PISA testing begins: Australian students to inform global measure of skills

Testing for the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), managed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)has begun in Australia and will continue across jurisdictions through to 12 September.

 PISA tests how 15-year-old students can apply knowledge in reading, science, mathematics and different ‘innovative domains’ every 3 years. It has generated evidence to shape education policies and improve learning outcomes since 2000.

About 20,000 Australian students – a representative sample of students in this age group – are undertaking, or will undertake, the online assessment covering science, reading and mathematics over the next six weeks. 

This PISA cycle they will also take part in a new innovative domain – Learning in the Digital World.  Students will be asked to solve algorithmic problems with the help of digital tools to assess these emerging and important skills.

In 2025, Australian science teachers of 15-year-olds will also be invited to answer questionnaires, providing insights into and context about how science, including environmental literacy, is taught across schools and school systems.

ACER is also responsible for the overall design, development and implementation of PISA 2025 in 92 countries/economies across the globe, with 10 new countries – from Latin America, Africa and Central Asia – conducting PISA for the first time. 

PISA is conducted in Australia on behalf of, and with funding from, the Australian and state and territory governments. 

ACER thanks those schools and students currently taking part in this valuable exercise to inform the future of education in Australia, with findings expected to be released in September 2026.

Media enquiries:

ACER Communications
+61 419 340 058
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