Central University of Technology CUT National Benchmark Test (NBT)

The Quantitative Literacy (QL) Test: targets a writer‟s ability to manage situations or solve problems in a real context that is relevant to higher education study, using basic quantitative information that may be presented verbally, graphically, in tabular or symbolic form.

The Cognitive Academic Mathematics Proficiency Test (CAMP) is a three hour test which targets a writer‟s ability related to mathematical concepts formally regarded as part of the secondary school curriculum (Mathematics Papers 1 and 2) relevant for Higher Education studies.

How does CUT use NBT results?

Although the NBTs address content typically taught in secondary school, they provide different and complementary information to the ‘school-leaving’ examinations. CUT uses the NBT results in addition to school academic performance and examination results for placement in development courses, extended programmes or for identifying other additional academic support. 

National Benchmark Test (NBT) requirements at CUT

It should be noted that all new first year students at CUT, should have written the National Benchmarking Test (NBT) before registration.  All faculties’ applicants should have written the Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test. Applicants to the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and some departments of the Faculty of Humanities should also have written the Mathematics test.  Costs for these tests are for the prospective students’ account.  Prospective students are advised to obtain information about the centres closes to their homes, as well as the dates on which these tests will be conducted.  CUT will also serve as one of the centres.

About the institutional proficiency test (NBT)

Applicants should register for a test date at least a month prior to a test date.  Seats are limited at venues.  If one does not register and pay for the test(s) in advance, one may not be allowed to write on the test date.  An applicant who writes Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) pays R80.00 and an applicant who writes both Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and Mathematics (MAT) pays R160.00. The applicant needs only write the test once, even if they are applying to more than one university.  All universities to which one applies will be able to access the applicant’s test results.  CUT applicants are advised to write the test between June and September.

Learners with disabilities

NBTP makes provision for writers with disabilities which are facilitated by the disability unit.  Writers who require examination accommodations on account of a disability can contact the NBT call centre (021-6503523) to request form to be submitted three weeks prior to the selected test date. We have successfully accommodated writers who are:

• Blind (e.g.  using the Jaws computer programme and/or braille)
• Visually impaired (e.g. large print)
• Hearing impaired
• Mobility/physically impaired
• Have any specific learning disability (i.e. dyslexia, extra time, need a scribe)
• Have any chronic illness which require special accommodations

Candidates with a Specific Learning Disability with impairment in reading, who qualify for a reader for the National Benchmark Tests, need to note that the universities to which they apply may not provide this accommodation. It is in the interest of candidates to enquire in advance what each university’s policy is regarding the provision of readers.

More information about NBT

For more details on the test(s), please visit the NBT website:  www.nbt.ac.za

NBT contact information: Tel: +27 (0)21 650 3523 |  www.nbt.ac.za