As part of the admission process, you may be required to complete a literacy and numeracy test to ensure you have the necessary skills needed to succeed in the course These tests allow us to assess your ability to meet the academic demands, particularly if the course involves reading, writing, or working with numbers.
If you plan to apply for a VET Student Loan to cover some or all your course fees, you must meet the literacy and numeracy requirements with one of the following:
- Australian Year 12 Certificate (WACE);
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB); or
- Providing a copy of a certificate showing you have been awarded a qualification at level 4 or above in the Australian Qualifications Framework (where the language of instruction was English) or at a level in a framework that preceded the AQF and is equivalent to level 4 or above in the AQF
If you cannot provide evidence of one of the above; you will need to achieve an Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Level 3 or higher in both reading and numeracy on an approved Language, Literacy, and Numeracy test (e.g. BKSB).
Admissions - literacy and numeracy test - BKSB
As part of the entry requirements for the Diploma of Nursing, you will be required to complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) literacy and numeracy assessment, which will take approximately 2 hours. To meet the Language, Literacy, and Numeracy standards, applicants must achieve at least an exit level 3 (working at level 4) grade.
If you have successfully completed an approved English language test within the past 2 years, you will only need to complete the numeracy section of the BKSB test.
VET Student Loans - literacy and numeracy test - BKSB
BKSB (basic key skills builder) is a test that provides an overview of your learning strengths and determines your reading and numeracy competence. The test will take approximately 2 hours, and you need to achieve Exit Level 3 in both English and Maths to be eligible for a VET Student Loan.
Access the BKSB Testing Tool(opens in a new tab)
For information on how to log on please see the BKSB Help Guide (503 KB) (PDF document)(opens in a new tab)
To schedule a literacy and numeracy test for a VET Student Loan, please complete the BKSB Booking Form(opens in a new tab) .
You will be issued with a login for the testing tool once your booking has been confirmed.
Access the BKSB Testing Tool(opens in a new tab)
For information on how to log on please see the BKSB Help Guide (503 KB) (PDF document)(opens in a new tab)
The test must be completed online under fair and honest conditions supervised* at one of our main campuses.
You will be allocated two hours to complete the test, but you may be allocated more time if required.
You can bring a calculator, pen and paper to use for your numeracy component. Alternatively, at points throughout the numeracy test tools will become available to assist with the test.
Accessing the internet and mobile phones are not permitted during the test.
Once you have completed the test, we will endeavour to contact you via phone or by email with your test results for your records within 24 hours of you completing the test. We will also discuss your options and the next step in applying for your loan.
*Exemptions may apply in special circumstances as determined by the college