Background
In 2025, the QCAA trialed online numeracy and literacy assessments with Year 10 and 11 students from a small number of schools.
This year we will conduct a second trial as part of our continued investment in delivering quality assessment. Participating schools will provide valuable feedback on platform requirements, assessment design and reporting. This feedback will help to inform the future of online assessment in Queensland.
Information about the trial
Assessment dates
The key dates are:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 13 – 24 July | Practice assessment window (optional) |
| 27 July – 7 August | Assessment window |
Assessment details
Participating schools may choose to administer one or both assessments. The numeracy assessment has one component. The literacy assessment has two components – reading and writing.
Students will be assessed against the Level 3 numeracy, reading and writing standards of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
| Practice | Numeracy | Literacy — Reading | Literacy — Writing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment duration | 60 minutes (as required) | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Assessment items | 11 questions | 50 questions | 50 questions | 1 writing prompt |
| Response type | Multiple choice and extended response from across Numeracy, Literacy — Reading and Literacy — Writing | Multiple choice | Multiple choice | Extended response (approx. 500 words) |
Assessment platform
The online assessment trial will take place in the QCAA and Student Portals. We will offer participating schools clear, step-by-step guidance to support implementation.
| Access | QCAA app | |
|---|---|---|
| Staff access | Schools will create assessment sessions and monitor student participation through the Online Assessment app in the QCAA Portal. | 
|
| Student access | Students will access assessments via the My Online Assessment app in the Student Portal. | 
|
To participate in the trial:
- schools must ensure students are registered in the Student Management app in the QCAA Portal and have a Learner Unique Identifier (LUI)
- students must have a Student Portal account
- students must have an exit year of 2027 or 2028.
Technical requirements
The following technical requirements are necessary for participation in the trial:
- QCAA Portal supported browser
- minimum screen size for student devices 9.7 inches (24 cm)
- pointing device for screen navigation, such as a mouse or trackpad
- keyboard (Writing test only)
- reliable network and internet connection
- devices connected to power, or have a minimum of 90 minutes of battery power.
The following device types will not be supported in this trial:
- smartphones
- Android tablets
- iPad minis.
Benefits of trial participation
- Schools will provide valuable feedback to help shape future development of online assessment. This may relate to:
- test construction, including duration and item difficulty
- training and communication
- platform features
- integration with apps in the QCAA Portal
- reporting.
- Students can also provide feedback on their testing experience and preferred ways of working online.
- Reports will be provided to participating schools.
Find out more
Join one of our information and Q&A webinars about the trial:
- Tuesday 17 March, 1:30 pm – 2 pm
- Thursday 19 March, 8 am – 8:30 am
- Monday 23 March, 3:15 pm – 3:45 pm
- Wednesday 25 March, 10 am – 10:30 am.
Express your interest
Schools wishing to nominate for the trial must complete the expression of interest form by close of business Thursday 2 April, 2026.
Further information
For further information about the trial, contact the Online Assessment Unit at online.assessment@qcaa.qld.edu.au or on 1300 239 227.
- Last updated:
- 13 March 2026
