Preparation activities for schools
Principals and teachers can prepare their schools for NAPLAN by undertaking technical preparation and familiarisation activities.
Technical preparation
Technical preparation is vital for the smooth delivery of NAPLAN tests. Only devices that meet the minimum supported operating system and browser versions can be used for testing.
All student devices used for NAPLAN must have the latest locked down browser (NAP LDB) installed and configured as outlined in the NAP LDB user guides. These guides provide information on overcoming common device issues and additional set up steps which may be needed on certain devices.
Schools will need to schedule time prior to testing to:
- check that all student and staff devices, including operating systems and browsers, meet the minimum requirements
- check that the school’s network meets the minimum requirements, ensuring firewall requirements and recommendations have been followed
- run a device check on every student device, including BYOD, to ensure the NAP LDB is correctly downloaded and working as expected.
Find technical preparation information
All technical information and resources can be found on the Online National Assessment Platform website, including:
- minimum device requirements
- NAP LDBs (these are updated each year prior to NAPLAN testing and arrangements for the installation differ between school sectors)
- NAP LDB user guides.
Familiarisation options
At least one activity should be run to familiarise students and staff with the NAPLAN online tests.
It should be carried out with the anticipated maximum number of students you plan to test at one time during the NAPLAN test period and using the full range of device types available to students. This will assist with identifying any issues that may impact your school’s ability to run NAPLAN tests.
Using the conventions of language test or omnibus test for this activity is highly recommended, as these include a wide range of different item types including audio questions.
There are 3 options available for these familiarisation activities. Principals and NAPLAN coordinators can decide which option is most appropriate for their staff and students based on their level of familiarity with online NAPLAN tests.
Option 1: NAPLAN training and practice environment
The NAPLAN training and practice environment is available from Term 4 each year. It mimics the online test delivery environment and provides a detailed end-to-end test experience for NAPLAN coordinators and test administrators. This option is best for staff and students who have little or no experience with NAPLAN.
Staff and students can practise the set up and delivery of test sessions using mock student data.
Option 2: NAP LDB demonstration tests
Schools can access short demonstration tests through the NAP LDB.
The NAP LDB demonstration tests are available all year round. Download and install the NAP LDB using the instructions on the Online National Assessment Platform website.
The demonstration NAPLAN tests help staff and students:
- understand the types of questions asked
- experience its interactive navigation
- try out the platform's online tools
- trial adjustments that may be appropriate for students with disability.
This option is best for test administrators and students who have experience with NAPLAN.
Option 3: Public demonstration site
The public demonstration site is available all year from the National Assessment Program (NAP) website.
The site aims to help students understand the types of questions asked, and the tools available in the online NAPLAN tests. Students can access the public demonstration site from home. The site can also be used to trial disability adjustments to decide on their suitability for students.
Unlike the NAP LDB demonstration tests, the public demonstration tests:
- are not tailored
- do not include branching between testlets but do include examples of branching messages. Schools need to prepare students for the types of messages they will get at branching points
- allow the use of software or settings prohibited by the NAP LDB. For example, the public demonstration site does not disable features such as grammar and spell-check. These features are disabled during NAPLAN testing.