NBT Prep Workshop or Course? The Difference Explained!

Preparing for the National Benchmark Test (NBT) is an essential step for students who want to secure a place at a South African university. Your NBT test result plays a key role in admissions and bursary applications, so choosing the right preparation method is crucial. At Advantage Learn, we provide three structured options to help students prepare: in-person workshops, live online workshops, and an online course. Each has its unique benefits, and understanding the differences can help you decide which one suits your learning style and schedule. Let’s explore them all so you can make your decision today!

In-Person Workshop

The in-person workshop is ideal for students who benefit from a classroom-style learning experience with direct interaction. Held over one to two days, these sessions provide a focused, distraction-free environment where students can engage with the material. They can also receive immediate guidance from experienced instructors.

Students work through lessons covering both the AQL (Academic and Quantitative Literacy) and MAT (Mathematics) sections of the NBT. The format includes a mix of teaching, practice exercises, and interactive Q&A sessions, enabling students to ask questions and clarify concepts on the spot. These workshops encourage real-time discussions, making it easier to grasp complex topics. Additionally, students receive a printed NBT workbook, a valuable resource for continued practice after the workshop! The workbook includes practice problems, test examples, and test-taking strategies to help learners feel more confident on the day.

Benefits of the In-Person Workshop:

• Hands-on, immersive learning experience
• Direct engagement with experienced instructors for immediate feedback
• Set date and time for structured study, ensuring commitment and focus
• Printed workbook for offline practice

Sign up for an in-person workshop here!

Live Online Workshop

The live online workshop is perfect for students who want the benefits of a structured, interactive learning experience but cannot attend in person. This format offers the same high-quality teaching as the in-person workshop but is conducted virtually via Zoom. These sessions also cover the AQL (Academic and Quantitative Literacy) and MAT (Mathematics) sections of the National Benchmark Test, offering a comprehensive review of key topics. Students follow a structured schedule and can ask questions directly during lessons, benefitting from real-time Q&A opportunities that help clarify complex concepts.

Unlike the in-person workshop, the live online option provides students with a digital workbook. This resource is easy to access from any device and includes practice problems, test-taking strategies, and NBT examples to help learners prepare effectively. One of the biggest advantages of the live online workshop is flexibility. Students can join from anywhere with a stable internet connection! This makes it a great choice for those who may not have access to in-person sessions or prefer to study at home. With its interactive lessons, expert guidance, and comprehensive materials, the live online workshop ensures that students are well-prepared to achieve the NBT test result they need!

Benefits of the Live Online Workshop:

• Live instruction with real-time Q&A, allowing students to engage directly with instructors
• No need to travel; study from the comfort of home while still benefitting from structured learning
• Digital workbook for convenient access, with downloadable study materials and practice exercises
• Same structured format as the in-person workshop, providing a clear learning pathway

Sign up for a live online workshop here!

Online Course

The online course is our most flexible and convenient option for preparing for the National Benchmark Test. Designed for students who prefer to study at their own pace, this self-guided course allows learners to access high-quality NBT preparation materials anytime, anywhere. Unlike the workshops, which follow a set schedule, the online course provides on-demand access to a wealth of resources, making it ideal for students with busy schedules or those who prefer to learn in smaller, manageable sessions.

The course is structured to ensure students gain a thorough understanding of the AQL (Academic and Quantitative Literacy) and MAT (Mathematics) sections of the test. It offers engaging video lessons, interactive quizzes, and practice exercises. Additionally, since the course includes 12 months of access, students can review lessons multiple times and revisit challenging concepts whenever needed. This long-term access is great for those who want to space out their learning or refresh their knowledge closer to test day! The course also comes with online teacher support, ensuring learners still have guidance when they need it.

If you prefer to manage your own study schedule, revisit lessons as often as needed, and learn at your own pace, the online course is the best choice. Its comprehensive materials, extended access, and flexible structure provide everything you need to prepare effectively and achieve your best NBT result.

Benefits of the Online Course:

• Study anytime, anywhere, with flexibility to fit your schedule
• Access for an entire year, allowing for multiple revisions and extended preparation
• Online teacher support, providing expert guidance when needed
• Includes video lessons, quizzes, and practice exercises, offering a well-rounded learning experience
• Contains NBT examples, helping students familiarise themselves with test questions

Sign up for the online course here!

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you thrive in a structured classroom setting, the in-person workshop is a solid choice. If you want the same live experience but need flexibility, the live online workshop is perfect. However, if you prefer to study at your own pace and revisit lessons whenever needed, the online course provides maximum convenience.

Whichever option you choose, Advantage Learn’s NBT Prep system ensures you are well-equipped to tackle the test with confidence. By practicing with National Benchmark Test examples, students can familiarise themselves with the format and question types, improving their chances of achieving a strong NBT test result. Preparing for the National Benchmark Test doesn’t have to be stressful. Choose the learning method that works best for you and set yourself up for success! 

Want more information about preparing for the NBTs in 2025? Download our free survival guide!