National Benchmark Test Rewrites: What You Need To Know

The National Benchmark Test (NBT) is an assessment tool used by South African universities to evaluate academic readiness for tertiary education. This important test is designed to measure your proficiency in Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics, providing higher education institutions with important data that informs admission and placement decisions. One of the most common questions we get about the NBT is whether or not you can rewrite the test if you want to aim for a better mark, so let’s dive in!

Understanding the National Benchmark Test

First things first, it’s important to understand how the NBT is structured. Knowing what to expect means you can be more confident on test day, and have a better chance of acing your test the first time around! The NBT comprises two main components:

• Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL): This section assesses language skills, understanding of academic material, and the ability to manage quantitative information.

• Mathematics (MAT): This section evaluates mathematical concepts typically covered in secondary education.

Depending on what university degree you are applying for, you may only need to write the AQL. It’s crucial to check your degree programme’s specific requirements, and make sure you’re prepared to write the AQL and MAT tests, if needed! Performing well on the National Benchmark Test is essential, as most South African universities consider NBT results alongside your National Senior Certificate (NSC) scores. A strong NBT test result can enhance your application, especially when applying for competitive programmes!

Can You Rewrite the National Benchmark Test?

Now for the burning question! Can you rewrite after you receive your National Benchmark Test result? The short answer is yes, from the National Benchmark Test Project’s perspective, you can write the NBT twice. If you do, you will be required to pay the total fee for the test on both occasions. Importantly, if you write the MAT test a second time, you will also be required to rewrite the AQL on the same day. This means you will need to rewrite both parts of the NBT, even if you just wanted to rewrite your MAT section. 

It’s also extremely important to note that your chosen university will have its own stipulations about NBT results, and you must check those requirements! Some universities may consider the highest score, while others might average the results or accept only the first attempt. Browse through our helpful NBT 2025 Guide and check out the NBT requirements for various universities across South Africa! Remember, if you do choose to rewrite the NBT, it’s recommended to wait at least six weeks between tests to provide yourself with enough preparation time.

Preparing for the National Benchmark Test with Advantage Learn

As we’ve said, achieving a strong National Benchmark Test result is key for university admissions, and proper preparation can make all the difference! At Advantage Learn, we offer comprehensive NBT preparation options tailored to different learning preferences:

1. In-Person Workshops: Ideal for students who thrive in a traditional classroom setting, the in-person workshops provide direct interaction with experienced instructors. Conducted over one to two days, you’ll engage in focused learning, covering both the AQL and MAT sections of the NBT. The workshops include teaching sessions, practice exercises, and interactive Q&A opportunities. Students also receive a printed NBT workbook full of examples and sample questions for continued practice!

2. Live Online Workshops: Our live online workshops are a great option for those who prefer the convenience of online learning without sacrificing real-time interaction. Delivered via Zoom, these sessions mirror the structure of in-person workshops, allowing students to engage with instructors and peers virtually. You’ll also receive a digital workbook accessible from any device, complete with practice problems and test-taking strategies.

3. Online Course: Designed for self-paced learning, the online course offers flexibility for students to study on their own schedule. This option includes engaging video lessons, interactive quizzes, and practice exercises covering both the AQL and MAT sections. With 12 months of access, you can revisit challenging concepts and review materials as needed. Online teacher support is also available to provide guidance throughout the preparation process!

Ready to Ace Your NBTs?

Whether you prefer structured, interactive sessions or the freedom to study at your own pace, Advantage Learn’s National Benchmark Test Prep system equips you with the tools and confidence you need to excel in the National Benchmark Test. As the largest and most comprehensive provider of NBT preparation resources in Africa, we’re proud to have helped over 26,000 learners crush this important test! To get started with your NBT prep, visit our website today and sign up. We look forward to welcoming you to the Advantage Learn NBT family!