NBT Practice Test — Academic & Quantitative Literacy

The National Benchmark Test (NBT) is required for admission to most major South African universities. This practice set covers the Academic Literacy (AL) and Quantitative Literacy (QL) components — the two tests all applicants must write regardless of programme. Academic Literacy tests your ability to read and reason with complex texts. Quantitative Literacy tests your ability to work with numbers and data in real-world contexts.

NBT results are reported as Proficient, Intermediate, or Basic. Most competitive university programmes require Proficient or strong Intermediate performance. Use this practice set to identify your weak areas at least 6 weeks before your test date, then focus your preparation specifically on those areas.

Note: the NBT does not allow a calculator for the AL or QL components. Practise mental calculation and estimation strategies alongside these questions.