1. Policy statement
The Department of Education (the Department) requires public schools to participate in all National Assessment Programs (NAP).
2. Policy rules
Principals must ensure that all eligible students in the relevant year levels enrolled at school participate in the NAP unless exempt or withdrawn from testing by parents or carers.
Guidance
Principals are to comply with the requirements of the Australian Education Act 2013 s77(2)(c) by undertaking NAP assessments in accordance with the detail and schedule provided under Australian Education Regulation 2013 s43 (Subdivision C - National Assessment Program).
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is responsible for the overall management of the Australian National Assessment Program.
The School Curriculum Standards Authority (SCSA) is the test administration authority in Western Australia.
National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
NAPLAN is an annual assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests fundamental skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. Assessments are undertaken every year.
NAP sample assessments
NAP sample assessments in science, civics and citizenship, and ICT literacy (to be renamed digital literacy) occur annually on a 3-year rolling basis. Only a small number of schools participate in the sample assessments, which provide a national snapshot of performance in these areas of learning.
International sample assessments
As part of the NAP, Australia participates in the following international sample assessments:
• Programme for International Student Assessment
• Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study
• Progress in International Reading Literacy Study
More information can be found at the ACARA website www.nap.edu.au.
3. Responsibility for implementation and compliance
Implementation of the policy is the responsibility of principals.
Compliance monitoring is the responsibility of line managers.
4. Scope
This policy applies to all principals in public schools.
5. Related documents
6. Contact information
Policy manager:
Manager, Projects and Initiatives, Strategy and Policy
Policy contact officer:
Principal Advisor, Projects and Initiatives, Strategy and Policy
E: transitiontonaplanonline@education.wa.edu.au
T: 08 9264 4382
NAP enquiries:
The SCSA is responsible for the administration of NAPLAN, NAP Sample and international assessments in Western Australia and provides information and guidance to principals and school coordinators for administering the tests.
E: naplan@scsa.wa.edu.au
T: 08 9442 9442
ACARA is responsible for the overall management of the Australian National Assessment Program.
W: www.nap.edu.au
T: 1300 895 563
7. History of changes
| Effective date | Last update date | Policy version no. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 May 2023 | 1.0 | ||
| New policy. Approved and signed by the DG 20/03/2023. D22/0798132. | |||
8. More information
Supporting content
No supporting content found.
This policy:
National Assessment Program Policy v1.0
Policy and all supporting documents:
National Assessment Program Policy Bundle
Policy review date
9 May 2026