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ICAS Test Explained: What Parents Need to Know in 2026


The ICAS is a school-based academic competition that some students sit in primary and secondary school.

Many parents haven’t actually heard of ICAS until their child is offered it at school. That’s completely normal — it’s not something every student sits, and it’s usually introduced as an optional extension or enrichment test.


ICAS is designed to challenge students beyond the standard classroom level, focusing more on thinking skills, problem-solving, and understanding rather than memorising content.


What grades do ICAS?


ICAS is usually offered to students from Year 2 through to Year 12, but it is most commonly completed in primary school.

It is especially common in upper primary years, when students are developing stronger reading, writing, and problem-solving skills.


Some high schools also offer ICAS, but it is more widely used in primary settings.


When is ICAS held?


ICAS is usually run during the school year, with tests spread out over several weeks depending on the subject.

Most schools choose their own testing dates within a set assessment window provided by ICAS.

Because of this, students might do:

  • One subject in one week

  • Another subject a few weeks later

It is not one single exam day like NAPLAN.

How long is the test?


Each ICAS test is fairly short compared to school exams.


Most tests run for about 45 to 60 minutes per subject, depending on the year level and test.

They are designed to test both thinking skills and time management.


How many questions are in ICAS?

Each test usually has around 35 to 45 multiple-choice questions.

The questions generally start easier and become more challenging as the test progresses.

Students need to manage their time carefully to make sure they attempt all questions.


Is ICAS paper or online?

In recent years, ICAS has mostly moved to online testing, usually completed at school on computers or laptops.


Some schools may still run paper-based tests depending on their setup, but online is now the most common format.


Either way, it is completed under supervised exam conditions.


What subjects are included?


Schools can choose which ICAS subjects they offer, but common ones include:

  • English

  • Maths

  • Science

  • Digital Technologies

  • Writing (in some cases)


Students may sit one subject or multiple subjects depending on what the school offers.

Is ICAS difficult?


ICAS is generally considered more challenging than regular classroom tests.


The main difference is not the content, but the way questions are written. Students are often required to:

  • Read carefully

  • Solve unfamiliar problems

  • Think in multiple steps

  • Work under time pressure


Because of this, it can feel quite different the first time a student sits it.


Why ICAS can be helpful


Even though ICAS is optional, it can be a useful experience for students because it:


  • Exposes them to higher-level thinking questions

  • Builds exam confidence early

  • Helps identify strengths and weaknesses

  • Encourages problem-solving rather than rote learning


For some students, it can also be a helpful stepping stone toward more competitive exams later, such as selective school tests.


How parents can help


Parents don’t need to “teach the test”, but they can support their child by:

  • Encouraging regular reading and maths practice

  • Helping them stay calm around challenging questions

  • Practising timed activities in a low-pressure way

  • Focusing on effort and thinking, not just results


If a child finds these types of questions difficult, targeted tutoring can help build the skills and confidence needed over time.

Final thoughts


ICAS is one of those assessments many families don’t hear much about until it is offered at school.


While it can feel challenging at first, it is really designed to test thinking skills rather than knowledge alone. With the right approach, students can go into it feeling more confident and prepared.



Want personalised support for Maths, English, or ESL in 2026?

Primo Tutoring offers Maths, English, and ESL lessons to students from years 3 - 8, helping them strengthen core skills and build confidence throughout the year, including during the holidays.

Feel free to reach out by emailing us at info@primotutoring.com.au.


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