Describe the two types of tests written in nbts

Describe the two types of tests written in nbts

The National Benchmark Tests comprise three multiple choice tests, written as a combined Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test, and a separate Mathematics test. The AQL is a three-hour test that consists of an Academic Literacy (AL) section and a Quantitative Literacy (QL) section.

Should you require any further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact our NBT helpdesk, nbt@uct.ac.za | Telephone: 021 650 3523

Visit the NBT website regularly to check when tests open and register to write. Go to www.nbt.ac.za

NBT is compulsory in all South African universities.

What are the national benchmark tests?

The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are assessments for first-year applicants into higher education institutions. The NBTs were designed to measure a writer’s ability to transfer understanding of Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy and Mathematics to the demands of tertiary coursework. The National Benchmark Tests comprise three multiple choice tests, written as a combined Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test, and a separate Mathematics test. The AQL is a three-hour test that consists of an Academic Literacy (AL) section and a Quantitative Literacy (QL) section. The results of the two sections of the test are recorded separately. The second test is Mathematics (MAT), which is also multiple-choice and three hours in duration.

The Academic Literacy (AL) test targets a writer’s capacity to engage successfully with the demands of academic study in the medium of instruction of the test.

The Quantitative Literacy (QL) test targets a writer’s ability to manage situations or solve problems in a real context that is relevant to higher education study, using basic quantitative information that may be presented verbally, graphically, or in tabular or symbolic form.

The Cognitive Academic Mathematics Proficiency Test (CAMP) is a three-hour test that targets a writer’s ability related to mathematical concepts formally regarded as part of the secondary school curriculum (Mathematics Papers 1 and 2) relevant for Higher Education studies.

How does CUT use NBT results?

Although the NBTs address content typically taught in secondary school, they provide different and complementary information to the ”school-leaving” examinations. CUT uses the NBT results in addition to school academic performance and examination results for placement in development courses, extended programmes, or for identifying other additional academic support.

National Benchmark Test (NBT) requirements at CUT

National Benchmark Test (NBT) requirements at CUT
It should be noted that all new first-year students at CUT should have written the National Benchmark Test (NBT) before registration. All faculties’ applicants should have written the Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test. Applicants to the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology and some departments of the Faculty of Humanities should also have written the Mathematics test. Costs for these tests are for the prospective students’ account. Prospective students are advised to obtain information about the centres closest to their homes, as well as the dates on which these tests will be conducted. CUT will also serve as one of the centres.

About the institutional proficiency test (NBT)

Applicants should register for a test date at least a month prior to the scheduled test. Seats are limited at venues. If one does not register and pay for the test(s) in advance, one may not be allowed to write on the test date.

The applicant only needs to write the test once, even if they are applying to more than one university. All universities to which one apply will be able to access the applicant’s test results. CUT applicants are advised to write the test between June and September.