Typing for NAPLAN Online and school: what you need to know

Checked 19 October 2026 against the sources listed at the end.

Some parents start typing lessons because NAPLAN is online and they worry their child will be slow on the keys. The NSW Government's page for parents and carers answers that worry directly.

What does NSW say about typing and NAPLAN?

Under the heading on digital skills, the page states that the digital skills needed to complete NAPLAN are skills students use in everyday classroom activities, that students do not need to be able to touch type, and that the online test is not about keyboard skills↗ (external link). The page does not say how a child must type.

In our view, a child who finds the keyboard slow may spend more effort on the keys. That is our own inference, not NSW's position or anything the page claims, and it is the main reason we think comfort at the keyboard is worth building over time.

What is the format?

According to the same page, all schools in NSW complete NAPLAN online, but Year 3 students do the writing test on paper↗ (external link). Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 who are enrolled at a school are expected to take part in four tests: writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The page also says NAPLAN will next take place from Wednesday 10 March to Monday 22 March 2027 (the date as shown on the page we read on 19 October 2026, to be re-checked when you rely on it), and that teachers will ensure students are familiar with the format of the tests before the test window.

Reading, numeracy and conventions of language use a tailored design that adapts to a student's answers. The page adds that students should not worry if questions seem harder than expected, because a result reflects both the number and difficulty of questions answered correctly.

How to prepare without overdoing it

The page is clear that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, and that excessive preparation or the use of coaching providers is not recommended↗ (external link). Its suggestion is to encourage children to do their best on the day.

For the online format, the page notes a public demonstration site where students, teachers and parents can see the types of questions, tools and functions used. In our view, a short look at it together is a calmer way to meet the format than extra drills.

What do schools teach about keyboards?

The syllabus pages we read mention keyboard skills in the primary stages. The Stage 2 content↗ (external link) asks students to use their knowledge of the keyboard layout, position a device for sustained writing and monitor typing goals. In Stage 3↗ (external link), students navigate the keyboard efficiently and accurately and learn that device position affects posture and glare. The NAPLAN page says the digital skills needed are ones students use in everyday classroom activities.

A calm plan for home

Our own suggestion.

• Let your child try the demonstration site once, so the screen is not a surprise.
• Keep any typing practice short and low pressure, and separate from test talk.
• If your child finds the keyboard slow, build comfort over weeks, not days before the window.
• Ask the class teacher if you have worries. The NSW page says to contact your child's teacher in the first instance.

If typing lessons suit your child for their own sake, the free 30-second typing test is an easy first step, and the XType plans are there when you want them. Checked 19 October 2026.