Preparing for the OC Placement Test doesn't have to start with a hefty price tag. Several platforms offer free OC mock tests or trial periods that let your child experience realistic practice before you commit to anything.
But "free" varies widely. Some platforms give you a single 30-question sample. Others offer 7 days of full access. Knowing what's actually available — and what each platform does well — can save you both time and money.
This guide compares 8 OC mock test platforms available in 2026, focusing on their free offerings, paid pricing, and the features that matter most for effective preparation.
Quick Comparison: Free OC Mock Test Platforms
| Platform | Free Access | Full Mock Tests | AI Diagnostics | Adaptive Practice | Paid Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Education | 3 sample papers (PDF) | N/A | No | No | Free |
| MockStar | 7-day full trial | Yes (timed, all 3 subjects) | Yes — 6-skill breakdown | Yes | From $29 |
| Kedu | 3 mock tests (7-day access) | Yes | Basic | No | From $40/15 tests |
| CTedu | Sample questions only | Yes | Basic | No | $309.90/10 tests |
| OC Selective | 1 test (30 questions, 30 min) | Yes | Basic | No | $90/10 tests |
| SelectiveTrial | 3-day full trial | Yes (OC + SHS + NAPLAN) | Basic | No | Subscription |
| NotesEdu | 1 free test | Yes | Basic | No | Subscription |
| EduVision | Coming soon (uTests) | Yes | Basic + video explanations | No | From $50/test |
Now let's look at each platform in detail.
1. NSW Education Official Sample Tests — The Essential Starting Point
Cost: Completely free What you get: Three sample papers — one each for Reading, Maths, and Thinking Skills Format: PDF download from the NSW Education website
Every parent should start here. These are the only papers created by the same organisation that writes the actual OC test, which makes them the most accurate representation of what your child will face on test day.
Strengths: Authoritative format and question style. Completely free. No registration required.
Limitations: Only three papers total — once your child completes them, there's no more free content. No scoring system, no diagnostic feedback, and no way to simulate timed test conditions digitally.
Best for: Getting your first realistic look at what the OC test actually involves before investing in any platform.
2. MockStar — AI-Powered Diagnostics and Smart Practice
Free access: 7-day trial with full functionality What you get during trial: Complete mock exams (all three subjects, timed), AI diagnostic reports, and Smart Practice sessions
MockStar takes a different approach from most platforms. Rather than simply scoring your child's test, it analyses performance across six specific sub-skills within each subject. For Thinking Skills, for example, the AI breaks results down into Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Spatial Reasoning, Pattern Recognition, Logical Reasoning, and Data Extraction.
The idea is straightforward: knowing that your child scored 65% on Thinking Skills is far less useful than knowing they're strong in Pattern Recognition but struggling with Spatial Reasoning. The Smart Practice feature then generates targeted exercises focused on exactly those weak areas.
Strengths: The deepest diagnostic analysis among all platforms reviewed. Sub-skill breakdown helps parents understand precisely where to focus. Smart Practice adapts to each student's level. Clean, modern interface designed for Year 4 students.
Limitations: Smaller question bank compared to established platforms like CTedu. Newer platform (launched 2025), so less name recognition.
Pricing after trial: $29 for 1 full mock exam + 10 Smart Practice sessions, or $49 for 3 mock exams + 30 practice sessions.
Best for: Parents who want data-driven preparation — understanding exactly where their child's skill gaps are and practising strategically rather than just doing more papers.
3. Kedu — Best Free Tier for Volume
Free access: 3 complete mock tests (Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills × 1 each), valid for 7 days Format: Online, works on PC, laptop, and iPad
Kedu offers the most generous free tier among paid platforms. Three full mock tests with no credit card required gives your child a solid initial assessment opportunity.
The platform claims to use AI and features updated question types aligned with the 2026 OC test format. The interface is functional, though not as polished as some newer platforms.
Strengths: Three free tests is the most generous free offering among paid platforms. Affordable paid tiers. Claims to have 2026-format questions.
Limitations: Diagnostic reports are basic — you get scores but not the detailed sub-skill breakdown that helps target practice. No adaptive practice feature.
Pricing after trial: $40 for 15 mock tests. Also offers "Smart OC Retake" packs at $9.90 for 3 re-tests.
Best for: Families on a tight budget who want maximum test volume at minimum cost.
4. CTedu — Established Platform with Large Question Bank
Free access: Sample questions only (not full mock tests) Format: Online, works on PC, laptop, and iPad
CTedu is one of the more established OC preparation platforms. Their question bank is extensive and they have years of test data.
However, their free offering is limited to sample questions rather than complete mock tests. The paid pricing is significantly higher than most alternatives.
Strengths: Large, well-established question bank. Years of operational history. Trusted name in OC preparation.
Limitations: Very limited free content. The highest pricing among platforms reviewed ($309.90 for 10 test packs). Interface and design feel dated compared to newer platforms.
Pricing: $309.90 for 10 OC Trial Test packs. Can purchase up to 5 packs (50 tests total).
Best for: Families who prioritise a large question bank and don't mind paying a premium for an established platform.
5. OC Selective — Quick Free Assessment
Free access: One test — 30 questions across all subjects, 30 minutes Format: Online
OC Selective's free offering is a condensed version of a full mock test. At 30 questions in 30 minutes, it gives a quick snapshot of your child's readiness rather than a comprehensive diagnostic.
Strengths: Quick way to get an initial sense of readiness. Clear paid tier structure.
Limitations: The free test is too short to provide reliable diagnostic information. Two separate paid packs (X and Y) can be confusing.
Pricing: $90 for 10 tests (3-month access). Also offers Mini Tests at $60 for 3 months.
Best for: A quick initial check before committing to a longer-form platform.
6. SelectiveTrial — Multi-Exam Coverage
Free access: 3-day full trial (all exam types open) Format: Online
SelectiveTrial stands out for covering multiple exam types beyond OC — including Selective High School, NAPLAN, and ACER tests. The 3-day trial gives access to all of these.
Strengths: If you're preparing for multiple exams (e.g., both OC and Selective), one platform covers everything. The 3-day trial is genuinely full access.
Limitations: The trial window is short. OC-specific depth may not match dedicated OC platforms.
Pricing: Subscription-based (check their website for current rates).
Best for: Families preparing for multiple exam types who want a single platform.
7. NotesEdu — Simple Free Entry Point
Free access: One free test available from the homepage Format: Online
NotesEdu offers a straightforward free test to try before subscribing. The platform provides standard OC preparation content.
Strengths: Easy to get started. Simple interface.
Limitations: Limited information available about diagnostic features and question depth.
Pricing: Subscription-based.
Best for: Trying another platform option if others don't suit.
8. EduVision — Tests with Video Explanations
Free access: Free uTests are listed as "Coming Soon" Format: Online uTests + in-person classes at physical locations
EduVision bridges online testing and in-person tutoring. Their uTests include video explanations for each question — a feature unique among the platforms reviewed. They also offer ranking reports so you can see how your child compares to other test-takers.
Strengths: Video explanations for every question. Performance ranking against other students. Physical tutoring option available. Holiday intensive courses.
Limitations: Free uTests are not yet available. OC-specific test pricing is on the higher end. Less information available online about the platform details.
Pricing: $50 for a single OC test set. $195 for 5 full sets (all subjects). Individual subject packs ($80 for 5 Maths or 5 Thinking Skills tests). 180-day access with 50-day error review period.
Best for: Families who want video explanations alongside testing, or who are considering combining online tests with in-person coaching.
How to Choose: A Decision Framework
The right platform depends on your preparation goals and budget:
"We just want to see what the OC test looks like" Start with the NSW Education official sample papers. They're free, authoritative, and give an accurate picture of the test format.
"We need to find out exactly where our child is strong and weak" MockStar's AI diagnostic breaks performance down to the sub-skill level, which is the most detailed analysis available. The 7-day free trial lets you see a full diagnostic report before paying anything.
"We want the most practice tests for the least money" Kedu at $40 for 15 tests offers the best volume-to-cost ratio. Their 3 free tests also give a solid starting point.
"We want a proven platform with a large question bank" CTedu has the longest track record and the largest question bank, though at a higher price point.
"Our child needs explanations, not just answers" EduVision's video explanations walk through each question, which can be valuable for independent learners or when parents aren't sure how to explain a concept.
What Matters More Than the Platform
Whichever platform you choose, keep these principles in mind:
Diagnosis before drilling. Take one or two diagnostic tests before diving into intensive practice. Understanding where your child needs help is more valuable than doing 20 tests without direction.
Quality of practice over quantity. Ten focused minutes on a weak skill area can be more effective than an hour working through a full paper. Look for platforms that help you identify and target specific weaknesses.
Realistic conditions matter. At least some of your child's practice should simulate actual test conditions — timed, no breaks, all three subjects. This builds the stamina and time management skills needed on test day.
Regular reassessment. Don't just practice blindly. Every 2-3 weeks, take a full mock test to measure progress and adjust your focus areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free OC practice tests enough for preparation?
Free resources are a great starting point, but they're limited in volume. The NSW official samples give you just 3 papers. Most families find they need additional practice — the question is whether that comes from paid platforms, tutoring, or a combination.
When should we start using mock test platforms?
Most education professionals recommend starting OC-specific preparation 3-6 months before the test. For the May 2026 test, that means starting between November 2025 and February 2026. Beginning with a diagnostic test helps set a baseline and plan your preparation strategy.
Can mock tests alone prepare my child for the OC test?
Mock tests are most effective as one component of preparation. They excel at assessment and targeted practice but may not be sufficient for teaching entirely new concepts. If your child has significant gaps in areas like reading comprehension or mathematical reasoning, additional teaching support (whether from parents, tutors, or educational resources) may be helpful alongside test practice.
How many mock tests should my child take?
Quality matters more than quantity. A reasonable approach is one full mock test every 1-2 weeks for assessment purposes, combined with shorter, targeted practice sessions on weak areas in between. Avoid the common trap of doing test after test without analysing results and adjusting your approach.
Is paying for a platform worth it compared to free resources?
It depends on what you need. If you just want practice questions, free resources and affordable platforms can work well. If you want detailed diagnostic data to guide your preparation strategy, platforms with advanced analytics features offer genuine value that free resources can't match.
Last updated: March 2026. Pricing and free offerings may change — check each platform's website for the latest information.