A comprehensive guide for parents and students preparing for the OC test
The OC test is going to be the most difficult exam that your children will experience up to this point in their academic journey. Unlike NAPLAN tests or ICAS exams which are typically shorter and less demanding, the OC test requires significant mental and physical stamina.
Most students who have only experienced NAPLAN or similar assessments have not yet faced a test as challenging as the OC. Those previous exams tend to be shorter (typically one hour or less) and are generally less emotionally and physically taxing.
NAPLAN
ICAS
OC Test
Relative difficulty comparison
The primary goal during your preparation period should be to build your child's tolerance for extended test conditions. Many students struggle with the OC test because they haven't developed the necessary mental resilience and stamina.
Key Recommendation:
If your child is not accustomed to completing full-length tests covering English, Mathematics, and Thinking Skills multiple times per week, focus on building this capacity during your preparation period.
Mental Resilience
Focus Duration
Energy Management
Many students perform poorly in the exam not because they lack knowledge, but because they lose energy or focus midway through the test. Building mental endurance is crucial for success.
The OC test often serves as the first significant "reality check" for many students. Even children who perform well in regular school assessments or NAPLAN may find the OC test considerably more challenging.
Too easy for actual test preparation
Better preparation than Year 4 questions
Appropriate challenge level for OC preparation
Ideal for thinking skills preparation
Many students practice with relatively easy questions throughout their preparation and then face a shock when confronted with the actual difficulty of the OC exam. It's better for your child to experience this challenge during practice rather than on exam day.
As you progress in your preparation, gradually increase the duration and intensity of study sessions. This is not about forcing your child to sit at a desk for hours without purpose, but rather building their capacity for sustained focus.
Practice Test Frequency:
Aim for at least 3-4 trial tests per week during intensive preparation periods. This helps develop exam readiness and the stamina required for the actual test.
Less intensive preparation
~4 hours daily
~5 hours daily
The level of performance required varies considerably depending on which OC class you're targeting. Here's what to aim for in practice tests:
| School Ranking | English | Mathematics | Thinking Skills |
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Top Tier (1–3)
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Rank 4–10
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Rank 11–20
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It's important to understand that competition is heavily concentrated in the top 10–15 schools. There have been cases of students scoring in the top 10% across all three subjects and still not securing places in the top five OC classes.
For students who have been preparing consistently over multiple terms, it's crucial to maintain momentum throughout the entire preparation period, including school holidays. Taking extended breaks close to the exam can lead to skill deterioration and loss of exam readiness.
OC test difficulty is now comparable to what the Selective Schools test was five years ago
Focus on building capacity for sustained concentration and test endurance
Regular practice with appropriately challenging materials is essential
Match study intensity to your target school's requirements
"The way to prevent things like that happening, I would recommend you to do difficult questions in the lead-up... so they're not getting a reality check on the day of the exam because often what happens is kids practice with really easy questions all the way up until OC and then when they sit the OC exam they get absolutely shattered."