What are the Minimum Standards?

The HSC Minimum Standards are the 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 needed for life after school, including employment, further training and everyday tasks. 

Students can attempt the Reading, Writing and Numeracy tests from Year 10 onwards and may reattempt them until they meet the standard.

What skills are asssessed?

Students must meet the minimum standard in three areas:

• Reading

• Writing

• Numeracy

These skills are assessed through short online tests set by NESA.

When do students attempt the tests?

Most students begin attempting the tests in Year 10, but they can continue to attempt them in:

• Year 10

• Year 11

• Year 12

• After leaving school (until age 20)

There is no penalty for not passing on the first attempt.

How do the tests work?

• The tests are online and completed at school under supervision.

• They are adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on the student’s responses.

• Students can attempt each test multiple times until they pass.

What happens if a student doesn't meet the standard by Year 12?

Students who complete Year 12 but have not met the Minimum Standards will receive:

• A Record of Achievement for their HSC courses

• But not the HSC credential itself

They can continue attempting the tests after leaving school until they turn 20.

How does the school support students?

Schools provide:

• Practice tests

• Literacy and numeracy support

• Targeted intervention

• Opportunities to reattempt the tests during school time

Teachers guide students through preparation and test readiness.

Do the minimum standards affect the ATAR?

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