The HSC Minimum Standards are a set of basic literacy and numeracy skills that all students must demonstrate to receive the Higher School Certificate (HSC). They ensure every student finishing school has essential reading, writing and numeracy skills for life after school. 

Students meet the standards by passing three short online tests:

• Reading

• Writing

• Numeracy

These tests are completed at school under supervision.

Students meet the standards by passing three short online tests:

• Reading

• Writing

• Numeracy

These tests are completed at school under supervision.

You can attempt each test multiple times until you pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts while you are at school. .

Nothing negative happens.

You simply continue to receive support and attempt the tests again in Year 11 or Year 12.

You can still progress to senior courses even if you haven’t passed yet.

Nothing negative happens.

You simply continue to receive support and attempt the tests again in Year 11 or Year 12.

You can still progress to senior courses even if you haven’t passed yet.

• Reading: multiple‑choice questions based on short texts

• Writing: one extended response to a prompt

• Numeracy: multiple‑choice questions based on everyday maths problems

The tests are online and adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts to the student’s responses.

Students can use:

• NESA practice tests

• School‑provided literacy and numeracy support

• Classwork in English and Mathematics

• Targeted revision sessions

Your teachers will guide you through preparation.

No. The Minimum Standards are separate from the ATAR and do not influence scaling or university entry. 

Students can speak with:

• Their English teacher

• Their Mathematics teacher

• The Learning Support Team

• Their Year Adviser

• The Deputy Principal

Schools provide support to help every student succeed.