The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are required for entry into some South African universities. [Picture: Careers Portal]
So you have scouted universities you could potentially apply to, but the one you specifically want to attend requires that you write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). As if the matric year itself was not stressful enough, there is now another test. What do we do?
It is one of those typical autumn afternoons in Johannesburg. Outside, the leaves are turning brown, one-by-one, after a long summer of splendid display. The morning may have been icy, but the afternoon sun beats with an unusual heat for a while before giving in to a chilly evening.
Across me, on the other side of my screen, sits Thandiwe Ngubane. She is sipping a cup of green tea as we speak. The bookcase behind her hints at her cosy study space, welcoming me in, albeit via Zoom today.
“My final year,” she begins, “has been stressful at times. There is a lot of pressure to perform well in my subjects and to achieve good results on standardised tests like the National Benchmark Tests”. That is what we are here to talk about today. To find answers about NBTs.
Thandiwe wishes to pursue an LLB at the University of Cape Town. While other universities may overlook NBTs, there is no compromise at UCT. Most programmes at Africa’s top university require NBTs. The only exceptions are those that fall under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
There can be a lot of uncertainty and confusion during the matric year, which can add unnecessary stress when you are trying to focus on bagging those As in your prelims and finals. The NBTs are one of those that cause such confusion and anxiety, but you need not worry since they really are not as complicated as they seem.
SMread: 10 Tips to succeed in matric
What are NBTs?
Since 2005, the National Benchmark Tests have been used by some universities as a means to assess prospective students’ proficiency in academic and quantitative literacy as well as mathematics.
They are multiple-choice question tests that can be written during your matric year. The academic and quantitative literacy (AQL) tests are combined, but the results are released separately. The Mathematics (MAT) test is a separate one usually required for programmes that require Mathematics as a subject.
When and where should I write the test?
After determining whether your university of choice requires you to write NBTs (you can check the relevant prospectus to find out), you will need to register here.
You will then be presented a list of dates on which you may take the test, starting in May all through the rest of the year. Select a date most convenient for you, but keep in mind the deadline by which your university requires you to take the test as they vary. Some can be as soon as July.
You will have a choice between writing it online or at a centre near you. There are several test dates scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays during the year. Thandiwe says she will do them online.
“I would prefer to write the tests online because in that way I can take the tests in the comfort of my own home and in an environment that I am familiar with. I also think that writing the tests online would make it easier to focus on the questions and avoid distractions.”
You also need to take into account the processing time required after writing, which can take around a month in most instances. You don’t want to miss the deadline set by your institution!
SMread: Preparing for life after matric
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on which test you will be taking. If you are only going to write the AQL tests, it will cost you R145. The MAT test, however, costs R290 and is tested alongside the AQL test. A remark will be charged at R250.
Should I write sooner or later?
It is almost entirely up to the individual to decide when they will write the NBTs during their matric year. Again, you will have to consider deadlines set by universities when determining a suitable date to write these tests.
Some choose to write them sooner and get them out of the way before prelims and finals come up, but others would rather wait a bit. “The time of writing should not be a cause for concern; available data suggests that learners writing the test late in the year have no advantage over those writing in earlier sessions,” states the NBT website.
How can I prepare for the NBTs?
“Even though I have been preparing for the tests and feel confident about my abilities,” says Thandiwe, “there is always a chance that something unexpected could happen on test day that could affect my performance.”
There are several websites offering preparation classes, but the NBT website cautions that there are “no special study materials for these tests”.
“Keep in mind,” however, “the usual common sense advice given to students who are about to take a test: Get adequate sleep the night before and avoid having to rush things at the last minute. Do what works best for you.”
Sample questions are also available on the NBT website for learners wishing to practise and get a feel before taking the tests.
Where do I register?
Once you have determined which tests you will be required to write and you feel prepared to tackle them, you can head to the NBT website to register.
In order to register, you will require your official ID book. If you are not a South African citizen, your passport will be accepted.
Click on “book a test” and follow the prompts. You have the option to either download or print the registration confirmation. Your NBT reference number will be on the statement. There are several payment options available.
Overall, it might be a good idea to get done with your NBTs, if you need to write them, so that you can focus on preparing for the looming preliminary and final exams. For tips on how to succeed in matric, check out our previous article here.
