The National Benchmark Test (NBT) is an admission requirement at many South African universities and is a measure of a student's academic readiness for higher education. Some university acceptances depend on this test.
There are two tests prospective students can do: the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test, and the Mathematics test (MAT). The AQL test assesses a student's ability to understand and analyse complex written texts, while the Mathematics test measures proficiency in basic mathematical concepts.
Registration for the NBTs are now open for 2023 for those wanting to study in 2024 but when do they close?
Well, NBT closing dates go according to the test dates so there isn't one single closing date. Refer to the table below to find registration closing dates:
| NBT Test Dates | Last Day To Register |
| 13 May | 23 April |
| 20 May | 30 April |
| 3 June | 14 May |
| 10 June | 21 May |
| 11 June | 21 May |
| 24 June | 4 June |
| 1 July | 11 June |
| 2 July | 11 June |
| 8 July | 18 June |
| 15 July | 25 June |
| 16 July | 25 June |
| 22 July | 2 July |
| 29 July | 9 July |
| 12 August | 23 July |
| 13 August | 23 July |
| 19 August | 30 July |
| 26 August | 6 August |
| 9 September | 20 August |
| 16 September | 27 August |
| 30 September | 10 September |
| 7 October | 24 September |
| 14 October | 24 September |
| 25 November | 5 November |
| 2 December | 12 November |
| 6 January | 10 December |
The first test will take place on 13 May and the last will be held on 6 January 2024. A university will want you to write the AQL test and only some courses will require you to write the MAT test as well.
How To Register For The NBTs
Registrations must be done online using the NBT website. Here's how:
- Go to the NBT website
- Click on 'Click here to book your NBT test date'
- Click on 'Book a test'
- Fill in the required information
- Choose a test and venue
- Complete the survey
- Pay for the test
You will need to pay to write the test. If you're writing the AQL only, it will cost you R145 and if you're writing both the AQL and MAT, it will cost R290. Should you request a remark, it will cost an extra R250.
The test scores are used by universities to determine whether a student requires additional support or intervention to succeed in their chosen qualification.
- Here are the NBT Test Dates for 2023
- 2023 Registration For National Benchmark Tests Now Open
- When Will 2023 National Benchmark Test Registration Close
- What Are The National Benchmark Tests?
- How To Register To Write The National Benchmark Tests
- How To Register To Write Your NBTs online
- What Is An NBT Simulation Test
- New NBT Preparation App Launched
- This Is What Your NBT Results Mean
- Here's The Difference Between the NSC and NBTs
- How Much NBTs Cost and How To Pay
- How To Get Your NBT Results
- How The NBT Online Test Work And What You Need To Know
- How You Can Register For Your NBT Test
- 2023 Registration For National Benchmark Tests Now Open
- What Are The National Benchmark Tests?
- How To Register To Write The National Benchmark Tests
- How To Prepare For The National Benchmark Tests
