On April 3, 2023, the National Benchmark Test (NBT) will formally begin! For students who want to apply to colleges or universities this year, this is great news.
Interested in learning more about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) and what it entails? In our comprehensive guide, you may be sure to find all you require.
What does South Africa’s National Benchmark Test (NBT) entail?
The National Benchmark Test (NBT) is intended to determine whether pupils are academically prepared for higher education. Fundamentally, this test is intended to demonstrate to your college or university that you are prepared to begin studying there, in addition to your matric results.
The National Benchmark Test Programme, a unit of the Higher Education South Africa (HESA) organization, is in charge of administering the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
Depending on the requirements of the universities or colleges to which they are applying, students may be required to take one of two types of National Benchmark Tests (NBTs):
Academic and Literacy (AQL) Test: This three-hour, multiple-choice exam gauges a student’s proficiency in fundamental mathematical ideas and techniques as well as their reading, writing, and reasoning abilities in an academic setting.
A student’s knowledge of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, is evaluated on the Mathematics Test (MAT), a three-hour multiple-choice exam.
It should be noted that you will be taking both the Mathematics Test (MAT) and the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) Exam on the same day.
Understanding the Results of Your NBT
It’s crucial to understand that the National Benchmark Test (NBT) results you receive are not graded on a pass-or-fail basis. Instead, it’s a method of determining how well you will be able to comprehend the academic material at your preferred institution or university.
But, there is a technique to analyze your outcomes to determine how well you did on your National Benchmark Test (NBT). The National Benchmark Test Project rates your outcomes using the following benchmark categories:
- Proficient: Being in this group indicates that you are capable of handling any academic work you encounter in college or university.
- Intermediate: Learners who are categorized as intermediate can anticipate certain problems at college or university, especially with regard to their academic work.
- Basic: If you were given the basic classification, you might not be ready to pursue higher education.
How Higher Education Institutions Utilize NBT Results
Many South African universities and colleges employ the National Benchmark Test (NBT) as part of their admissions procedure, along with additional elements including academic records and personal statements.
A few universities additionally use the NBTs to determine which students should be enrolled in development courses, extended degree programs, or other types of academic help.