NBT preparation is about building consistent habits aligned with the specific requirements of the test. Rather than cramming, focus on the format, build the core skills, and use your practice results to guide future study sessions. The National Benchmark Tests are a critical part of the university admissions process in South Africa.
What is the National Benchmark Test?
The NBTs are standardised assessments used by most South African universities as part of their admissions process. They measure whether school-leavers have the foundational academic skills needed to succeed in higher education.
NBTs vs School Exams
Understanding how NBTs differ from school exams helps you prepare more effectively. The NBTs measure academic readiness for university, while Grade 12 results certify subject completion. The AQL session runs for three hours in the morning and the MAT session runs for three hours in the afternoon. NBTs are written at designated venues on specific dates throughout the year, unlike NSC exams which follow the annual October to December schedule. Importantly, the NBT allows retakes with both tests written on the same day, whereas school exams have no immediate retake option.
Core Skills for the AQL Test
Academic Literacy
Students must read and unpack academic texts, identify main ideas, understand paragraph arguments, and read between the lines. Skills include interpreting graphs within passages, recognising tone and register, and understanding figurative language. This is not a test of English as a subject but of your ability to engage with academic-level text.
Quantitative Literacy
This section focuses on everyday mathematics: fractions, percentages, ratios, exponents, and converting between different forms. Students need to read tables and charts, evaluate whether claims are reasonable, and handle basic geometry, simple algebra, patterns, and rates of change from graphs.
Core Skills for the MAT Test
The MAT requires solid algebra and modelling skills including pattern recognition, confidence with ratios, percentages, exponents, logarithms, and surds, and the ability to link equations to real situations. Students apply functions, trigonometry, geometry, data handling, and logical reasoning across four cognitive levels.
Tackling the NBT Exam
Treat test day as a practice run through your preparation. Arrive early, settle your nerves, and maintain a steady pace from question one.
Time Management
Aim to keep a steady rhythm, banking straightforward marks on a first pass through the paper, then returning to tougher items. Budget the final ten to fifteen minutes for review and clarification of any flagged questions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Late registration: universities set individual NBT requirements and deadlines, so register early and plan backward from your application dates
- Selecting the wrong test or date: verify programme-specific test requirements and do not assume the MAT is optional for maths-heavy courses
- Missing required items: bring your official ID, sharpened pencils, and an eraser. Phones, smartwatches, and calculators are prohibited
- Not practising without a calculator: calculators are not permitted, so build fluency with estimation and mental arithmetic
- Leaving blank answers: the multiple-choice format has no negative marking, so attempt every question
- Missing online start times: the AQL typically starts at nine in the morning and the MAT at two in the afternoon
- Using unofficial past papers: only use official exemplar questions from the NBT website rather than look-alike materials
- Overlooking language options: the NBT is available in English and Afrikaans, and accessibility support can be requested
Diagnosing Your NBT Results
Results arrive at universities approximately three weeks after testing and appear in your personal NBT account about four weeks later. Universities request scores directly, so students should not send results themselves. Your ID number must match between your university application and NBT registration for proper delivery.
The NBT scores across three proficiency levels: proficient, intermediate, and basic. Results remain valid for three years. Re-marks can be requested within thirty days for a fee, with processing typically taking four to six weeks.
Key Takeaway
Practise what you will actually face. Use official exemplar questions, keep deadlines in mind, and book suitable test dates well in advance.
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