Frequently Asked Questions

Does NOA replace the paper-based NFER Tests?

No. NOA adds to our existing portfolio of tests for key stage 2 to provide you with a choice over which format best suits you and your pupils' needs. 

While both are curriculum-aligned, NOA has been designed specifically for the online assessment experience. Therefore, the question types, design, format and structure differ from our paper-based tests. 

What year groups is NOA available for?

NOA is available for years 3-6 in reading and maths.

Do the online tests prepare pupils for the national curriculum tests, such as SATs?

Yes. As with our paper tests, NOA is designed to reflect the questions and scenarios from the national curriculum tests.

Is the data from the online assessments comparable to the paper tests? 

Results should not be compared directly. Although both assessment suites cover the same curriculum areas, the questions have been developed specifically for each format. 

We recommend using results to: 

• Compare pupils against the relevant standardisation cohort. 
• Monitor progress over time within the same assessment suite. 
• Compare performance between pupils taking the same assessment. 

How many questions are auto-marked vs teacher-marked? 

Around 70% of the questions are auto-marked. The remaining 30% are teacher-marked, allowing teachers to review open-ended responses and pupils' working. 

There are also a small selection of auto-marked verified questions, which are initially auto-marked initially but but can be reviewed and adjusted by teachers if required. 

We follow a particular curriculum. Can we use NOA?

NOA is based on the English national curriculum, and questions reflect what pupils should be familiar with by that time in the academic year. The standardisation sample included pupils from schools following a range of curricula. This helps ensure robust and valid standardised scores across a broad range of pupils.

What reports are available?

Once the assessments have been completed, you'll gain access to a range of reports:

• All Learner Reports: Attainment, Curriculum Area, Question Level, Attainment Academic Year
• Summary Reports: Curriculum Area, Question Level, Areas for Development
• Individual Reports: Attainment, Individual Learner Responses

When was NOA standardised?

The standardisation trials for years 3-6 took place between November 2022 and June 2025. 

Can teachers and pupils review questions after an assessment?

Teachers can view the marks awarded for each question and the correct answers through the Question Level - All Learners report. The report can be filtered to view individual pupils in case you would like to go through the questions together. 

The Individual Learner Responses report also shows each pupil's answers for each question in a selected test.

How many maths tests are there? 

Each maths assessment consists on three tests: Arithmetic, Reasoning 1, and Reasoning 2.  Together, these comprise a single assessment.

How many texts are there in the reading assessment?

For each reading assessment there are four texts – two in test one and two in test two.

Can pupils show their working using a column method in maths?

There is currently no on-screen column method tool. Pupils can complete working on paper or a whiteboard and then enter their calculations or answers into the assessment platform. 

Will you be producing online grammar, punctuation and spelling tests?

There are currently no plans to introduce online grammar, punctuation and spelling assessments. However, we continually review opportunities to expand our assessment range and welcome feedback from schools and trusts. 

Do reading assessments become more challenging throughout the year?

Yes. Reading assessments increase in challenge across both terms and year groups.

What is the tolerance for misspelling answers in the reading tests?

Most questions where spelling may affect marking are teacher-marked. This allows teachers to use their judgement when assessing responses.

Why are the tests timed?

Timed assessments enable standardised scoring and reflect the conditions used during standardisation. The assessments are not designed as speed tests. The times allocated are based on the expected time required for the majority of pupils to attempt all of the questions. 

How long will the tests take?

Year 3 mathematics: 

• Test 1 – Arithmetic, 25 minutes, 30 marks 
• Test 2 – Reasoning, 30 minutes, 25 marks 
• Test 3 – Reasoning, 30 minutes, 25 marks 

Total assessment – 85 minutes, 80 marks 

Year 3 reading: 

• Test 1 – 45 minutes, 25 marks 
• Test 2 – 45 minutes, 25 marks 

Total assessment – 90 minutes, 50 marks

Year 4 mathematics: 

• Test 1 – Arithmetic, 25 minutes, 35 marks 
• Test 2 – Reasoning, 35 minutes, 30 marks 
• Test 3 – Reasoning, 35 minutes, 30 marks 

Total assessment – 95 minutes, 95 marks

Year 4 reading: 

• Test 1 – 45 minutes, 28 marks 
• Test 2 – 45 minutes, 27 marks 

Total assessment – 90 minutes, 55 marks

Year 5 mathematics: 

• Test 1 – Arithmetic, 30 minutes, 40 marks 
• Test 2 – Reasoning, 40 minutes, 35 marks 
• Test 3 – Reasoning, 40 minutes, 35 marks 

Total assessment – 110 minutes, 110 marks 

Year 5 reading: 

• Test 1 – 45 minutes, 30 marks 
• Test 2 – 45 minutes, 30 marks 

Total assessment – 90 minutes, 60 marks

Year 6 mathematics: 

• Test 1 – Arithmetic, 30 minutes, 40 marks 
• Test 2 – Reasoning, 40 minutes, 35 marks 
• Test 3 – Reasoning, 40 minutes, 35 marks 

Total assessment – 110 minutes, 110 marks 

Year 6 reading: 

Total assessment – 60 minutes, 50 marks 

Which devices are compatible with NOA?

NOA can be used on either desktop or tablet Windows or Mac devices with the latest versions of either Chrome, Edge, or Safari.

Can pupils write or draw directly on touch-screen devices?

Pupils can select answer boxes and type responses using a keyboard.

For 'show your working' questions, pupils can enter their working using their keyboards and use on-screen mathematical symbols. Drawing tools are not currently available.

Are practice questions available to familiarise pupils with the platform? 

Yes. Pupils will have access to familiarisation videos that walk them through the question types and how to use the platform. 

Is there a way pupils can hear the questions on the screen?

No. NOA does not currently include an audio track. Where appropriate, teachers or teaching assistants may read questions aloud to pupils. 

Are the tests suitable for children with visual impairments?

NOA includes accessibility features such as alternative colour schemes, customisable layouts and zoom controls. 

Available colour combinations include:

• Black text on white background
• White text on black background
• Black text on yellow background
• Blue text on yellow background

Can pupils take assessments out of year? 

Yes. Tokens can be used across year groups.  If you plan to use an assessment outside its usual year group or term, we recommend contacting the NOA Helpdesk before testing, so we can advise how this affects reporting and benchmarking data. 

What are the Establishment and Learner Portals? 

The Establishment Portal is the part of the NOA platform that allows administrators to manage assessments. This includes adding new users, amending existing users, uploading class lists, launching assessments, and accessing assessment data and reports via the NOA Reporting Tool. 

The Learner Portal is the online platform where children complete their NOA tests.

What is the NOA Reporting Tool? 

The NOA Reporting Tool is the reporting area within the Establishment Portal where completed assessment data and reports can be viewed. It is separate from the NFER Tests Analysis Tool, which is used for paper-based NFER Tests.

How much does NOA cost?

View our tokens and subscriptions page for current pricing.

Can we pay by invoice?

Yes. Payments can be made by invoice or credit card.

How does NOA pricing compare with paper-based NFER Tests?

Costs vary depending on factors such as pupil numbers and how assessments will be used. 

For advice on the most suitable and cost-effective option for your school or trust, contact the Schools Partnerships Team at [email protected]. 

Can tutors or carers purchase NOA?

No, NOA is only available to schools and Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) to ensure that results remain valid and robust.

Do I need to purchase a separate teacher guide?

No. An online teacher administration guide is included with every purchase.

Can I buy printed reading texts?

No. Reading texts are integrated into the online platform and are not available as printed copies. The texts have been designed specifically for online assessment and differ from those used in paper-based tests. 

How quickly do I get access to NOA after purchasing?

You will receive an email with login details and instructions for accessing your establishment account shortly after purchase. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, contact [email protected]

What is a token?

A token covers one assessment for one pupil. 

For example, a maths token can be used for any year group or term. It includes all three mathematics tests: Arithmetic, Reasoning 1 and Reasoning 2. 

How long are tokens and subscriptions valid for?

Tokens are valid for 365 days from the point of purchase. Three-year subscriptions are valid for 1095 days from the point of purchase. 

Can I view a demonstration of NOA?

Yes, you can sign up for your own interactive demo and can also register for one of our demonstration webinars.