National Benchmark Test

The NBT test was implemented in 2008 and is a set of tests that assess students’ academic literacy, general knowledge, and mathematical skill in an effort to measure academic readiness for university. The NBT tests are managed by the Alternative Admissions Research Project at the University of Cape Town. NBT results are used by many universities as an extra admission criterion for applicants to their institutions. They serve to complement and support, rather than replace or duplicate NSC results.

Dr Abbey Mathekga, the head of the higher education enrolment programme, said: “They [the NBTs] are intended to identify learners who might have problems in certain subjects. They are also aimed at determining the level of competency of learners in certain learning areas.” The NBT consists of two tests: the MAT and the AQL. The AQL (Academic Quantitative Literacy) is one multiple-choice test of three hours writing time. The MAT (Core Maths) is also a multiple-choice test with three hours writing time. Both papers are written on the same day.

Most South African universities require applicants to write the NBT test. So the answer to this question is - it depends on where and what you are applying for, but the most likely answer is, yes! Besides first year applicants, some post-graduate degrees (for example MBA programs) require the NBT as well as certain scenarios where students need to change degrees or universities. So, the NBT is NOT just for first year applicants. You may need to write the AQL and the MAT or just the AQL.

Below we have summarised a table of which universities and departments require the NBT. The second table will help you to see whether you need write just the AQL or the AQL and the MAT based on what and where you are studying as well as results to aim for and what dates you need to have written it by.

Which Universities require the NBT?

*Each institution determines which tests are required i.e the university and faculty where you apply will determine which tests you must write (AQL or MAT, or both). Please check with each institution/faculty where you intend to apply, before you register for the NBTs with regards to their application requirements including closing dates and deadlines for receiving NBT results. Please note that each university has different requirements and each faculty may require different tests or have different deadlines.

• The Academic Literacy (AL) sections will require reading of various texts with multiple choice questions referring to the text. Some questions are general knowledge based. Questions on grammar, punctuation, vocabulary are included. It predominantly assesses the ability to understand the meaning and application of various texts as well as understanding and applying the argument or main point of the author.
• The Quantitative Literacy (QL) sections assess a student’s capacity to: understand basic numerical concepts, read and interpret graphs, reason logically and identify patterns and trends. It is largely based on the Grade 11 Maths Literacy syllabus.

The MAT paper is a separate three hour paper (only written by students applying for certain degree programmes and who have done Core Maths at school) and assesses mostly Grade 11 Core Maths syllabus content although some Grade 12 work is included, depending on the time of year the assessment is written. It also takes a multiple choice format. It tests proficiency in such areas as problem solving and modeling, functions, trigonometry, spatial perception, and probability.

Both the AQL and MAT are differentiated into cognitive levels, meaning there is a range in difficulty in each section – with the easier applications generally coming first.

Advantage Learn offers NBT Preparation courses in the form of workshops (book here) and online (book here).

Our course is recommended for all students wanting to prepare and do well in their NBT test. With many years experience in preparing students for the NBT test coupled with a world class online learning environment and exceptional educators, we are well placed to give you peace of mind with this challenging test.

Since formally commencing NBT training in 2013, Advantage Learn has helped thousands of learners across South Africa to prepare for this test.Our carefully designed courses prepare students for both papers of the National Benchmark Test (NBT) - the MAT and AQL. It is important that you do this course at the appropriate time for your NBT.

Our course includes the following: training of essential sections known to be tested regularly in the NBTs, test day best practices, how to go about answering multiple choice questions, extensive practice examples and a full mock exam.

NBT Online course

NBT Workshops

• A printed NBT book
• Access to online course training MAT, AL & QL from prior to the course day for 12months.
• A mock NBT past paper - online

It is important to attend an NBT workshop in your Grade 12 year. It does not matter when you attend an NBT workshop. The important thing is to make sure you utilise the online course in the 2 weeks leading up to the NBTs to make sure the content is fresh for when you write the test.

If you are a post Matric learner needing to sit the NBT then we highly recommend you re-study your Grade 11 Mathematics before attending a workshop. You can do so through our Maths Online Grade 11 Path.

To register you need to go to the NBT website. Watch the video below for a helpful walk-through.

Check our list below.*

Does UKZN require the NBT?

Only if you have chosen to study Medicine. All other courses do not require you to have sat the NBT.

Does NMMU require the NBT?

No, you do not need to sit the NBT if you want to study at NMMU.

Does UFS require the NBT?

Yes, you need to sit the NBT. You will only need to sit the AQL section for most degrees. Please check with your University Department to check their requirements.

Does Stellenbosch require the NBT?

Yes, you need to sit the NBT. You will only need to sit the AQL section for most degrees. Please check with your University Department to check their requirements.

Does Tuks require the NBT?

Only if you are planning on studying Health and Veterinary Science. For all other departments you do not need to sit it.

Does Rhodes require the NBT?

Yes, you need to sit the NBT. You will only need to sit the AQL section for most degrees. Please check with your University Department to check their requirements.

Does UCT require the NBT?

Yes, you need to sit the NBT. You will only need to sit the AQL section for most degrees. Please check with your University Department to check their requirements.

Does Wits require the NBT?

Only if you are planning on studying Health Sciences. For all other departments you do not need to sit it.

*Each institution determines which tests are required i.e the university and faculty where you apply will determine which tests you must write (AQL or MAT, or both). Please check with each institution/faculty where you intend to apply, before you register for the NBTs with regards to their application requirements including closing dates and deadlines for receiving NBT results. Please note that each university has different requirements and each faculty may require different tests or have different deadlines.

Unlike the US and the UK and many other countries that model their education system around standardised assessments (eg. SATs, ACTs etc) our South African school system more commonly uses summative, continuous and formative styles of assessment. ( for an explanation of these styles read more here). The NBTs are a standardised assessment and thus this form of assessment is not common for many  South African students.

So how does this form of standardised assessment differ from the usual forms of assessment employed?

Here are some examples:

• They are multiple choice based. This is unfamiliar answering territory for many students and so needs practice before-hand in order to build confidence.
• The questions are formed around right AND wrong answersand not just the correct answers like we are used to. In other words, you will be faced with a situation where you think to yourself, but BOTH A AND B could be right. This can be really scary. At a high school level we are groomed to try to get the CORRECT answer hence questions are formed to lead students to the correct answer.
• There are no marks for working and hence the questions are formed to test absolute accuracy. This makes it critical to work efficiently and accurately!
• The order of difficulty does not build through the assessment. The hardest question might be the first question and this often throws students off from the get-go.
• A one-time assessment! Most students write this assessment once and the results are used for university applications. At school we are used to building our results through many different methods.eg. continuous assessment, outcomes based projects and portfolios of evidence etc.
• You can’t use a calculator
• You don’t know ahead of time what is going to be tested - in school you know at least what part of the syllabus is going to be tested.

We could go on for ages but I think you get the message, it is very different to what you are used to!

The NBTs are available in both Afrikaans and English. When you register, you will have the opportunity to indicate which of these two languages you prefer to write in.

NBT results are valid for three intake years. This means that it is worthwhile writing your NBT in your Matric year even if you are having a gap year. Your syllabus will never be more fresh in your mind as it is now.

If you cannot write the NBTs in the year before your studies (if, for example, you are overseas), you are allowed to write them in January before the start of the academic year. Bear in mind, however, that you do expose yourself to special risks and practical implications in terms of placement and selection if you write the tests at such a late stage. It is therefore strongly recommended that you write the NBTs in your Matric year.

Enquiries

For all and any other enquiries about the writing of your NBTs and release of NBT results contact: NBT Client Services Centre (University of Cape Town). Telephone: 021 650 3523. Website: www.nbt.ac.za.

Some universities do allow their applicants to write the NBT more than once in an attempt to achieve a better result the second time around. However you need to check with the specific faculty and tertiary institution that you are applying to, to make sure that this is the case as not every university will accept the second result.

Note If you do choose to write a second time, you should give yourself at least 6 weeks between writing sessions.If you write the MAT test a second time, you must also write the AQL test a second time on the same morning.

NBT registration for the 2020 intake opens on 1st April 2019. Follow this link to book your test.

Check the following before you book your NBT test!

• Your school’s calendar for sporting and social events, holidays and exams
• Closing dates and application deadlines at all institutions where you intend to apply
• The language of instruction where you are applying

All this needs to be taken into consideration when you are deciding when the best time is to write your NBTs.

Registration for the NBTs is done online and takes about 5 minutes. NBT registration for the 2020 intake opens on 1st April 2019. Follow this link to book your test.

Note: you will need your official South African ID or foreign passport in order to complete the registration process.

Your registration is only valid for the specific date and location you select and must be done at least three weeks before you wish to write. It is your responsibility to register early enough to ensure a place on one of the national test days at your chosen venue. There is a full list of available test days and venues on the NBT website. If you do not have access to the internet or encounter problems during the registration process, you may either call 021-650-3523 or send an e-mail to [email protected] for assistance.

National Benchmark Test Project

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 021 650 3523
• Website: www.nbt.ac.za

University info

To access your NBT results you need to login to your profile on your NBT page. NBT results are only available four weeks after you have written your test.

Click this link to go to the NBT results request page.

Didn't get the results that you wanted?

We offer a few online courses that will help increase your results. Our NBT Preparation Online Course will help you improve your MAT and AQL results.

Our NBT AQL Preparation Online Course will help you improve your AQL results.

• AQL only R100.
• AQL and MAT R200.
• Re-mark R250

Why do I have to register? The NBT project and the local venues guarantee space and materials ONLY for students who have registered to write at a specific venue on a specific day.

• Your ID Book, passport, or a certified receipt of application for South African ID
• Your registration letter and EasyPay proof of payment (without this you will not be allowed to write the NBTs - the venue administrator will stamp the receipt and return it to you)
• Two HB pencils, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener
• Lunch and water, if you are writing both tests
• DO NOT bring calculators, rulers, dictionaries, scrap paper, notebooks or ipads, tablets or phones
NOTE that learners without an official ID will be turned away and not allowed to write (except where the following documentation is provided - a birth certificate with an affidavit from the police including a recent photograph and a letter of application for ID from Home Affairs).

• At check-in, you will be given an answer sheet with your name and ID number printed on the back
• Once you are seated inside the test room, carefully check the printed name
• You will be given instructions by the Chief Invigilator how to make corrections
• You must show your official ID to an invigilator before the test begins
• Place your ID beside the answer sheet, along with your pencils and eraser. Everything else must be placed on the floor
• Note that bathroom breaks are not allowed. Plan ahead, and remember that the writing session is 3 hours long

Each university and department will have different requirements for when you need to write your NBT test. Some might be as early as June or July. This is one of the reasons why the NBT is so confusing! Our top piece of advice is to choose a date that fits in with your application requirements AND is at a time when you can give it the attention it deserves (i.e. make sure to check your school calendar to ensure you don’t have other important school events in that week).

Available data by the NBT suggests that learners who write the tests later in the year have no advantage over those writing in earlier sessions. The test changes as the year progresses in order to maintain the validity of the test. From Advantage Learn’s experience and certainly our NBT expert and teacher, Mrs Pike, we recommend that students should write this test as early as possible in the year and definitely before trials. The earlier a student writes, the less content they have to learn for the test. Up until the end of June, the content tested is predominantly Grade 11 work and the first term of Grade 12 (Sequences and Grade 12 Trig). This makes the July holidays (4 term schools) ideal to give yourself enough time to prepare properly. Those applying for Medical and Health Science degrees have until the end of the first week in July to write their NBTs. If you are wanting to come to one of our preparation courses, then you should try to write your NBT test about a week later. Time must be given to working through the workbook and AQL modules before writing the NBT test.

Which institutions will use my NBT results and how do they get them? All the universities to which you apply can receive your NBT results. Many South African universities use the NBTs in conjunction with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for access to their programmes. The NBTs help to interpret your NSC results and can be used by universities in different ways.

• Some use them to help make decisions about your access/application to university. This means that your NBT results, in combination with your matric results, are used to determine whether you are ready for academic study
• Some universities use the results for placement within the institution. This means that your NBT results are used to decide whether you will need extra academic support after you have been accepted to university
• Some institutions use them to develop curricula within their university

When you apply to an institution, they will place your name on their applicant list. As applications are processed, they send the NBT Project a request for scores that match the applicants on the list. Universities will only get your results when they request them.

Before you submit your registration to write the NBT, you are asked to check a box giving permission for your results to be sent to the requesting institutions and for your results to be used in research projects. Be sure to read this and check this box before hitting “submit”. Remember, it is your responsibility to check whether your NBT results have been loaded with your tertiary institution.