In 2025, more than 1.3 million Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 participated in NAPLAN, a national assessment that tracks literacy and numeracy progress. With the move to online testing, schools now depend on strong digital systems to give every student a fair and uninterrupted testing experience.

While teachers and parents focus on helping students prepare academically and emotionally, one behind-the-scenes process plays a crucial role in how smoothly test day runs: the NAPLAN latency test. This technical check might sound complex, but it directly affects how stable and stress-free the online experience will be for students.

Research shows that most school leaders believe technical problems increase student stress during NAPLAN. Knowing how schools prepare for the online test can help you feel more confident that your child or your students are set up for success.

This article explains what the latency test involves, why it matters for student wellbeing, and how schools use it to create a reliable testing environment. It also offers practical ways for parents and teachers to help students feel calm, confident, and ready for NAPLAN Online.

Key Takeaways

• The NAPLAN latency test checks school networks to confirm they can support smooth, stable online assessments for all students.

• Reliable latency testing helps prevent technical disruptions, ensuring fairness and consistency during NAPLAN.

• Schools follow structured steps to test bandwidth, security, and connectivity before assessments begin.

• Common issues like low bandwidth or device incompatibility can be identified and resolved through readiness testing.

• Supporting student confidence through preparation, communication, and calm routines enhances overall test performance.

What Is the NAPLAN Latency Test?

The NAPLAN latency test is a check that schools run to make sure the online test runs smoothly for students. It measures how quickly data travels between school devices and NAPLAN servers, and if the system can handle multiple students testing at the same time.

Here’s what the test looks at:

• Connection speed between devices and NAPLAN servers.

• Network response time, measured in milliseconds.

• Bandwidth, or the amount of data that can flow at once, verifies that multiple students can test simultaneously.

• Overall readiness of the school’s network for the online assessment.

Schools run this test before NAPLAN begins to identify and fix any technical issues. They use the Assessment Platform, which guides IT staff through the process and helps document results.

A successful latency test confirms that students can complete the online NAPLAN assessment without delays or interruptions, making the test experience smoother and less stressful.

Why the Latency Test Matters for Your Child?

Your child’s experience during NAPLAN Online depends heavily on the school’s network performance. Poor latency can cause frustrating interruptions, loss of focus, and increased stress. Latency testing helps prevent these issues while giving a smooth exam experience.

Here’s why it matters:

• Protects Student Focus: Technical glitches can break a student’s concentration. A freeze or delay mid-question can make your child lose their train of thought or feel stressed. Latency testing helps prevent these disruptions so students can stay focused.

• Prevents Lost Work: The platform automatically saves answers every 30 seconds. Slow connections can interfere with this, leading to lost responses. Latency testing maintains smooth autosave functionality, reducing the risk of repeated work and unnecessary stress.

• Supports Fair Testing Conditions: Every student deserves equal conditions. Poor connectivity can disadvantage some students. Latency checks identify network issues early, giving schools the chance to fix them before test day.

• Reduces Test-Day Anxiety: Up to 20% of primary students experience physical stress during NAPLAN. Technical problems make this worse, as children worry about screens freezing or questions failing to load. Reliable connectivity lowers this source of stress.

• Supports Adaptive Testing: NAPLAN Online adapts the difficulty of questions based on student responses. This requires constant communication with the server. High latency can disrupt this adaptive system, preventing students from receiving questions at the right challenge level.

Schools that complete latency testing can focus on supporting students emotionally rather than troubleshooting tech problems. In past years, technical readiness checks have led to bandwidth upgrades, device improvements, and a more reliable testing environment for students.

Also Read: Understanding NAPLAN: Australia-Wide Insights

How the NAPLAN Latency Test Works?

As an educator or school coordinator, you play an essential role in making sure that your school’s digital systems are ready for NAPLAN Online. The latency test helps confirm that your school’s network can handle online assessments smoothly and securely. 

While the technical team leads the process, understanding each step helps you plan and support testing effectively.

Step 1: Install Testing Equipment

Begin by installing the locked-down browser on all testing devices. This secure browser prevents access to unauthorized websites and disables spellcheck functions. Check that the latest version is installed and that all backup devices are ready to use.

Step 2: Run Initial Connection Tests

Use the latency check tool on the Assessment Platform to test connections from different areas of the school. This ensures every access point can connect reliably to the NAPLAN servers.

Step 3: Measure Response Times

The system sends small data packets to the NAPLAN servers and measures how long it takes for them to return. Consistent, low response times indicate a stable and efficient network connection.

Step 4: Test Bandwidth Capacity

Run bandwidth tests to confirm your internet can support all devices during testing. The recommended minimum is 4 Mbps per device to maintain steady performance when multiple students are online.

Step 5: Simulate Test Conditions

Conduct simulations using several devices at once to replicate real test-day conditions. This helps you confirm that performance remains stable when multiple sessions are running simultaneously.

Step 6: Check Network Stability

Monitor for issues such as packet loss or connection drops. If the system flags any instability, work with your technical team to identify and resolve the source before test day.

Step 7: Verify Security Protocols

Confirm that all test data is encrypted and transmitted securely. Your setup should comply with national data protection standards to safeguard student information.

Step 8: Document Results

Generate a technical readiness report that records the pass or fail status for each check. Share these results with your Test Administration Authority. Any issues must be addressed and verified before the test window opens.

Supporting Tools for Practice

Use the Online Training environment to rehearse your setup and help staff become comfortable with the platform. Students can also practice through the public demonstration site, which mirrors the test format and can be accessed through regular browsers.

Your school has a nine-day testing window, giving you flexibility to schedule sessions strategically. Staggered test times help manage bandwidth and ensure every student experiences a stable, fair, and secure test environment.

Following these steps helps confirm your school’s systems are ready for NAPLAN Online and that every student can complete their assessment without interruption.

Also Read: Is NAPLAN Compulsory for Students?

Common Latency Issues (and How to Fix Them)

Even with thorough preparation, technical issues can still arise during NAPLAN readiness testing. Understanding the most common problems and how to resolve them helps ensure a smooth, reliable testing experience for your students.

Slow Internet Speeds

Inadequate bandwidth is one of the most frequent challenges, especially in rural or regional areas. Older infrastructure may struggle to handle the network demands of online testing.

How to Solve This Issue

If your school faces low bandwidth, you can request low-bandwidth delivery options. ACARA developed a version of the test platform designed for slower connections, ensuring every student receives an equivalent testing experience.

You can also:

• Stagger test schedules across the nine-day window.

• Test smaller groups of students at a time.

• Schedule tests during your school’s fastest connection periods.

• Contact your Test Administration Authority for technical support.

• Apply for infrastructure upgrades or government funding.

Too Many Concurrent Users

Running multiple classes at once can overwhelm available bandwidth. When too many students connect simultaneously, test delivery can slow down or drop out.

How to Solve This Issue

Use the capacity planning tools in the Assessment Platform to calculate the optimal number of students per session.

Best practices include:

• Scheduling tests during off-peak internet hours. 

• Avoid simultaneous testing for all year levels.

• Creating a staggered timetable across the testing days.

• Monitoring network performance during practice sessions.

• Reserving bandwidth by limiting other online activities.

Morning sessions often work best, as network traffic is lighter and students tend to perform better earlier in the day.

Device Compatibility Problems

Older or unsupported devices can cause issues with the locked-down browser. Some tablets may lack processing power, and specific laptop models (like those with touch bars) can interfere with test functionality.

How to Solve This Issue

Before testing, check that all devices meet the current Assessment Platform requirements.

Practical steps include:

• Disabling touch bars on devices.

• Updating operating systems to compatible versions.

• Replacing iPad minis with full-sized tablets.

• Installing the latest locked-down browser version.

• Testing every device type before official testing begins.

Keep a few backup devices ready. Thanks to the auto-save feature, students can quickly switch devices without losing their work.

Wireless Network Instability

Unstable WiFi connections can disrupt testing. Signal strength may vary between buildings, and interference from other electronic devices can affect performance.

How to Solve This Issue

Conduct wireless surveys before testing to identify areas of weakness. Position access points strategically so that testing rooms receive the strongest signals.

Technical teams should:

• Add extra access points where coverage is weak.

• Reserve bandwidth specifically for testing devices.

• Minimize interference from nearby electronics.

• Use wired connections whenever possible.

If available, Ethernet connections offer the most reliable option, eliminating wireless interference.

Server Communication Errors

Sometimes devices may fail to connect to NAPLAN servers due to firewall or proxy settings. These configurations can block or interrupt communication with the Assessment Platform.

How to Solve This Issue

Work with your network administrator to configure your firewall and proxy settings correctly.

You should:

• Allow testing traffic through your firewall.

• Adjust proxy settings if required.

• Whitelist the Assessment Platform domains.

• Test connectivity from multiple network segments.

• Document all configuration changes for future reference.

If the issue persists, contact your internet service provider or Test Administration Authority for additional support.

Auto-Save Failures

The Assessment Platform automatically saves student responses every 30 seconds. If there are connection issues, this process can fail, risking data loss.

How to Solve This Issue

Stable network latency prevents most auto-save failures. Confirm connection stability during readiness testing and resolve any connectivity problems beforehand.

Additional safeguards include:

• Training students to use the “flag” function for key questions.

• Encouraging regular reviews of flagged questions.

• Verifying that the pause and resume functions work correctly.

• Instructing students to save progress before scheduled breaks.

• Monitoring student connections throughout the test.

If a widespread issue occurs, test administrators can pause the session and reschedule affected students within the testing window.

By anticipating these issues and applying preventive strategies, you can help maintain a smooth, secure, and stress-free NAPLAN testing experience for your students and staff.

Also Read: NAPLAN 2025 Changes: How to Adapt and Key Insights

Practical Tips to Help Students Stay Confident During NAPLAN

Teachers and parents share the same goal: helping students feel calm, confident, and ready for NAPLAN. While schools handle the technical preparation, consistent support at home and in class allows students to perform their best.

Understand the Purpose of NAPLAN

NAPLAN provides a snapshot of literacy and numeracy progress. It helps teachers identify learning needs and gives parents insight into their child’s development.

• Explain to students that NAPLAN is one way to measure growth, not a judgment of ability.

• Focus on learning progress and effort rather than scores.

• Use results as a guide for setting future learning goals.

Support Familiarity with Technology

Confidence comes from practice. Encourage students to use the NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site, which replicates the real test platform.

• Practice navigating question types and using on-screen tools.

• Review how to flag and return to questions.

• Schedule short practice sessions to reduce digital anxiety.

Regular exposure to the format helps students focus on the content rather than the technology on test day.

Discuss What Might Happen on Test Day

Students feel calmer when they know what to expect. Discuss potential technical interruptions and reassure them that every school has a contingency plan in place.

• Tests can be paused and resumed safely.

• Answers save automatically every 30 seconds.

• Backup devices are available in case of problems.

• Students won’t lose time if a test is interrupted.

Clear communication helps students stay composed and focused during testing.

Build Healthy Routines

Good physical and mental habits improve concentration and performance. Teachers can encourage healthy routines in class, while parents can reinforce them at home.

• Ensure adequate sleep: 9–11 hours for primary students, 8–10 hours for teenagers.

• Provide balanced breakfasts with protein, whole grains, and fruit.

• Promote daily physical activity to manage stress.

Small lifestyle adjustments before test week can make a noticeable difference in focus and mood.

Keep a Healthy Perspective on Results

NAPLAN results show one moment in a student’s learning journey. They don’t measure creativity, kindness, or persistence.

• Emphasize growth and learning over performance.

• Review reports collaboratively to identify strengths and next steps.

• Celebrate effort and improvement.

A balanced view of results helps students build resilience and motivation.

Communicate and Coordinate

Strong collaboration between parents and teachers supports student well-being.

• Share testing schedules and school readiness updates.

• Discuss any adjustments or accessibility needs early.

• Maintain open channels for questions and feedback.

Working together ensures that every student receives consistent support across home and school.

Address Test Anxiety Early

Some nervousness is normal, but ongoing anxiety can affect performance. Both parents and teachers can help students manage it effectively.

• Watch for signs such as poor sleep, headaches, or irritability.

• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.

• Use reassurance and positive language around testing.

If anxiety persists, seek guidance from a school counselor or a wellbeing specialist.

Model Calm and Confidence

Students mirror the attitudes of the adults around them.

• Stay calm and positive when discussing NAPLAN.

• Avoid overemphasizing test results or comparing scores.

• Reinforce that preparation, not perfection, is what matters.

When adults remain composed, students approach NAPLAN with confidence and perspective.

Trust the Preparation Process

Extensive readiness testing and staff training ensure the system runs smoothly. Schools have contingency plans and technical support in place to ensure continuity of operations.

• Teachers follow detailed testing procedures.

• Technical coordinators monitor connectivity and performance.

• Test administrators receive specialized training.

When parents and teachers trust the process, students feel reassured and supported. While technical checks like the NAPLAN latency test help create a stable testing setup, building student confidence and calmness is equally vital for a smooth experience.

How Does FunFox Help Students Get Ready for NAPLAN Online?

You want your child prepared for the NAPLAN's online environment. FunFox offers comprehensive support that addresses both skills and confidence. Our programs build familiarity with digital assessment formats while strengthening core literacy skills.

FunFox's approach focuses on genuine skill development. The small-group classes offered here foster real understanding. Students gain literacy foundations that serve them well beyond NAPLAN.

Writers Club

Your child develops essential writing skills in our Writers Club. These skills directly support NAPLAN writing assessment performance. Students learn to:

• Structure clear and organized responses.

• Use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation conventions.

• Express ideas with confidence and creativity.

• Write under time constraints without anxiety.

• Edit and review their own work.

Experienced teachers create warm, nurturing environments. Students practice writing in various formats. They receive constructive feedback that builds confidence. This preparation naturally supports NAPLAN writing performance.

Readers Club

Strong reading abilities matter across all NAPLAN domains. Readers Club develops the comprehension skills your child needs. Students learn to:

• Understand different text types and purposes.

• Identify key information quickly and accurately.

• Analyze questions and determine what they're asking.

• Apply reading strategies to unfamiliar texts.

• Build vocabulary and language conventions knowledge.

The small-group setting creates a supportive space where every student receives personal attention and guidance. Designed for children in Years 3–8, the program nurtures both confident readers eager to dive deeper and those who need a little extra encouragement to find their rhythm. Every child deserves to feel capable, curious, and proud when they open a book.

NAPLAN Booster Series: Targeted Test Preparation

As part of your FunFox membership, you’ll have access to our NAPLAN Booster Series, a specialized preparation program designed to help your child feel confident and ready for the upcoming tests. This program is included free with your membership and combines flexibility, engagement, and real NAPLAN-style practice.

Self-Paced Learning Modules

From January onwards, you can log into the digital learning portal and explore a library of self-paced video lessons. These modules cover the key NAPLAN domains, including reading, writing, and language conventions.

• Your child can revisit challenging concepts at any time.

• Lessons adapt to different learning speeds.

• Independent review builds confidence and understanding.

The flexible format ensures your child can learn in a way that suits them best, without pressure or overwhelm.

Interactive Recap Classes

In February, your child will join three live, interactive recap sessions led by experienced FunFox instructors. These sessions bring together everything they’ve learned in a fun and engaging way.

• Participate in live quizzes and games such as Kahoot.

• Ask questions and clarify tricky areas before test day.

• Review essential skills in reading, writing, and language conventions.

These classes keep students motivated, connected, and excited about learning, transforming preparation into a positive experience.

Adaptive Practice Tests

You’ll also get access to our exclusive adaptive practice tests that closely mirror the real NAPLAN experience. These tests help your child become familiar with:

• Online question formats and navigation tools.

• Drag-and-drop and interactive response types.

• Managing time across different test sections.

• Using on-screen tools and calculators.

• Experiencing adaptive question pathways.

Practicing in this format helps your child build confidence in both content and technology. They’ll know exactly what to expect on test day, so technical details won’t get in the way of showing what they know.

Conclusion

Understanding the NAPLAN latency test provides clarity on how schools prepare for smooth, reliable online assessments. It reflects the shared goal of educators, parents, and technical teams to create a testing environment where students can perform their best without distractions.

Beyond these technical preparations, students also need steady guidance and skill-based confidence to approach NAPLAN positively. That’s where consistent learning support matters.

FunFox provides structured, student-centered programs, along with NAPLAN booster series, that strengthen literacy, writing, and test-readiness skills while building calm confidence in exam settings.

Give your child the advantage of preparation that goes beyond the test. Enroll with FunFox and help them approach NAPLAN with focus, resilience, and assurance.

FAQ’s 

1. How to check NAPLAN scores?

You can access NAPLAN results through your child’s school or state education portal. Schools distribute individual student reports once the relevant testing authority releases the results.

2. What is a good NAPLAN score?

A good NAPLAN score reflects achievement above the national average for a student’s year level. Scores are reported in proficiency levels, showing whether students meet or exceed expected standards.

3. Is NAPLAN an IQ test?

No, NAPLAN is not an IQ test. It measures literacy and numeracy skills taught through the Australian Curriculum, assessing student progress rather than innate intelligence or cognitive ability.

4. How can I prepare for NAPLAN?

Preparation involves practicing question formats, strengthening reading, writing, and numeracy skills, and becoming familiar with the online test environment to build confidence and reduce test-related anxiety.

5. Is NAPLAN compulsory in Australia?

Yes, NAPLAN is mandatory for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australia. Exemptions may apply in special circumstances, such as for newly arrived or special needs students.