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Master the HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) with Australia's leading HAST exam coaching for Year 6 & 7 private school entry. AI-powered HAST test prep, adaptive learning, and expert coaching for selective private schools. Start your journey with free HAST mock exams online.
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Stay ahead with the most current HAST exam formats, question types, and assessment criteria. Our HAST Test Preparation Australia program is continuously updated for 2025, following the latest guidelines for Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) success.
Experience advanced AI-powered HAST test prep. Our adaptive learning technology personalizes your child's HAST exam coaching, analyzes performance, and creates custom study paths for maximum HAST test success rate.
Join Australia's largest HAST exam community in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & online. 95% HAST test success rate, 4.9/5 parent rating, and proven results with HAST mock exams online and expert coaching.
You're not alone in the HAST journey. Thousands of parents felt exactly like you do right now - overwhelmed by the HAST test process and worried about their child's selective private school placement. Here's how BrainTree transformed their HAST exam success.
βWe tried everything for the HAST exam, but nothing worked until BrainTree's HAST coaching. Aarav's confidence soared and he secured a top HAST placement!β
βThe HAST test was overwhelming for us as parents. BrainTree's AI-powered HAST test prep and parent support made all the difference. Sophie got into her dream selective private school!β
βWe needed a proven HAST test preparation program. BrainTree's HAST mock exams online and expert coaching helped Zara achieve a 95% HAST test success rate!β
Get the same proven HAST system that helped thousands of families achieve selective private school success. Start with our comprehensive HAST preparation program.
Comprehensive preparation materials designed specifically for HAST exams.
Essential HAST test preparation for Year 6 & 7 entry
Comprehensive HAST preparation with expert coaching
Premium HAST preparation with 1-on-1 coaching and guaranteed support
Trusted by thousands of families across Australia for selective school preparation, OC test coaching, and HAST exam success.
See what real families are saying about their experience with BrainTree Coaching for HAST Exam preparation
Braintree's HAST Year 9 prep gave my child the confidence and skills to tackle even the toughest questions β truly exam-focused and effective.
We are incredibly thankful to Braintree Coaching for their amazing support in my nephew's HAST Year 8 preparation. After working through all 40 Writing tasks provided, his writing skills and confidence reached a completely new level. Writing truly became the turning point for him. It helped him express his ideas clearly, structure his responses better, and handle the pressure of tough exam conditions. Thanks to Braintree's focused training, mock tests, and detailed feedback, he was able to secure a spot at Girraween High School, even with only 2 seats available this year. It was a very tough competition, and we couldn't have done it without the structured and high-quality support from Braintree. Highly recommended to every parent looking for serious HAST preparation!
We enrolled our son in Braintree's HAST Year 7 preparation course, and we couldn't be happier. The Writing program was a real highlight, the feedback was detailed, personalised and helped him sharpen him structure, ideas and grammar. The practice tests for Abstract and Mathematical Reasoning were also extremely well designed and pushed his thinking to the next level. Braintree's content and support gave us a clear roadmap and we saw steady, real improvement. Highly recommended for any parent serious about HAST!
Braintree's HAST preparation program was a game-changer for my son. The mock tests were spot on, and the feedback was detailed and helpful. He felt prepared and confident on test day. We couldn't be happier with the results!
The team behind the Braintree Coaching is great. They have provided 10 maths and reading tests free for my child to practice. Only because, we have previously purchased one course from them. Unlike many others who charge hefty fees for everything. Their online tests quality is good, fully automated without any glicth. A timely initiative for those who are seeking this type of help. I wish they will continue to help more and more kids over the coming days.
I highly recommend Braintree Coaching's online test package! It has been instrumental in helping my child prepare for the selective test. The resources are comprehensive and user-friendly, making learning effective. Braintree boosted my child's confidence. We're truly grateful for the support.
We purchased the Braintree Super Pack for our daughter's exam preparation, and I can truly say it exceeded all our expectations. I was amazed by the quality of the content and the huge number of practice papers β nearly 200 exams! I don't think any other institution offers this much targeted practice.
All testimonials are from real students and families who have used our services, representing genuine experiences from across Australia.
400+ Tests & Lessons
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AUD $499
20 Tests + Writing
AUD $199
AUD $250
15 Tests
AUD $99
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400+ Tests & Lessons
AUD $399
AUD $499
20 Tests + Writing
AUD $199
AUD $250
15 Tests
AUD $99
AUD $150
Navigate through our comprehensive HAST preparation resources and find exactly what you need for private school success across Australia.
Complete guide to HAST test preparation with expert coaching for private school entry
Comprehensive HAST test preparation covering all sections and components
Real testimonials from families who achieved their private school dreams
Choose the perfect preparation package for HAST success
See what families say about our HAST preparation programs
Our most successful HAST preparation programs
Master every aspect of HAST preparation including test format, sections, and success strategies
Detailed breakdown of HAST exam sections, timing, and assessment criteria
Essential guidelines and strategies for optimal HAST test day performance
Discover private schools across Australia that use the HAST test
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Everything you need to know about the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) for private school entry. Our comprehensive guide covers test format, preparation strategies, and success tips from our expert tutors who have helped 2,000+ students achieve their private school dreams.
Familiarity with HAST structure, timing, and question types is crucial for success. Students who understand what to expect perform significantly better.
HAST heavily emphasizes abstract reasoning skills. Students who develop strong pattern recognition and logical thinking abilities excel in this test.
With strict time limits, efficient time management is essential. Students must learn to pace themselves across all sections.
Consistent practice with HAST-specific materials and mock tests builds confidence and improves performance across all sections.
Comprehensive overview of the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) format, including all test sections, timing, and assessment criteria. Understand what your child will face and how to prepare effectively.
Designed for entry into Years 5 & 6
Multiple choice
This test measures how well students can understand and interpret ideas in language. The test asks students to look at written and visual material which may include fiction, poetry or non-fiction prose, and diagrams, tables, charts or maps.
Multiple choice
This test measures mathematical ability, in contrast to a test of school achievement in mathematics. Consequently, the material used for the questions in this test is selected from a wide variety of sources, and may differ from standard school-based curriculum materials.
Written task
This test assesses a student's ability to express thoughts and feelings in written English. Assessment is based on quality of thought and quality of language. The test provides a measure of generative and creative thinking in addition to language competency.
Multiple choice
This test assesses students' ability to recognise relationships and perceive ideas at an abstract level using pattern recognition, hypothesising and evaluation of evidence. These types of skills are widely applicable across the curriculum and are related to successful academic outcomes.
Designed for entry into Years 7 to 11
Multiple choice
This test assesses a student's ability to understand and interpret a range of texts which may include fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction prose, together with diagrams, tables, charts or maps.
Multiple choice
This test assesses a student's ability to comprehend, interpret and analyse mathematical information (at the junior secondary level), and mathematics and science at the middle and senior secondary levels.
Written task
This test assesses a student's ability to express thoughts and feelings in written English. Assessment is based on thought and content, structure and organisation, expression, style and the mechanics of the candidate's response.
Multiple choice
This test assesses students' ability to recognise relationships and perceive ideas at an abstract level using pattern recognition, hypothesising and evaluation of evidence.
Key differences between test levels
Test Section | Primary (Years 5-6) | Secondary (Years 7-11) |
---|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | 30-40 minutes 25-30 questions Basic text interpretation | 45 minutes 35-40 questions Complex analysis required |
Mathematical Reasoning | 30-40 minutes 25-30 questions Basic math concepts | 40 minutes 28-35 questions Includes science content* |
Written Expression | 30 minutes 1 task Basic writing skills | 25 minutes 1 task Advanced writing skills |
Abstract Reasoning | 30 minutes 30 questions Basic patterns | 30 minutes 30 questions Complex patterns |
Total Duration | ~2 hours (4 tests) | ~2.5 hours (4 tests) |
Schools can choose from different test package options
Complete 4-test package for comprehensive assessment
Streamlined 3-test package focusing on core skills
Complete 4-test package for comprehensive assessment
Streamlined 3-test package focusing on core skills
Multiple choice only package for objective assessment
Understanding how HAST tests are marked and reported
Machine scored for accurate and consistent results
Assessed by two independent markers with third discrepancy marking if there is a difference of more than two raw score points between the markers
The individual report charts each student's performance in terms of percentages of standardised scores. An individual's score is compared to the scores recorded in the reference group who sat the test and then ranked within different percentage levels of performance.
HAST results are reported relative to a reference group of Australian students who recently sat these tests as part of a gifted and talented program selection process. As such, scores from these tests may reflect a candidate population of above-average ability rather than the range of ability found in the general population.
Join thousands of successful students who have achieved their private school dreams with our expert HAST preparation programs. Start your journey today with our proven strategies and comprehensive practice materials.
Essential preparation tips and strategies to ensure peak performance on your HAST exam day. Follow our comprehensive guide for optimal results.
30 minutes - Aim for 1-2 minutes per question
30 minutes - Work steadily through all questions
30 minutes - Balance speed with accuracy
30 minutes - Prioritize questions you can solve quickly
Discover the prestigious private schools across Australia that use the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) for student admissions. These schools are known for their academic excellence and selective entry programs.
Join our comprehensive HAST preparation program and give your child the best chance of gaining entry to their preferred private school.
Get answers to the most common questions about HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) preparation and our comprehensive programs.
The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is a cognitive assessment developed by ACER to identify academically gifted students for selective high school entry, SEAL/SEALP programs, accelerated learning, and scholarships. It focuses on reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinkingβnot rote memorisation. The test is designed to fine-tune selection at the high-ability end, avoiding the ceiling effect of general tests.
HAST has two main levels: Primary (HAST-P) for entry into Years 5-6, and Secondary for Years 7-11. Secondary tests are further divided into Junior (Year 7 entry), Middle (Year 9 entry), and Senior (Year 11 entry) streams. Each level has appropriate difficulty and content complexity for the target age group.
The HAST consists of four sections: 1) Reading Comprehension (MCQ, 25-40 questions, 30-45 min), 2) Mathematical Reasoning (MCQ, 25-35 questions, 30-40 min), 3) Abstract Reasoning (MCQ, 30 questions, 30 min), and 4) Written Expression (1 task, 25-30 min). Total duration is about 2-2.5 hours, including short breaks. All tests are paper-based.
Primary tests (Years 5-6) are shorter with basic concepts: Reading (30-40 min, 25-30 questions), Math (30-40 min, 25-30 questions), Writing (30 min), Abstract Reasoning (30 min, 30 questions). Secondary tests (Years 7-11) are more complex: Reading (45 min, 35-40 questions), Math (40 min, 28-35 questions, includes science), Writing (25 min), Abstract Reasoning (30 min, 30 questions). Secondary tests require more advanced analytical skills.
The Reading Comprehension section measures how well students understand and interpret ideas in language. Students analyze written and visual material including fiction, poetry, non-fiction prose, diagrams, tables, charts, and maps. Primary level focuses on basic text interpretation, while Secondary level requires complex analysis, theme identification, logical relations, and subtle inference drawing.
Mathematical Reasoning assesses mathematical ability through logical and strategic thinking rather than school achievement. Questions are presented as numbers, text, diagrams, graphs, and tables. Primary level covers basic math concepts, while Secondary level includes science content (astronomy, geology, geography, chemistry, physics, biology) for middle and senior secondary levels.
Written Expression assesses a student's ability to express thoughts and feelings in written English. Schools choose between two types: Written Expression 1 (discursive task with verbal stimulus) or Written Expression 2 (creative task with visual stimulus). Assessment is based on quality of thought, language, structure, organization, expression, style, and mechanics.
Abstract Reasoning tests students' ability to recognize relationships and perceive ideas at an abstract level using pattern recognition, hypothesizing, and evaluation of evidence. Students identify patterns in sequences of diagrams considering elements like size, shape, shading, and orientation. This section contains no language content, making it particularly useful for EAL students.
Schools can choose from different package options: Primary Option 1 (4 tests: Reading, Math, Abstract Reasoning, Written Expression), Primary Option 2 (3 tests: Reading, Math, Written Expression), Secondary Option 1 (4 tests: all sections), Secondary Option 2 (3 tests: Reading, Math, Written Expression), or Secondary Option 3 (3 tests: Reading, Math, Abstract Reasoning).
Multiple-choice tests are machine-scored for accuracy and consistency. Written expression tests are assessed by two independent markers with third discrepancy marking if there is a difference of more than two raw score points. School reports provide raw scores, standardized scores, percentiles, and stanines for each sub-test and overall. Individual reports show performance relative to the high-ability reference group.
HAST results are reported relative to a reference group of Australian students who recently sat these tests as part of a gifted and talented program selection process. This means scores reflect performance against a high-ability cohort rather than the general population. Percentiles and rankings are relative to this above-average ability group.
Start preparation 6-12 months before the test. Begin with understanding HAST structure (1-2 weeks), then foundation building (4-6 weeks), skill development (6-8 weeks), and test mastery (4-6 weeks). Focus on building cognitive habits over time rather than last-minute cramming. Regular practice with timed sessions is crucial.
Use official ACER HAST Sample Booklets (2019, 2023), do timed practice with MCQs and essays, analyze errors, and focus on weak sections. Rotate focus (MCQs MonβThu, writing Fri, mini-mock Fri PM), and do monthly full mocks under exam conditions. Read widely across genres, do puzzles, journal daily, and practice mental math. Focus on understanding why wrong answers exist, not just getting correct answers.
Reading: Practice varied text types, inference, and vocabulary contextualization. Math: Focus on logic problem-solving, ratios, percentages, geometry, and mental math fluency. Abstract Reasoning: Daily pattern drills, break down visual elements, practice skipping and returning to difficult items. Writing: Practice both discursive and creative prompts with PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).
Official ACER HAST Sample Booklets (2019, 2023) are the best source. You can also use reputable online resources like SelectiveTrial, ExcellentOnline, DrStudyLearning, and Braintree's comprehensive HAST mock exams and downloadable practice questions for all four sections. Free materials are available from Studocu and PracticeTestGeeks.
Common mistakes include: misreading instructions (read headings first), only practicing strengths (target weak sections), neglecting pacing strategy (skip hard items, return later), leaving questions blank (guessing carries no penalty), and relying on last-minute cramming (prioritize rest and balanced nutrition). Focus on understanding the format and practicing under timed conditions.
Bring 2 HB/B pencils, eraser, sharpener for MCQs, 2 blue/black pens for writing, snack, water bottle, and a jumper if needed. Use controlled deep-breathing to reduce anxiety, start with easier items to build confidence, stick to your planned pacing, and remember: no question is "worth more"βguess if unsure (no penalty for wrong answers).
Registration is handled by each participating school. Check the school's website for application forms, deadlines, and test dates. Most HAST tests are held between March and August, but dates vary by school. Contact your target school directly for specific registration requirements and timelines.
HAST results are typically delivered within 9-10 weeks after the test. Schools receive both individual and school-level reports. Parents typically view results via school communication or debriefs. Individual reports show performance relative to the high-ability reference group, while school reports include raw scores, standardized scores, percentiles, and stanines.
Students in Years 5β12 can sit the appropriate HAST stream (Primary, Junior, Middle, Senior) depending on their target year. HAST is used by government and independent selective schools across Australia, including Chatswood High, Fort Street, Penrith Selective, Epping Boys (NSW), Alkira, Braybrook, Box Hill (VIC), and many more.
Our HAST program features: 1,000+ practice questions, AI-powered adaptive learning, comprehensive mock tests, expert tutor support, personalized learning paths, and a proven 95% success rate. We focus on both content mastery and test-taking strategies, with specialized coaching for each HAST section including Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression.
We maintain a 95% success rate for students who complete our comprehensive HAST program. Over 2,000 students have successfully gained selective school placement through our HAST preparation programs across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and online. Our students consistently outperform the average in all HAST sections.
Our HAST experts are here to provide personalized guidance for your child's journey to selective school success through the Higher Ability Selection Test.