding of what is assessed:

Year 3 | Year 5 | Year 7 | Year 9

Are you looking for more NAPLAN support? Personalised NAPLAN Tutoring is here for you!

When and Where is NAPLAN held?

Previously, the NAPLAN was held in May every year, but from 2023 onwards, the assessments will be completed in March so that results can be provided to education authorities earlier. The specific dates for each year can be found in this article.

For 2024, NAPLAN will be held across Wednesday, 13 March to Monday, 25 March.

Depending on your child’s school, your child may conduct their assessments online or complete paper-based assessments. Find out more about NAPLAN Online!

Desks set up for an exam setting

The Importance of NAPLAN

There are two main aspects that the NAP aims to work towards with national testing — driving improvements and accountability.

Results from the assessments are able to provide schools with information about student performance, which allows them to recognise where strengths and weaknesses lie, and understanding which areas require more attention. Knowing more about the areas in which to improve on gives educators the opportunity to tailor their students’ learning to help develop those specific skills.

The tests also give the Australian public an opportunity to understand how their schools are performing, and this keeps schools accountable for the quality of education they provide students.

Discover more about the importance of NAPLAN!

Where can you find NAPLAN past papers and practice tests?

If you are having trouble finding these little diamonds on the web, here is a definitive list of government endorsed, Australian teacher federation approved, and most importantly free, practice tests and past papers for NAPLAN Years 3, 5, 7, and 9.

These tests are organised below by NAPLAN year level, so you won’t have to sort through multiple, irrelevant tests from other years.

Year 3 NAPLAN Practice Tests

NAP Example Tests

These are official National Assessment Program practice tests. They are provided for parents and students to become familiar with the test layout and each individual exam.

ACARA Past Papers

Past NAPLAN papers between 2012 and 2016 have been released by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority for free use. They are a useful for practise closer to the NAPLAN and even come with answers!

2012 Tests
2013 Tests
2014 Tests
2015 Tests
2016 Tests

QCAA Test Preparation

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority is one many people overlook when searching for free tests. Unlike ACARA or NAP, these are shorter practice exam sets. These little tests are perfect for drills and training for exam formats.

Test Sets

Year 5 NAPLAN Practice Tests

NAP Example Tests

These are official National Assessment Program practice tests. They are provided for parents and students to become familiar with the test layout and each individual exam.

ACARA Past Papers

Past NAPLAN papers between 2012 and 2016 have been released by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority for free use. They are a useful for practise closer to the NAPLAN and even come with answers!

2012 Tests
2013 Tests
2014 Tests
2015 Tests
2016 Tests

QCAA Test Preparation

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority is one many people overlook when searching for free tests. Unlike ACARA or NAP, these are shorter practice exam sets. These little tests are perfect for drills and training for exam formats.

Test Sets

Year 7 NAPLAN Practice Tests

NAP Example Tests

These are official National Assessment Program practice tests. They are provided for parents and students to become familiar with the test layout and each individual exam.

ACARA Past Papers

Past NAPLAN papers between 2012 and 2016 have been released by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority for free use. They are a useful for practise closer to the NAPLAN and even come with answers!

2012 Tests
2013 Tests
2014 Tests
2015 Tests
2016 Tests

QCAA Test Preparation

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority is one many people overlook when searching for free tests. Unlike ACARA or NAP, these are shorter practice exam sets. These little tests are perfect for drills and training for exam formats.

Test Sets

Year 9 NAPLAN Practice Tests

NAP Example Tests

These are official National Assessment Program practice tests. They are provided for parents and students to become familiar with the test layout and each individual exam.

ACARA Past Papers

Past NAPLAN papers between 2012 and 2016 have been released by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority for free use. They are a useful for practise closer to the NAPLAN and even come with answers!

2012 Tests
2013 Tests
2014 Tests
2015 Tests
2016 Tests

QCAA Test Preparation

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority is one many people overlook when searching for free tests. Unlike ACARA or NAP, these are shorter practice exam sets. These little tests are perfect for drills and training for exam formats.

Test Sets

Using These Resources

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Please remember that these are past papers and example tests only.

The content and skills your child is required to demonstrate during NAPLAN are covered in what they learn at school.

Find out more information about why ACARA stress this disclaimer!

Other Resources

Spelling

Within the Language Conventions test, your child will be assessed on their spelling ability. Questions typically involve identifying and correcting errors in simple words.

One way to give your child more exposure to this particular skill is through spelling worksheets following the “look, say, cover, write and check” technique. This method allows for students to check if they have spelt a particular word correctly, and proves them with a chance to correct any mistakes.

You can access FREE spelling worksheets for Years 3, 5 and 7 below:

Reading

Reading comprehension is an essential skill to have and your child will be assessed on it throughout the NAPLAN Reading test.

Reading is not just about being able to read all the words on a page — it’s understanding the meaning behind the words, and also reading between the lines. 

For tips on helping your child develop a better understanding of the books that they read, check out our guide!

You can also check out our reading lists for each of the year groups below:

Looking for some extra help for your child?

We have an incredible team of tutors and mentors!

Looking for the most affordable, yet academically sound schools in the Brisbane Area? Check out our Brisbane School Rankings!

We can help your child master their subjects, grow confident and ace assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home, online, or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills!

We’ve supported over 8,000 students over the last 10 years, and on average our students score mark improvements of over 20%!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor, get in touch today or give us a ring on 1300 267 888!


Erin Borg is an Art of Smart coach with over 5 years’ experience tutoring young children, adult learners and everyone in between. She has written programs and resources for both Art of Smart Education and MyEd, including Student Needs Assessments and Flying Start. Now a former student, Erin graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2016 with a double bachelor in Education and Arts. Receiving the faculty medal for her First Class Honours work in parent-teacher communication, her passion for excellence and guiding others has lead her down the exhilarating, yet terrifying, road of a qualified primary school teacher.

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