NBT Test Dates 2026: How to Book Your National Benchmark Test
The National Benchmark Tests as part of the admission process for certain degrees.
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These tests measure academic readiness for university level study.
They assess three main areas which are Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics.
Students who apply to competitive programs such as commerce, engineering, or health sciences may be required to submit NBT results before admission decisions are made.
The tests are administered by the National Benchmark Test Project at the University of Cape Town.
Students must register and book their test through the official NBT website.
When are the NBT test dates for 2026?
NBT tests for the 2026 university intake are written during several sessions across the year.
The testing period normally begins in May and continues until the first Saturday of January.
This schedule allows students to write the test before university application deadlines.
Many sessions are scheduled on Saturdays and some sessions are offered on Sundays.
Test dates available during the 2026 intake cycle include the following national sessions.
- 17 May
- 31 May
- 7 June
- 8 June
- 28 June
- 5 July
- 6 July
- 12 July
- 19 July
- 2 August
- 3 August
- 16 August
- 23 August
- 30 August
- 6 September
- 13 September
- 27 September
- 11 October
- 10 January
Some online sessions are also available during the testing cycle.
Online sessions for the 2026 intake include dates such as 10 May, 21 June, 26 July, and 5 October.
Students must select their preferred date when booking the test.
How do you book an NBT test online?
Students must book their test online through the official NBT registration system. Registration normally takes about ten minutes to complete.
Students must follow several steps during the booking process.
- Visit the NBT booking page.
- Start the test registration process.
- Enter personal details such as your full name and ID number.
- Choose the city where you want to write the test.
- Select a test venue from the available options.
- Choose a test date from the available sessions.
- Confirm your booking details.
- Save or print your booking confirmation.
The system generates an EasyPay reference number after the booking is completed.
This number is used to pay the NBT registration fee.
Where can students write the NBT?
The NBT can be written at physical test centres or through approved online sessions.
Test venues are located in many cities and provinces across South Africa.
Universities and schools often host test sessions during the testing period.
Examples of venues used for testing include university campuses and approved secondary schools.
Students select their preferred venue during registration.
The available venues are listed on the official NBT website.
Students can view the schedule and locations through the NBT test information page.
What information do you need before booking the NBT?
Students must prepare several details before starting the registration process.
The official NBT website lists several items required for booking the test.
These include the following.
- A valid South African ID document or passport for international students.
- A personal email address for communication.
- The city and venue where you want to write the test.
- The test date you want to book.
- Information about the NBT requirements of the universities where you plan to apply.
- A pen and paper to record your login details and EasyPay number.
The username used during registration is normally your ID number or passport number.
Students should ensure their personal details match their official identification documents.
How early should students book their NBT test?
Students should book their test several weeks before university application deadlines.
The NBT Project advises students to choose a test date that allows enough time for results to be processed.
Students should allow about three weeks for results to be available before submission deadlines.
Some institutions may require results earlier depending on the program.
Students who register early have a better chance of securing a seat at their preferred venue.
Early booking also allows students to rewrite the test if necessary.
Can you change your NBT test booking after registering?
Students can change their test date or venue through the NBT booking system.
This can be done by logging into the same account used during registration.
The login details created during booking allow students to manage their test information.
Students may update the following details through the system.
- Test date.
- Test venue.
- Personal contact details.
Changes must be made before the registration deadline for the selected test session.
Students who miss their scheduled test must register again and pay a new test fee.
How do students check their NBT results after writing?
NBT results are released online after the tests have been marked.
Students can access their scores through the official NBT results portal.
Students must log in using the username and password created during registration.
The system displays results for Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics.
Universities that require the NBT also receive the results through the official NBT reporting system.
