What is Tested in the MAT and AQL NBT?

If you’re a Grade 12 learner in South Africa gearing up for university, you know about the importance of the National Benchmark Test (NBT). These assessments play a crucial role in your university admissions, helping institutions determine your readiness for tertiary education! As you might already know, the NBT assessment is split into two tests, the MAT and the AQL test. Let’s dive into what each test entails, so you can prepare effectively!

What Is the National Benchmark Test (NBT)?

The NBT exams are designed to assess your academic readiness for university. They complement your school marks by evaluating your ability to apply knowledge and skills in a tertiary context. Universities use NBT results to make informed decisions about admissions and to identify students who may need additional support.​

Understanding the AQL and MAT Tests

The NBT comprises of two separate tests, the AQL and the MAT:​

1. AQL NBT Test (Academic and Quantitative Literacy)

• Who needs to write it? All students applying to South African universities are required to take the AQL test, although the requirements do vary between institutions. It is essential that you check the NBT requirements of your first, second, and third choice universities and degree programmes!​
• Purpose of the AQL test: This test is designed to assess your ability to understand and engage with academic material and to reason quantitatively.​

2. MAT NBT Test (Mathematics)

• Who needs to write it? While all students writing NBTs must take the AQL test, only students applying for programmes that require a strong mathematics background, such as engineering, health sciences, or commerce, need to take the MAT test.​ Again, it is critical to check the requirements for your degree programmes of choice! 
• Purpose of the MAT test: This test is designed to evaluate your proficiency in Mathematics, focusing on problem-solving and application of concepts.​

Test Format and Structure

Both the AQL and MAT tests are multiple-choice exams, each lasting three hours. Typically, the AQL is written in the morning, followed by the MAT in the afternoon on the same day. It’s important to note that you cannot write the two tests on separate days, and that each test is structured to include questions of varying difficulty. Remember, no calculators are allowed!

The AQL NBT Test

The AQL test is divided into two sections:​

Academic Literacy (AL)

This section assesses your ability to comprehend and analyse academic texts. You’ll encounter tasks that require you to:​

• Interpret the main ideas and arguments in various texts.​
• Understand vocabulary and grammar in context.​
• Evaluate evidence and draw conclusions.​
• Differentiate between main ideas and supporting details.​

Quantitative Literacy (QL)

This section evaluates your ability to reason and solve problems using quantitative information. You’ll be expected to:​

• Interpret data presented in graphs, tables, and charts.​
• Perform calculations and apply mathematical reasoning.​
• Identify patterns and trends.​
• Apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.​

The AQL test is designed to assess skills typically developed up to Grade 11, focusing on your ability to apply this knowledge in a university setting.​

The MAT NBT Test

The MAT test is intended for students who have taken Core Maths in school and are pursuing degrees that require a solid foundation in Mathematics. This test covers topics such as:​

• Algebra and equations.​
• Functions and graphs.​
• Trigonometry.​
• Geometry and spatial reasoning.​
• Probability and statistics.​

The MAT test assesses your ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems, reflecting the expectations of university-level courses.

Understanding the structure and content of the AQL and MAT tests is the first step toward success. With the right preparation and resources, you can approach the NBT with confidence and set the stage for your academic future!

Prepare for the National Benchmark Test with Advantage Learn

To excel in the NBT exams, thorough preparation is key. Advantage Learn offers tailored NBT preparation programmes to suit different learning preferences. Each of our NBT Prep options is designed to help you familiarise yourself with the format and content of the NBT exams, ensuring you’re well-prepared to achieve your best possible results!

1. In-Person Workshops

Ideal for students who benefit from face-to-face interaction, these workshops provide comprehensive coverage of both the AQL and MAT NBT test content. You’ll receive expert instruction, practice materials, and immediate feedback to boost your confidence!

2. Live Online Workshops

If you prefer the convenience of studying from home, the live online workshops offer real-time instruction via Zoom! Engage with instructors, ask questions, and participate in interactive sessions designed to mirror the in-person experience.​

3. Online Course

For those who need flexibility, the self-paced online course allows you to study at your own rhythm. Access video lessons, quizzes, and practice exercises anytime, anywhere, with support available when you need it.​

Sign Up Today!

Ready to start your National Benchmark Test journey? Explore Advantage Learn’s NBT Prep options and choose the one that best fits your learning style! We’ll be running this year’s NBT Prep workshops (in-person and online) until July this year, with in-person workshops taking place around Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town in various locations. 
Head to our NBT Prep 2025 Catalogue to choose your date and secure your spot. We look forward to having you in one of our workshops soon!