NAPLAN 2027 technology checklist for schools

NAPLAN key dates

NAPLAN 2027 runs from Wednesday 10 March to Monday 22 March. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit tests in writing, reading, conventions of language and numeracy. Year 3 writing is completed on paper; all other tests are online.

Schools can complete practice tests in the assessment platform from Term 3, 2026, and the public demonstration site has sample tests for students to try at any time. Looking further ahead, NAPLAN 2028 is scheduled for 15 to 27 March.

Devices and the locked down browser

• Confirm every testing device meets the current technical requirements on the Assessment Platform website.
• Install the NAP locked down browser on every student device before practice tests, including BYOD devices.
• Update operating systems early, not in the week of testing.
• Have a few spare devices ready for students whose device fails on the day.

Headphones for every student

Some questions are delivered by audio, including spelling items in the conventions of language test, so each student needs headphones or earphones.

• Plan one headset per student, plus spares for breakages and forgotten headphones.
• Match plugs to devices: 3.5mm for devices with a headphone jack, USB-C for iPad 10th, 11th Gen and A16, or use adapters.
• Choose wired headphones. They need no pairing or charging, and Bluetooth can be restricted or unreliable during locked down testing.
• Label headsets by student or class, and test the volume on each device during practice tests.

See NAPLAN headphones

Keyboards for tablets

A physical keyboard is needed on laptops and desktops. On tablets an external keyboard is optional, but many schools prefer one, especially for the writing test that Years 5, 7 and 9 complete online.

• Decide early whether iPad students will use an external keyboard.
• Attached keyboard cases avoid lost or uncharged Bluetooth keyboards.
• Let students practise with the same keyboard they will use on test day.

iPad keyboard cases for schools

Cases and screen protection

• Check cases are in good condition and that every device has one.
• Replace cracked screen protectors so students can see and touch the screen clearly.
• Make sure cases leave the headphone port open, or use a case with a built in 3.5mm port on iPads without a headphone jack.

School iPad cases Tempered glass

Charging and network

• Charge every device fully the afternoon before each test session.
• Have chargers or a charging trolley in testing rooms for long sessions.
• Check WiFi coverage in every testing room during practice tests.

Practice and familiarisation

• Run practice tests in the assessment platform from Term 3, 2026.
• Let students try the public demonstration site so the format and audio questions feel familiar.
• Contact your state or territory test administration authority for local guidance and training.

Official sources

Dates and requirements on this page come from ACARA’s National Assessment Program website. Always check the latest official advice for your school:

• NAPLAN key dates (nap.edu.au)
• What’s in the tests (nap.edu.au)
• Technical requirements (nap.edu.au)
• Public demonstration site (nap.edu.au)

iArmour is not affiliated with ACARA or NAPLAN. This guide is general information to help schools plan.