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Frequently Asked Questions on the Qualifying Test

General Information

  1. What is the Qualifying Test (QT)?

    The QT is a test that assesses applicants’ general reasoning ability. All the information needed to respond to each test item is presented within the test item itself, and clear instructions will be given to ensure that applicants understand how to attempt the test.

  2. Will the Qualifying Test be held in other countries?

    The QT is only available in Singapore.

  3. How can applicants prepare for the QT?

    There is no need for applicants to prepare specifically for the QT. All the information needed to respond to each test item is presented within the test item itself, and clear instructions will be given to ensure that applicants understand how to attempt the test. General good practices such as having a good rest the night before the test and having a light meal before the test to ensure a relatively relaxed but alert frame of mind would suffice.

Test Details

  1. What are the available dates for the QT?

    The QT will be held periodically and details will be updated when available. Please refer to the Qualifying Test webpage.

  2. When will details of the 2009 Qualifying Test dates be released?

    Details of the tests in 2009 will be updated on the Qualifying Test webpage when available.

  3. Are the Qualifying Test fees refundable?

    Applicants are advised to register for a QT date that they are available for and should note that the fees are non-refundable.

  4. If an applicant does not turn up for the test after receiving the confirmation email, can the fee payment be “transferred” to a subsequent application for another test date?

    No. Fees are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable to other test dates. QT applicants who receive the official confirmation email and who do not turn up on the specified test date and time given to them will not be refunded. Any application for another QT date will be considered a separate application and will be charged accordingly. Applicants are encouraged to consider their availability for the test date carefully before applying.

Test Outcome

  1. Will test results be given to applicants?

    Applicants would be notified by post on whether they are eligible to seek admission to mainstream public schools within 3 weeks of the test. There are no test results.

  2. What are the admission options for applicants who are successful in the QT?

    Applicants who are successful should approach their school of choice directly to apply for admission. For more details, please refer to our International Student Admissions website.

  3. What are the options for international students who are unsuccessful in the Nov or Dec 08 Qualifying Test?

    International students may take the QT only once. Unsuccessful applicants may consider taking part in the next available AEIS, which will tentatively be held in the 4th quarter of 2009.

Others

  1. Can international students sit for school-based assessment (e.g. the PACT) before taking the QT?

    Applicants who wish to apply directly to schools and who are required to sit for the QT can work out with their schools of choice whether they can sit for the school-based assessment (e.g. the PACT) before taking the QT. Note that such an applicant would still have to clear the QT requirement for eligibility to be admitted into the school.

  2. Instead of taking part in AEIS, can an international student just sit for the Qualifying Test and apply directly to the schools in November?

    Yes. However, international students who take the QT and apply directly to schools should note that admission will be subject to vacancies available around the time of application and the schools’ respective admission criteria. Hence, if you can make it for the AEIS tests on 22 Sep 08 and 13 Oct 08, we would suggest that you consider taking part in AEIS to enjoy the convenience of centralised testing and the offer of a school place if you are successful.

  3. What are the options for international students who are unsuccessful in AEIS?

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare themselves before sitting for the AEIS tests and should be familiar with the English and Maths syllabus of the level preceding the one they are applying for.

    Applicants who have taken part in 2008 AEIS and are unsuccessful may apply to take AEIS in 2009 at the same or higher level. Alternatively, they may apply to sit for the QT in 2009 (if they have not sat for the QT before).