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ACER Tests
ACER stands for the Australian Council for Educational Research, and is associated with the assessment provider Testgrid. ACER tests are designed to give a broad picture of an individual’s abilities, and are used by universities, schools, employers and other training organisations.
What is an ACER test?
Since 1930, ACER has been one of the world’s leading educational research companies, and has helped many organisations to assess, monitor and provide better opportunities for their people.
ACER focuses on providing assessment and reporting tools for educational institutions including schools, universities, and TAFE institutions, as well as training organisations and workplaces.
The broad range of tests available from ACER means they’re used by educational institutions looking to assess their students, as well as workplaces looking to hire new talent, or monitor and identify opportunities for their staff.
ACER’s research-based model is designed to encourage constant learning and improvement, and is one of the many reasons it’s so popular, globally, with education providers and businesses alike.
The different types of ACER test suites
Below is a topline overview of the mix of tests in each of the ACER test suites.
The ACER CSPA (Core Skills Profile for Adults)
This adaptive test changes in level depending on how easy or hard you’re finding the questions. It includes:
- Numeracy
- Reading
- Writing
- Abstract reasoning
- Mechanical reasoning
The ACER VST (Vocational Selection Test)
Generally a candidate will only be asked to take three out of the five possible sub-tests, including:
- ACER verbal reasoning
- The core vocational selection test (this consists of verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning)
- ACER quantitative reasoning
- ACER abstract reasoning
- Optional components (including mechanical reasoning and interpersonal understanding)
The ACER Special Tertiary Admissions Test
Designed to help people achieve a university education sooner, the tertiary test is suitable for mature students, those who have studies outside Australia or those that didn’t get a satisfactory ATAR.
The test consists of verbal and quantitative reasoning, rather than a specific knowledge of the curriculum.
ACER verbal reasoning test
The ACER verbal reasoning test looks at how well you can understand and manipulate words. There are three distinctive types of questions:
- List of statements – a series of statements or facts will be presented and you’ll need to identify which ones prove, or disprove, a certain conclusion.
- Odd one out – you’ll need to identify the odd word out in a list by looking at the meanings of each word you’re reading.
- Word association – again, this section of the test looks at your ability to understand what different words mean based on how capable you are of associating one’s meaning with another.
Spending some time preparing for this test is important. Ensure you’re comfortable with word meaning questions and analogies in order to improve your speed, accuracy and confidence.
ACER quantitative reasoning test
Very similar to a numerical reasoning test in style, the quantitative reasoning test looks at your ability to work with numbers and data to answer mathematical questions.
The questions are typically written as short passages that contain a mathematical question. You’ll need to digest all of the information and use your mathematical skills to select the correct multiple-choice answer.
Brushing up on your understanding of basic mathematical principles – plus your ability to read through text and digest the information quickly – is one of the best ways you can prepare yourself for the quantitative reasoning test.
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ACER abstract reasoning test
Thinking strategically to solve non-verbal puzzles is the order of the day with the ACER abstract reasoning test, which is most similar in style to a traditional deductive reasoning test.
Questions are presented in the form of shapes, patterns, diagrams and puzzles. Your job is to look for relationships between the images to deduce which shape is ‘missing’.
These tests can be particularly challenging if you’re not familiar with the question style or format, so we always recommend trying out as many mock tests and questions as you can before you take the ACER abstract reasoning test.
ACER mechanical reasoning test
This test covers the basic principles of mechanics and physics – including everything from cause and effect, to energy, pulleys and levers.
In just 20 minutes, you’ll be required to answer 42 different questions. The question format usually requires you to look at a diagram or illustration, theb answer a multiple-choice question about the physics or mechanics.
Unlike many mechanical reasoning tests, only a basic knowledge of mechanical principles is required. This is because the test is designed to assess your basic ability to understand the principles.
However, it never hurts to brush up on topics such as gears, clamps, weights, conveyor belts, shafts and wheels to give yourself the best chance of success.
How to pass ACER tests
1) Gather all your information
It sounds obvious, but before starting your preparation for the ACER tests it’s helpful to ensure you have all the information you need. This includes which specific test or tests you’re taking, whether that test will be online or on paper, and when and where it is.
2) Practice makes perfect
The single best way you can prepare for an ACER test is to practice. Trying out mock questions and full tests will help you get used to the question formatting, identify any areas of weakness and improve in both speed and accuracy. Make sure you take practice tests in exam-style conditions to simulate the real experience.
3) Make revision fun
It can get dull repeating old tests. If you want to mix things up, why not try computer games with a mathematical spin, asking a friend to test you on passages from your favourite novel. or puzzles that challenge your abstract reasoning skills.
4) Try a new perspective
On the test itself, if you’re struggling to answer a question, don’t panic. Instead, try looking at things from a new angle. Does reading the answers first help you to see things differently? Can you eliminate any answers that are definitely wrong to help you make an educated guess?
5) Timings are key
At the start of the test, make a rough note of how long you have to complete the test and work out how long that gives you for each question. Trying to stick to this will help you not to get stuck on anything too tricky. Remember, you can always go back to a question at the end of the test if you have time.
How are ACER tests scored?
You’ll be given both a raw score (the number of questions you answered correctly) as well as a scale score (your result compared to the results of other people sitting the same test). A high scale score indicates you have done a good job.
Are ACER tests difficult?
The ACER tests are designed to be challenging to get the most out of people and to give those setting the tests a really clear idea of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. That said, with lots of practice and preparation you can make a real difference to your score.
How long is an ACER test?
The ACER tests vary in length. Make sure you take note of roughly how long you have to answer each question at the beginning of the test.
What is the ACER scholarship test?
It’s a test used across Australia to identify academically gifted students for scholarships. The test isn’t focused on the curriculum; instead it requires students to showcase a range of different skills, including deductive reasoning and critical thinking, to prove their suitability for scholarship.
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ACER 01
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ACER 02
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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ACER 03
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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50 Numerical reasoning tests
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50 Verbal reasoning tests
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13 Diagrammatic reasoning tests
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38 Situational judgement tests
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26 Publisher packages e.g. Watson Glaser
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245 Employer packages e.g. HSBC
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29 Extra packages e.g Mechanical
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Reviews of our ACER tests
What our customers say about our ACER tests
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Ani Hagopian
Australia
October 06, 2022
Benefits of challenges
I have learned a new way of thinking. This was a little hard but I will get used to this way of thinking/learning
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Royce McCutcheon
Australia
June 13, 2022
OK
The questions refer to information not on the graph. This might be intentional, but is more misleading than testing.
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Denisa
Romania
May 20, 2022
Test
It is not about liking or disliking the test, it is the fact that I have to work more with percentages to understand it better and work easier. Thank you for reminding me!
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Dot dot dot
Australia
March 20, 2022
Speed maths just speed maths
Basically the same thing through and through, quit on question 5. The test requires a lot of addition and division in a short amount of time and with an out of ink pen, there’s no way I’d complete the test on time.
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熊琳
Australia
February 23, 2022
How to read graphs.
It uses many diagrams to visually see the data. I like how it tells you what percent or number it is when you hover your mouse over it. Overall a great text.
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Midori Green
Japan
February 02, 2022
How to do the maths before the test
It had things I didn't know how to do yet, like ratios. Before doing this test again I need to learn more.
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Shreya Santhosh
Australia
September 10, 2021
Very complicated questions
I liked that the test was complicated and I enjoyed it, but I disliked the part where it was way too complicated for young people.
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Jane Rosales
Philippines
August 18, 2021
Difficult
I found it difficult, especially when I don't really have that much knowledge about currency, yet I think this test would be suitable for math enthusiasts.
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Deathmonger01
Australia
May 19, 2021
My score
I thought some of the maths was off but that could just be because I didn't understand what the answer you wanted was.
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Satheesh Kc
Australia
April 29, 2021
Questions were WAYYY too complex and time consuming
Now, I understand that, because the questions were a tad bit harder, the time limit was a bit more generous. However, It doesn't matter how big the time limit is, because it does not compensate for how complex the questions are. They're not testing me to think.