NBT Online Test Requirements: Everything You Need to Know
The online NBT follows the same academic assessment structure as the in person test.
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
Students are tested on Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics depending on their university program requirements.
The online test is supervised through a secure remote testing system.
Students are monitored throughout the test session to ensure the rules are followed.
The official website for NBT information and registration is the National Benchmark Test Project portal.
Students can also book their test through the NBT booking page.
Can you write the NBT test online?
Yes. Students can write the NBT online if they cannot attend a physical test venue.
The NBT Project allows online sessions for students who live far from a testing centre or are outside South Africa.
The online test follows the same rules and structure as the in person test.
The test is completed through a secure online platform that monitors the entire session.
The session is recorded and supervised to prevent cheating or outside assistance.
Students must register online before booking an online test session.
Registration is done through the NBT official website.
What equipment do you need to write the NBT online?
Students must have the correct device and equipment before writing the test online.
The online testing platform only supports computers.
Cell phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and iPads are not supported by the system.
Students must prepare the following equipment.
- A desktop computer or laptop.
- A working webcam.
- A working microphone.
- A stable internet connection.
- A power source for the device during the test.
The webcam must remain on throughout the test session.
The camera must clearly show the student’s face during the test.
Students must also ensure their device remains connected to power during the test to prevent disconnection.
What are the minimum computer requirements for the NBT online test?
Students must ensure their computer meets the official minimum system requirements.
The NBT platform supports Windows and Mac operating systems.
The official technical requirements include the following.
- Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 operating system.
- Mac OS versions from 10.10 to 10.15.
- Minimum webcam quality of 480p.
- Recommended webcam quality of 720p.
- Minimum internet speed of 512 kbps.
- Recommended internet speed of 1 MB connection.
- Minimum memory requirement of about 75 MB.
Students must also install the Lockdown Browser software used during the test.
Administrator rights may be required to install this software on the computer.
What documents must you bring for the online NBT test?
Students must have identification available before the test begins.
The identification must match the document used during registration.
Students must prepare one of the following documents.
- South African ID document.
- Passport for international students.
Students who do not have these documents may use a birth certificate with a police affidavit and recent photograph for identity verification.
The ID verification process is completed before the test begins.
Students must show their identification during the login process.
What environment is required for the NBT online test?
Students must write the online test in a quiet and controlled environment.
The NBT Project requires students to complete the test in a room with minimal distractions.
The testing environment must meet several requirements.
- A quiet room with no interruptions.
- A blank wall behind the student.
- Good lighting that clearly shows the student’s face.
- No books, notes, or study materials nearby.
The camera must remain focused on the student during the entire test session.
Leaving the camera view may invalidate the test session.
Students must also follow all academic integrity rules during the test.
Is there a practice simulation before the NBT online test?
Yes. Students must complete a compulsory online simulation before the test day.
This simulation allows students to test the system and verify their identity.
The simulation also helps students become familiar with the online test platform.
The simulation normally takes about fifteen minutes to complete.
Students who do not complete the simulation may not be allowed to write the test.
The simulation usually takes place in the week before the test date.
Students receive instructions about the simulation through email before the test.
What happens on the day of the NBT online test?
Students must log into the testing system early on the test day.
The login process usually begins at 08:00 in the morning. This allows time for identity verification and system checks.
- The AQL test session normally starts at 09:00.
- The MAT test session normally starts at 14:00.
Each test session lasts about three hours.
Students must remain connected to the testing platform for the entire session.
The test session is monitored and recorded to maintain exam security.
Students should keep their registration details safe so they can log in to the official NBT results portal after the test to view their scores.
