Scholarship Test Comparison
Australian independent schools use three main assessment providers for academic scholarships: ACER, Edutest, and AAS. Each test has a different structure, set of domains, and timing — understanding the differences helps you prepare effectively.
Compare the three scholarship tests below, or visit each provider's page for detailed information and preparation resources.
Side-by-side comparison
A quick overview of what each scholarship test covers, how long it takes, and how many schools use it.
ACER
Secondary (Years 7-12)
Edutest
Year 7 Entry
Key differences between the tests
ACER — Humanities focus with two entry levels
ACER is unique among the three providers in testing Humanities as a standalone domain, covering reading comprehension, interpretation of visual information, and reasoning across different text types. It is also the only provider that offers separate test levels for primary (Years 4-6) and secondary (Years 7-12) entry, making it suitable for schools offering scholarships at multiple stages.
Edutest — Five separately timed sections
Edutest breaks the assessment into five distinct, individually timed sections. This includes dedicated Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning components alongside Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and a shorter Written Expression task. The structure gives schools a detailed profile of each candidate across separate skill areas.
AAS — Integrated reasoning in one section
The standout feature of the AAS test is its Reasoning and Problem Solving section, which combines verbal, figural, and numerical reasoning into a single integrated test of around 60 questions. This is the longest individual section across any of the three providers, and the overall test takes approximately 170 minutes — the longest of the three.
Looking for SEAL or selective entry?
The ACER HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) is a separate assessment used by Victorian government schools for SEAL programs and selective entry — it is not a scholarship test. It covers Mathematical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression.
Learn about the ACER HASTFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between ACER, Edutest and AAS?
ACER, Edutest, and AAS are the three main providers of scholarship assessments for independent schools in Australia. ACER focuses on Written Expression, Mathematics, and Humanities, with separate tests for primary and secondary levels. Edutest has five timed sections including Verbal and Numerical Reasoning. AAS features an integrated Reasoning and Problem Solving section that combines verbal, figural, and numerical reasoning into a single test.
How do I know which test my school uses?
Each independent school chooses its own assessment provider. Check the school's website or contact their admissions office for the most up-to-date details. Schools occasionally change providers between years, so it is worth confirming even if you have heard from other families.
Can my child sit tests from different providers?
Yes. If your child is applying to multiple schools, they may need to sit tests from different providers. Each provider runs its own examination, and results from one provider are not transferable to another. It is a good idea to familiarise your child with the format of each test they will be sitting.
When are scholarship tests held?
Most scholarship tests for Year 7 entry are held between February and March, with applications closing in late January or early February. Exact dates vary by school and provider. Visit our exam dates page for a detailed timeline.
Is the ACER HAST the same as the ACER scholarship test?
No. The ACER scholarship test is used by independent (private) schools to award academic scholarships. The ACER HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) is a separate assessment used by Victorian government schools for SEAL programs and selective entry pathways. The two tests cover different domains and are administered independently.