Centre for Learning and Teaching Development (CLTD) Agenda for Excellence in learning and teaching Extended Studies Academy (ESA) Student Testing for Access and Placement _____________________________________________________________________________________ National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) _____________________________________________________________________________________ 1. What is NBT? These are new National Benchmark Tests which profile each student entering University. 2. What is tested in the NBT? Two domains, Academic & Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics (only for students who have Maths as their admission requirement) 3. Who must write the tests? All students who intend to further their studies in Universities. 4. Why write the tests? These tests will be used to complement the NSC examinations. 5. Where do I write the tests? There are 34 selected venues in all 9 provinces in South Africa, and one in Namibia. There are only five venues in the Eastern Cape. Mthatha, East London, King Williams Town, Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. You can write at any venue closer to you. Page 1 of 4 6. How do I register to write? You may register on line OR by cell phone. On line - www.nbt.ac.za Cellphone - www.nbt.ac.za/mobile and follow prompts. 7. When do I register? There are deadlines for registration; therefore you need to register a month prior the writing. 8. What are the dates for the writing of the tests? May July August September October November December 29 17 14 4 2 27 4 31 21 11 16 18 20 9. What is the cost of the tests? Registration fee is R10, each test is R50.It is R60 for one test and two tests cost R110 10. Where do I pay the registration fee? At any EasyPay paypoint, where you will need the letter you downloaded online, or a reference number you got when you registered by cell phone. 11. What must I bring with when I write the tests? An ID book AND a certified copy of the ID which will be taken by the venue administrator .Your receipt as proof of payment. An HP pencil and a black ballpen. An eraser. A pencil sharpener. Something to eat / drink. Bus and Taxi fare home, if required 12. What time do I report to the test venue? 30 minutes before the tests commence. 13. Where will I get my results? You will get them from the database by logging in with your reference number. Page 2 of 4 14. How soon will I get them? A month after the writing the tests. 15. What if I fail the tests? No one fails the test. The tests only categorize students into three levels. 16. If I apply to another university, will I be required to write the tests again? No, you will not write again. You only write once. The university you apply to will access your scores from a central database. 17. How are these tests going to help universities? To understand the NSC results better, for placement purposes and to prepare academic support appropriate to their levels. 18. How are they going to help me as a student? It is going to give you an edge if you are in competition for scarce places in selective programmes. 19. What will happen if I only apply in January? There can be tests written in January, but the results can only be available after a month. Students applying to Departments with the extended programme option MUST write in the year prior to registration. 20. Where can I write the tests if I stay outside the borders of South Africa? The only international venue for the NBTs is in Namibia. Students can also arrange with the institutions they are applying to. 21. Can I write the tests on a Sunday for religious purposes? Yes, there are tests written on Sundays, only for students who cannot write the tests on Saturdays for religious purposes. 22. What is the website for the NBTs? www.nbt.ac.za Page 3 of 4 23. Who to contact at WSU regarding the NBTs? IBIKA SITE CHISELHURST SITE NELSON MANDELA DRIVE SITE Y.Y. Ludidi N. Mayaphi M. Mzingelwa Placement & Retention Specialist Butterworth Campus 047 401 639 yludidi@wsu.ac.za Tracking and Monitoring Specialist Buffalo City Campus East London 043 ?? 8566 nmayaphi@wsu.ac.za Tracking and Monitoring Specialist Mthatha Campus 047 5?? 2848 mmzingelwa@wsu.ac.za Page 4 of 4