What does ACER stand for?

ACER stands for The Australian Council for Education Research. The company is based in Australia but provides assessments internationally.

Is the ACER test difficult?

The difficulty level of the ACER test can vary depending on the specific assessment and the individual's skill level. However, many ACER assessments are designed to measure a range of abilities and skills and may be challenging for some individuals.

Where can I practice ACER-style assessments?

ACER offers a range of practice tests and preparation materials for its assessments, which can be found on its website. Additionally, you can sign up and try our free practice tests.

What skills does the ACER test help employers assess?

ACER assessments are generally designed to measure a range of skills and abilities, including cognitive ability, academic achievement, and employability skills. Some specific skills that may be measured by ACER assessments include problem-solving, critical thinking, numeracy, literacy, and communication skills.

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What are ACER Assessments?

When many public sector employers are hiring, they turn to ACER assessments to ensure they're attracting and recruiting the best talent.

ACER is a well-respected test publisher that provides reporting tools and testing services to schools, universities, training organisations, governments, and public sector employers.

Below, you'll find a list of all of the different tests ACER offers, which will help you to understand more about what you might be asked to do:

ACER Vocational Selection Test
The ACER CSPA Aptitude Test (Core Skills Profile for Adults)
The ACER Mechanical Reasoning Test/MRT (ACER Mechanical Reasoning Test)
The ACER TEEM (Test of Employment Entry Mathematics)
OWAA (Online Writing Assessment for Adults)

The Structure Of ACER Assessments

ACER assessments are designed to measure a range of skills and abilities, including academic achievement, cognitive ability, and employability skills.

The tests are typically timed multiple-choice questions that can be completed online.

Below outline the structure for each ACER assessment.

ACER Vocational Selection Test

The AVST is designed to measure an individual's cognitive abilities and their ability to solve problems in real-world situations. The test consists of four main sections:

Numerical reasoning: This section measures an individual's ability to understand and work with numbers. Numerical reasoning questions in this section may involve basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

Verbal reasoning: This section measures an individual's ability to understand written information and draw conclusions from it. Verbal reasoning questions may involve comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning.

Abstract reasoning: This section measures abstract reasoning skills which are defined by an individual's ability to identify patterns and relationships between abstract shapes and figures.

Mechanical reasoning: This section measures an individual's ability to understand mechanical concepts and principles. Questions may involve simple machines, forces, and motion.

The ACER CSPA Aptitude Test (Core Skills Profile for Adults)

The core skills profile for adults (CSPA) Aptitude Test is an online assessment that measures an individual's cognitive abilities, numeracy, literacy, and problem-solving skills. The test is divided into four sections:

Numeracy: This section measures an individual's ability to understand and work with numbers. Questions may involve basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

Literacy: This section measures an individual's ability to understand written information and draw conclusions from it. Questions may involve comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning.

Information management: This section measures an individual's ability to manage and use information effectively. Questions may involve data analysis, information retrieval, and information management.

Problem-solving: This section measures an individual's ability to solve problems in real-world situations. Questions may involve critical thinking, logical reasoning, and decision-making.

The ACER CSPA Aptitude Test is designed for adults who are looking to develop their skills and knowledge in a variety of areas, including vocational training, further education, and employment. The test results are used to identify areas where individuals may need additional support and to provide guidance on career and training options.

The ACER Mechanical Reasoning Test/MRT (ACER Mechanical Reasoning Test)

The ACER mechanical reasoning test examines your ability to determine the relationship between mechanical components.

The test consists of 42 questions, which you'll need a very basic knowledge of physical and mechanical principles to answer.

The ACER TEEM (Test of Employment Entry Mathematics)

The ACER TEEM (Test of Employment Entry Mathematics) is a numerical reasoning test that examines your ability to work with percentages, fractions, ratios, and much more.

It is commonly used by employers as a pre-employment screening test for jobs that require a strong foundation in mathematics.

The ACER TEEM test format consists of two sections: the first section is a calculator-free section and the second section allows the use of a calculator. The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have 90 minutes to complete the test. The questions cover a wide range of topics in mathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics.

In the calculator-free section, candidates are not allowed to use a calculator and must rely on their mathematical skills and knowledge to solve the problems. This section consists of 25 questions and lasts for 30 minutes.

In the calculator section, candidates are allowed to use a calculator and must answer 25 questions in 60 minutes. The use of scientific or graphic calculators is permitted, but not symbolic calculators.

The questions may include word problems, graphs, and diagrams that require interpretation and analysis. The questions are multiple-choice, with four answer options, only one of which is correct.

OWAA (Online Writing Assessment for Adults)

The Online Writing Assessment for Adults (OWAA) is designed to evaluate an individual's writing abilities in real-world contexts. The test is commonly used for evaluating writing skills for remote or online positions. The test is divided into three sections:

Writing ability: This section measures an individual's writing ability, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Test-takers may be asked to write essays, emails, or other forms of professional correspondence.

Research and analysis: This section measures an individual's ability to research and analyze information. Test-takers may be asked to analyze data or research a topic and write a report.

Writing skills in context: This section measures an individual's ability to write in a professional context. Test-takers may be asked to write business letters, memos, or other types of professional communication.

Tips To Pass The ACER Assessments

1) Familiarize yourself with the test format

Be sure you are familiar with the test format, types of questions, and time limits. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when taking the test.

2) Practice tests

Practicing with sample tests can help you get a feel for the types of questions you will encounter on the ACER Assessment tests. There are many free sample tests available using our platform which you can try for free.

3) Review the relevant material

If the ACER Assessment tests cover a specific topic or subject, make sure you review the relevant material before taking the test. This will help you feel more confident and better prepared.

4) Manage your time effectively

The ACER Assessment tests are timed, so it is important to manage your time effectively. Make sure you pace yourself so you have enough time to complete all of the questions.

5) Stay calm and focused

Finally, try to stay calm and focused during the ACER Assessment tests. Take deep breaths, read the questions carefully, and don't rush your answers. Remember that feeling nervous is normal, but try to stay focused on the task at hand.

More Publisher Tests

Sample ACER Tests question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

During a debate, Speaker A asserts that implementing e-learning platforms will significantly reduce the overall cost of education. Speaker B counters by saying that while e-learning may reduce some costs, it could also diminish the effectiveness of interpersonal skills learned through conventional classroom interaction. What is Speaker B doing?

Agreeing with Speaker A
Providing an alternative perspective
Disagreeing with the main idea of Speaker A
Supporting the argument with additional benefits

If the first two statements are true, is the final statement true? 'All roses are flowers. Some flowers fade quickly. Therefore, some roses fade quickly.'

Yes, the conclusion follows logically.
No, the conclusion does not follow logically.
There is not enough information to determine if the conclusion is true.
Yes, because all roses have the same characteristics as flowers.

What is the missing number in the sequence: 2, 6, 14, 30, _?

A cog with 16 teeth is meshed with a larger cog with 20 teeth. When the smaller cog has completed five revolutions, how many revolutions will the larger cog have completed?

4 revolutions
5 revolutions
6 revolutions
3 revolutions

If the total cost of 15 apples and 20 bananas is $11 and the cost of 1 apple is equal to the cost of 1 banana, what is the cost of one apple?

$0.44
$0.55
$1.10
$0.22
$0.40

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ACER Tests Tips

Know Your Enemy: Familiarize with ACER Tests: Performing well on psychometric tests starts with understanding what you're up against. ACER tests often involve a mixture of numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning assessments. The best initial step? Get to know the types of questions and the format of ACER tests. This doesn't mean peeking at the answers before the test or seeking out some secret formula – it's more about wrapping your head around what these tests are really asking of you. At Psychometric Tests, we provide a deep dive into typical ACER questions to help you get comfortable with them before game day.
Set a Study Schedule: A dash of discipline goes a long way. Think of your preparation as a marathon, not a sprint. Setting a regular study schedule helps your brain absorb information bit by bit, making the whole challenge a lot less overwhelming. Carve out some dedicated study time and be consistent with it. Your future self, sitting calmly in the test center, will thank you.
Replicate Test Conditions: Taking a test is as much about mental stamina as it is about smarts. Try to simulate the conditions of the actual ACER test by taking timed practice exams. No sneaky peeks at your phone, no breaks to scroll through your feeds, and definitely no pausing the clock for a 'quick' snack break. Over at Psychometric Tests, we've built our practice tests to mirror the conditions you'll face on the big day, helping you to fine-tune your time management skills and test-taking strategies.
Practice, Practice, then Practice Some More: We can't overstate the importance of practice. Our brains love patterns, and the more we expose them to the types of questions you'll encounter in an ACER test, the more intuitive the answers will become. Plus, practicing helps take the edge off those test day jitters. You've seen it all before, right? No surprises mean no panic.
Review and Reflect: Each practice test is an opportunity to learn something new. Don't just tally up your score and move on. Take the time to review every right AND wrong answer. At Psychometric Tests, we provide explanations for both, so you can understand where you nailed it and where there's room for improvement. Reflect on your approach and tweak your strategy as you go along. Continuous improvement is the name of the game.

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ACER Tests FAQs

What does ACER stand for?: ACER stands for The Australian Council for Education Research. The company is based in Australia but provides assessments internationally.
Is the ACER test difficult?: The difficulty level of the ACER test can vary depending on the specific assessment and the individual's skill level. However, many ACER assessments are designed to measure a range of abilities and skills and may be challenging for some individuals.
Where can I practice ACER-style assessments?: ACER offers a range of practice tests and preparation materials for its assessments, which can be found on its website. Additionally, you can sign up and try our free practice tests.
What skills does the ACER test help employers assess?: ACER assessments are generally designed to measure a range of skills and abilities, including cognitive ability, academic achievement, and employability skills. Some specific skills that may be measured by ACER assessments include problem-solving, critical thinking, numeracy, literacy, and communication skills.