What is NAPLAN AARA?
Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA) help students with disability access and participate in NAPLAN tests. These adjustments allow students with disability to complete tests on the same basis as a student without a disability.
When to consider AARA
Consider NAPLAN AARA as early as possible. Discuss options with students, parents and carers and relevant school staff, including advisory teachers.
Each student’s needs should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Important resources
Before deciding on AARA, principals and their delegates should read:
- Section 6 of the National protocols for test administration for school-approved and QCAA-approved adjustments
- Disability adjustment scenarios on the National Assessment Program website.
- Guide for schools to assist students with disability to access NAPLAN
Use the NAPLAN public demonstration site to check if built-in adjustments (such as the zoom tool) can meet the student’s needs.
NAPLAN AARA are also listed on the Record of adjustments for disability (school use only) form.
AARA for temporary injury
The National protocols for test administration also provide information about AARA when a temporary injury affects a student’s ability to access tests independently.
Types of NAPLAN AARA
QCAA-approved NAPLAN AARA are listed below. See Section 6 of the National protocols for test administration for details about each adjustment.
| QCAA-approved adjustment | National protocols for test administration |
|---|---|
| Braille format | See section 6.7 |
| Large print format | See section 6.8 |
| Black and white masters | See section 6.9 |
| Electronic PDF tests | See section 6.10 |
| Use of a scribe (writing test) | See section 6.11 |
| Extra time — double the total test time | See section 6.16 |
| Assistive technology | See section 6.17 |
Application process
Schools are responsible for applying for an adjustment. When applying for the QCAA-approved NAPLAN AARA for students with disability:
- Complete the Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form. The principal and parent or carer must sign the form after discussing the appropriate adjustment/s.
- Give a copy of the completed and signed form to parents or carers. Keep the original form in the student’s file.
- Submit applications by the due date. This allows time for processing and developing alternative format materials.
- Check NAPLAN memos for due dates and process information. Subscribe to NAPLAN memos for notification of future updates.
Enter disability adjustment codes (DACs) on the Online National Assessment Platform once approved by the QCAA and prior to scheduled NAPLAN tests.
Applications for alternative formats (braille, large print, black and white masters and electronic PDF tests) are due in Term 4 each year. QCAA will work with schools for Year 7 and other students not yet enrolled in Term 1.
The Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form is available on the QCAA Portal in the NAPLAN administration app (Forms and resources tab) and NAPLAN AARA app (Home tab).
School-approved NAPLAN AARA are listed below. See Section 6 of the National protocols for test administration for details about each adjustment.
| School-approved adjustment | National protocols for test administration |
|---|---|
| NAPLAN support person | See section 6.12 |
| Oral/sign support | See section 6.13 |
| Rest breaks | See section 6.14 |
| Extra time | See section 6.15 |
| Alternative items | See section 6.19 |
| Colour themes | See section 6.20 |
Application process
When assigning school-approved NAPLAN AARA for students with disability:
- Complete the Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form. The Principal and parent or carer must sign the form after discussing appropriate adjustments.
- Give a copy of the completed and signed form to the parents or carers. Keep the original form in the student’s file.
- Enter disability adjustment codes (DACs) on the Online National Assessment Platform prior to scheduled NAPLAN tests.
The Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form is available on the QCAA Portal in the NAPLAN administration app (Forms and resources tab) and NAPLAN AARA app (Home tab).
Need help?
If you require assistance for adjustments not listed here, contact the QCAA AARA unit:
- Email: aara@qcaa.qld.edu.au
- Phone: 1300 381 575.
Related information
- Last updated:
- 3 September 2026
