NAPLAN test dates
NAPLAN test dates
NAPLAN is held during Term 1 from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March 2026.
The full 2026 test timetable and sequence can be viewed on the ACARA website.
Future NAPLAN dates are available at ACARA NAP website.
A detailed test timetable and key dates have been provided below.
Test timetable for NAPLAN 2026
| Year 3 | Years 5, 7, 9 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Monday 9 - Tuesday 10 March | Preparation only – NO tests permitted | ||
| NAPLAN Test Window | Day 1 Wednesday 11 March | Writing (paper) Reading (reading only after writing) | Writing Reading (reading only after writing) | |
| Day 2 Thursday 12 March | Reading - Conventions of Language - Numeracy and catch-up tests (All domains) | Writing (only to be used when technical/logistical issues prevent completion of testing on day 1) Reading - Conventions of Language - Numeracy and catch-up tests (All domains) | ||
| Day 3 Friday 13 March | Reading – Conventions of Language – Numeracy and catch-up tests (all domains) | |||
| Week 2 | Day 4 Monday 16 March | Reading – Conventions of Language – Numeracy and catch-up tests (all domains) Last day for individual Year 3 writing catch-up tests | ||
| Day 5 Tuesday 17 March | Reading – Conventions of Language – Numeracy and catch-up tests (all domains except Year 3 writing) | |||
| Day 6 Wednesday 18 March | ||||
| Day 7 Thursday 19 March | ||||
| Day 8 Friday 20 March | ||||
| Week 3 | Day 9 Monday 23 March | |||
| Test Security Period | Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 March | This security period may ONLY be used for testing with written permission from the relevant TAA. The reason must be of a serious order and beyond the school or school system’s control.
| ||
Key dates for NAPLAN 2026
The 2026 key dates are also available in iCalendar format.
| NAPLAN Task | Dates |
|---|---|
| Submit student enrolment to the VCAA (independent schools only) ** | Tuesday 27 January - Friday 6 February 2026 |
| Nominate key staff including a NAPLAN coordinator ** | Tuesday 27 January - Friday 6 February 2026 |
| Submit a completed Statement of Compliance ** | Tuesday 27 January - Friday 6 February 2026 |
| Submit applications for alternative test formats ** | Tuesday 27 January - Friday 6 February 2026 |
| Complete a Technical Readiness Check (TRC) ** | Tuesday 27 January - Friday 27 February 2026 |
| Submit a NAPLAN test schedule ** | Tuesday 27 January - Friday 27 February 2026 |
| Download and install the latest Locked Down Browser on all student devices | From Monday 12 January 2026 |
| Receipt of the Principals package, including login cards (grid cards) and test administration handbooks | From Tuesday 27 January 2026 |
| NAPLAN training environment open to conduct practice tests as required for student familiarisation | Available now - Tuesday 10 March 2026 |
| Principals registration on the Online National Assessment Platform (assessform) | From Monday 9 February 2026 |
| Student data available on assessform | From Monday 2 March - Tuesday 10 March 2026 |
| Submit applications for disability adjustments requiring VCAA approval ** | Tuesday 27 January - Wednesday 4 March 2026 |
| NAPLAN test window | Wednesday 11 March - Monday 23 March 2026 |
| Test security period | Tuesday 24 March - Thursday 26 March 2026 |
** Activities to be completed via the NAPLAN Test Administration website.