ICAS is an optional academic competition for school students in subjects including English, Mathematics and Science. It challenges students beyond the curriculum and recognises high achievers with awards.

Is ICAS harder than NAPLAN?

Generally yes. ICAS is designed to stretch able students, while NAPLAN checks core skills that every student should have.

For children who enjoy a challenge, yes. It gives an outside benchmark and good practice for selective school tests. It isn't required for anything.

ICAS usually runs in Term 3. In 2026 the windows ran from 3 to 28 August, depending on the subject.

Exam guidesUpdated 24 September 2026Super Sheldon academic team

ICAS vs NAPLAN: What's the Difference and Does Your Child Need Both?

NAPLAN and ICAS are both tests Australian primary and secondary students might sit, but they do very different jobs. Here's how they compare and how to decide what's right for your child.

ICAS vs NAPLAN at a glance

	NAPLAN	ICAS
Who runs it	Australian governments, through ACARA	ICAS Assessments, an independent provider
Who sits it	All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9	Students who choose to enter, from Year 2 to Year 12 depending on the subject
Cost	Free	A fee per subject
Subjects	Reading, writing, conventions of language, numeracy	English, Mathematics, Science, Digital Technologies, Writing, Spelling Bee
When	Term 1 (10 to 22 March in 2027)	Term 3 (August windows in 2026)
Purpose	Checks core literacy and numeracy against national standards	Challenges and recognises academic ability
Results	Four proficiency levels	Awards such as High Distinction, Distinction, Credit and Merit

NAPLAN in a nutshell

NAPLAN is a national check on essential skills. Every student in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 is expected to take part, and results show whether your child is meeting the expected standard. It doesn't count towards school grades. Read our full NAPLAN guide.

ICAS in a nutshell

ICAS is an optional academic competition. Questions go beyond the curriculum to stretch able students, and top performers receive awards and medals. Schools or parents can register. In 2026 the sitting windows ran through August, with Mathematics last (24 to 28 August).

Does my child need both?

NAPLAN: your child will sit it anyway in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Preparation is about confidence and core skills.
ICAS: worth entering if your child enjoys a challenge, is working ahead in a subject or you want an outside benchmark. It's also useful practice for selective school tests, which reward similar problem solving.

Skills overlap. Strong reading, clear writing and confident problem solving help in both.

Keep reading

What is NAPLAN?NAPLAN tutoring Selective school tutoring

Preparing for ICAS or NAPLAN?

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