About

Highly trained, skilled, and knowledgeable teachers are the cornerstone of a top-quality education system that ensures every Australian student benefits from exceptional teaching. The Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (the test) aims to evaluate the literacy and numeracy abilities of future teachers. This ensures that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of teaching, while also helping higher education institutions, employers, and the public to have greater confidence in the abilities of new teachers.

The test has been implemented as an online assessment to evaluate certain aspects of literacy and numeracy skills among students who are either enrolled in or planning to enroll in accredited initial teacher education (ITE) programs in Australia.

All students enrolled in an accredited initial teacher education program, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, are required to take the test and achieve the necessary standard before they can graduate.

Between 2016 and 2022, a total of 137,147 people attempted one or both parts of the LANTITE test. This includes 134,170 individuals who took both the literacy and numeracy components, and 2,977 who attempted only one of these components.

The tables below provide data on the number of first-time test takers by the year they registered and the percentage of those who met the required standard on their first attempt within that same year (noting that some candidates may have made multiple attempts during their registration year).

Test Structure

The test is conducted on a computer and includes two components: literacy and numeracy.

The questions are a mix of selected responses (e.g., multiple-choice) and short answers. There is no extended writing involved.

It’s a good idea to answer every question, even if you're unsure, as there are no penalties for incorrect answers. You can return to questions later if you have time.

Test Timing

Each test component lasts 2 hours, including a brief tutorial at the beginning.

For the numeracy test, be careful not to rush through Section 1 because once you move on to Section 2, you cannot go back to Section 1.

Test Content and Assessment Framework

The test is designed to reflect the real-world contexts in which future teachers are likely to use their literacy and numeracy skills, including personal and community situations, school and teaching environments, and further education or professional development. All literacy questions and most numeracy questions are based on these three contexts.

Literacy

The literacy portion of the test includes:

Reading: About two-thirds of the questions focus on reading comprehension, organized into three processes:

Access and Identify – Finding and understanding information.

Integrate and Interpret – Connecting and making sense of information.

Evaluate and Reflect – Critically assessing and thinking about information.

The reading questions use various text types as stimuli:

Procedural, Regulatory, and Technical – Texts that explain processes, regulations, or technical information.

Descriptive, Informative, and Persuasive – Texts that describe, inform, or persuade.

Narrative – Texts that tell a story.

Technical Skills of Writing: The remaining one-third of the literacy test assesses writing skills in four key areas:

Syntax and Grammar – Correct sentence structure and grammar usage.

Spelling – Accurate spelling of words.

Word Usage – Appropriate use of words in context.

Text Organisation – Logical arrangement of ideas and information in writing.

Numeracy

The numeracy test covers three main content areas:

Number and Algebra – Basic arithmetic, algebraic expressions, and equations.

Statistics and Probability – Data interpretation, probability, and statistical measures.

Measurement and Geometry – Understanding measurements, shapes, and spatial reasoning.

This information outlines the content areas and assessment framework to help you prepare for the test effectively.

Test-Taking Strategy

The test includes two types of questions: multiple-choice (selected response) and short answer. It’s recommended that you move through the test at a steady pace, without spending too much time on any single question.

If you think you know the answer, go ahead and choose it, even if you're not completely sure. There are no penalties for wrong answers, so it’s better to make an attempt. If you want to revisit a question later, jot down the question number. Unanswered questions will be clearly marked in the navigation bar at the top of the page, making them easy to find and return to if you have time.

For the literacy section, you’ll have 120 minutes to complete 65 questions.

For the numeracy section, there are two parts. Don’t rush through the first section because once you start the second section, you can’t go back. You’ll have 120 minutes in total for numeracy, with 52 questions in section 1, which should take about 90-95 minutes, and 13 questions in section 2, which should take around 25-30 minutes.

Using the On-Screen Calculator

In the first section of the numeracy test, you’ll have access to a basic on-screen calculator. Since calculators can vary in how they function, it’s a good idea to get familiar with this on-screen calculator before the test. You can practice using it through the Practice Questions available in your ACER candidate account.

Please note that personal calculators are not allowed during the test according to the permitted testing aids policy.

Literacy Chart

Numeracy Chart

Exam Requirement

Making sure that teachers are capable is key to improving the quality of Australia's schools and boosting student performance. The effort to enhance teacher quality needs to start at the very beginning, during their training.

For teachers, having strong literacy and numeracy skills is crucial. These skills are not only essential for being effective in the classroom but are also necessary to help students develop these fundamental abilities, which are the foundation for their future learning.

Since 2011, there’s been a requirement that all students enrolled in an accredited Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course must have literacy and numeracy skills in the top 30% of the adult population. This requirement was agreed upon by all Education Ministers when they updated the accreditation standards for teacher education programs in Australia. By 2015, the Ministers decided that from July 1, 2016, this standard would be measured through a specific test.

The standard, which places literacy and numeracy skills at a level equivalent to the top 30% of Australian adults, was validated in 2017 using data from the OECD’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. The test itself was designed with the Australian Core Skills Framework in mind, which is the main tool used by the Australian Government for its Skills for Education and Employment program. It was developed in consultation with teacher educators from universities and is based on tasks and scenarios that teachers are likely to encounter in their professional lives.

In December 2023, the Education Ministers agreed to update the Accreditation Standards for Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia. The new standard requires ITE students to take the LANTITE test in the first year of their course. Any student enrolled in an accredited program that qualifies them to teach in Australian schools must pass this test before they can graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the test?

The Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) is designed to ensure that students in accredited initial teacher education (ITE) programs have literacy and numeracy skills that rank in the top 30% of the adult population. This requirement has been in place since 2011, following an agreement between the Australian Government and State and Territory Education Ministers to introduce the Accreditation Standards for Initial Teacher Education Programs. The test is used to confirm that students meet the necessary literacy and numeracy standards to enter the teaching profession.

Do I have to pass the test to become a teacher?

Yes, you do. If you are enrolled in an Australian accredited ITE program that qualifies you to teach in schools, you must pass the LANTITE before you can graduate or register as a teacher. Requirements can vary by state, so it’s a good idea to check with your state’s teacher regulatory authority for specific details.

Who can sit the test?

Students enrolled in Australian accredited ITE programs are required to sit the test, and as of 2023, prospective students who are not yet enrolled in an ITE program can also take the test if they choose. A prospective student is someone who is not currently enrolled in an accredited ITE course and has not used up the maximum number of test attempts allowed for enrolled students. Essentially, this means anyone can take the test before enrolling in a program.

If you decide to take the test as a prospective student, you can attempt it as many times as you like. However, once you enroll in an accredited ITE program, the standard limit on test attempts will apply. For more details on test attempt limits, refer to question seven. Keep in mind that taking the test as a prospective student is optional.

When should I take the test during my studies?

Starting in 2024, students required to take the LANTITE are expected to attempt the test by the end of their first year in an Australian ITE program.

Can I get registered or hired as a teacher if I haven't passed the test?

You’ll need to check with the teacher regulatory authority in the state or territory where you want to teach to understand their specific requirements. You can find links to these regulatory authorities on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership website: https://www.aitsl.edu.au/find-your-local-regulatory-authority.

How many questions do I need to answer correctly to pass the test?

The number of correct answers needed to pass varies because each test is different to maintain security and integrity. The passing standard is set based on the required proficiency level, regardless of the specific test version you take. Therefore, it's not possible to provide a specific percentage required to pass. For more details on test results, you can visit the ACER website: https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/results.

What if I don’t pass the test?

You’re allowed to take each part of the test (literacy and numeracy) up to three times (the initial attempt plus two retakes). If you don’t pass on your first try, it's important to seek support from your higher education provider to help you meet the required standard before trying again.

If you don’t pass after three attempts, you should speak with your higher education provider to discuss your options. In special circumstances, your provider might support you in taking the test again. For a fourth attempt, your provider needs to notify the test administrator. To be eligible for a fifth attempt, the Dean or Head of School at your institution must certify in writing that you meet the necessary criteria. Once approved, the test administrator will be notified, but keep in mind that not all requests for a fifth attempt are granted.

If you’re still unsuccessful, it’s important to contact your higher education provider to discuss what to do next.

How can I get ready for the test?

The best way to prepare for the LANTITE exam is by using the resources available at lantiteprep.com. This includes going through the study guide, watching the instructional videos, practicing with interactive vocabulary lessons, and most importantly, taking the timed practice tests provided on the site.

How long does it take to finish the test?

The test has two parts: literacy and numeracy. Each part takes about two hours to complete, plus some extra time for administrative tasks. You don’t have to complete both parts on the same day if you don’t want to.

When can I take the test?

The test can only be taken during specific testing periods, either at a test center or through remote proctoring. There are four testing periods each year, and each one is open for about two weeks. You’ll need to register during the designated registration period. You can find the dates for each testing period at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register/test-dates.

Where can I take the test?

You can take the test at various test centers located in major cities and some regional areas. The specific locations for each testing period are posted on the ACER website at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register/test-centres towards the end of the previous year.

Alternatively, you can take the test online through remote proctoring. This option allows you to take the test under live supervision using your own computer at a suitable location with reliable internet. Remote proctoring is available 24 hours a day during each test period, depending on the available appointment times. Before you register for remote proctoring, make sure your computer and test environment meet the necessary requirements. You can find more information about this at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register/remote-proctoring.

Keep in mind that remote proctoring is managed by Meazure Learning, a company based in the United States. If you choose this option, you’ll need to provide some personal information to this overseas company. For more details on how your information is handled, check out the privacy statement at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/about/privacy-statement.

What if I can't attend my scheduled test session? Can I reschedule?

If you need to make changes to your test registration, ACER allows some modifications before the registration period closes. During the registration period, you can change the location, date, and time of your test center session (if there are available slots) by logging into your online account and selecting a new session.

However, once the registration period for that testing window has ended, you can no longer make changes to your test center booking.

For remote proctoring, you can reschedule your session to any available time during the remote proctoring test window, 24 hours a day, as long as there are appointment slots open. It’s a good idea to schedule your test early in the test window so that if you run into any problems or technical issues, you’ll have enough time to reschedule. For more information on remote proctoring and how to register, visit https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register/remote-proctoring and https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/sit/remote-proctoring.

What happens if I miss my scheduled test session?

If you don’t show up for your scheduled test at a test center or for your remote proctoring session, you’ll lose the full cost of the test and will need to register and pay again for a future test window. Deferring your registration to another test window is not allowed. However, if you miss your session, it won’t count as one of your test attempts. For more details, visit the ACER website at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register and https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register/refund-policy.

I need to take the test in the next window, but the registration period has closed. Can I still register?

Unfortunately, once the registration period for a test window has closed, you can’t register for that window. If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to wait until the next test window opens for registration. Registration dates for the four test windows in the coming year are usually posted by November or December of the previous year. You can find these dates at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register/test-dates. It’s your responsibility to keep track of the registration periods for the test windows you’re interested in.

Who can help me if I’m feeling anxious or stressed about taking the test?

Your higher education provider is there to help you meet the test standards. If you’re feeling anxious about taking the test or worried about your results, reach out to your provider for support. Besides your program coordinator, many higher education institutions offer counseling services that might be helpful. You can also reach out to community organizations like Lifeline (phone 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au) or Beyond Blue (phone 1300 22 4636, www.beyondblue.org.au) for additional support.

I have a health issue or disability. Can I get accommodations to help me take the test?

Yes, the test provider offers reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or health-related needs that could impact their ability to take the test under standard conditions. If this applies to you, it’s a good idea to discuss your needs with your healthcare provider to determine what adjustments might be helpful. ACER provides examples of common accommodations that have been approved in the past, which you can review to understand what’s possible.

You can apply for these accommodations through your online candidate account after completing your test registration, and you’ll need to submit supporting documentation from a registered health practitioner. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and ACER will make every effort to provide the appropriate testing conditions. An accessible test form is also available for students with vision impairments.

Please note that special consideration cannot be given for issues like illness, misadventure, or unexpected personal situations that may affect your performance on the day of the test. For more information, visit the ACER website at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register/reasonable-adjustments and https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/results/appeals.

Are assistance animals allowed at test centers?

Yes, assistance animals are permitted at test centers. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), an “Assistance Animal” is defined as a dog or other animal that meets specific criteria: it must be accredited under state or territory law as an animal trained to assist with a disability, accredited by a recognized training organization, or trained to help with a disability and maintain appropriate hygiene and behavior standards in public.

If you require an assistance animal for a medical condition, you must submit the necessary medical documentation and the animal’s registration details with your application for reasonable adjustments, following the application deadline. For the safety and well-being of everyone at the test center, if you do not have prior approval from ACER for this adjustment, your ability to attend the test with the animal cannot be guaranteed. For more details, visit https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/register/reasonable-adjustments.

What are the consequences of misconduct during the test?

Misconduct during the test includes actions such as cheating, falsifying results, not following the proper process for additional test attempts, and inappropriate behavior. Consequences may include canceling your test registration without a refund, withholding your test results, or disqualifying you from future test sittings. Each incident is handled on a case-by-case basis. Higher education providers will be informed of any confirmed misconduct involving their students, as stated on the ACER website.

When will I receive my test results?

You can expect to receive your results about a month after the test window closes. ACER will notify you by email when your results are ready to download from your online candidate account. For more information on when results will be released, visit https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/results.

How can I understand my test results?

As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, the Statements of Results were updated in 2023 to provide clearer feedback on areas where candidates may need improvement. A video explaining how to interpret the new Statements of Results is available at https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/results. For more detailed information on understanding your test results, including your performance in specific sub-domains, visit https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/files/How_to_interpret_the_statement_of_results_2017.pdf. ACER also provides your higher education provider with detailed information about your performance in the literacy and numeracy sub-domains, so they can assist you in understanding your results and identifying areas for improvement. To protect the integrity of the test, individual feedback and copies of the test are not provided to students, and students are prohibited from sharing test content with others.

Can I get my results earlier?

No, it’s not possible to receive your results early. The marking and verification processes need to be completed after each test window, which takes time.

Do my test results expire?

No, your ACER LANTITE test results do not expire. Once you’ve met the required standard for each test component (literacy and numeracy), you won’t need to take the test again.

If I pass some parts of the test, do I need to retake the entire test?

The test is divided into two components: literacy and numeracy. Each component is separate, so if you pass one (for example, literacy) but not the other (numeracy), you only need to retake the part you didn’t pass. Each component consists of multiple sub-domains, but if you don’t meet the overall standard for a component, you’ll need to retake the entire component. Sub-domain scores from previous attempts cannot be carried over to future test attempts.

What happens if I unenroll from my university course?

Unenrolling from your course could impact your eligibility to take the LANTITE test and may affect your academic progress and degree completion requirements. It’s strongly recommended that you seek independent advice from your university before making the decision to unenroll.

What does the test assess?

The test has two parts: literacy and numeracy. The literacy section measures your reading skills and the technical aspects of writing, such as grammar, spelling, syntax, word usage, and text organization. The numeracy section evaluates your abilities in number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability.

Why isn’t the test required before starting my program?

Higher education providers have the option to use the test as a pre-entry requirement for their teacher education programs, but none have chosen to do so at this time.

Do I still need to take the LANTITE test if I’ve already passed other literacy and numeracy assessments during my university program?

Yes, you still need to take the LANTITE test. It is a separate requirement from any other literacy and numeracy assessments you may have completed during your university studies.