National Literacy & Numeracy Test (LANTITE)

The Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) was introduced by The Australian Government in 2016 and is used to assess those aspects of initial teacher education students’ personal literacy and numeracy skills that can be measured through an online assessment tool.

When Bachelor of Education students do it

In the first 2nd Year course - EDST 2003 (Language, Literacy and Numeracy) - BEd student will be introduced to the test in detail and asked to register for a test window near the end of the course (Test Window 2) which is in time to do EDST 2002 in T3.
If the standards in one or both components are not met in Test Window 2, they will be able to re-sit in August (Test Window 3) and, if successful, still complete EDST 2002 in T3.

Note: that from 2018, all BEd students must provide evidence of having achieved the test standard in both components of the LANTITE tests prior to enrolling in EDST2002 (Professional Engagement) and any subsequent placements. To ensure success in the LANTITE test, UNSW provides BEd students assistance at multiple points in the lead up to the deadline for passing, including the opportunity to self-assess their literacy and numeracy skills at their orientation in the first week of their program.

When Master of Teaching students do it

Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) students are required to have registered for the test in Window 1 or Window 2 prior to going out on their first placement - EDST6760 (Professional Experience 1) in T2 and to have achieved the test standard in both components of the LANTITE prior to final placement - EDST6765 (Professional Experience/ Internship 2) - T3 for MTeach Secondary and T1 (2nd year) for MTeach Primary.

If the test standard is not achieved in this timeframe, students will have to delay their final placement, follow the recommended path to success provided by UNSW and re-enrol upon achieving both test standards.

Where students do the test

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) makes all the arrangements for the tests and has outlined everything the student needs to ensure a successful experience completing the tests. All details can be found on the ACER website.

Accommodations for disability, including severe test anxiety

BEd students with a disability or other health-related need, which might interfere with their ability to sit the test in the standard manner, can apply for special testing conditions via the candidate account on ACER. It is important this is completed as soon as possible after registration for the relevant test window.

Supporting documents must be submitted directly to ACER for special test conditions via email, mail or fax. See Reasonable Adjustments for more information.

Don’t meet the standard in one or both components the first time?

The standard resit allowance permits an initial test attempt plus up to two additional resits for each component (literacy and numeracy) of the test. It is assumed that three test attempts in total provides students with adequate opportunities to meet the standard of the test prior to graduation.

In exceptional cases UNSW can support and request up to two additional test attempts above the standard resit allowance for students, provided that there are major extenuating circumstances (based on medical, psychological or compassionate grounds).

See protocol which outlines this in further detail (PDF)

Beyond LANTITE - How oral skills are supported

The LANTITE does not test oral skills, only intensive reading and technical skills in writing.

Oral skills are tested at multiple points during UNSW’s ITE UG program:

Upon entry to the program, students must meet the UNSW English Language Requirements
International students need an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.5 in Speaking and Listening and a minimum of 6.5 in Reading and Writing (or an equivalent test).
Upon graduating, international students are required to have an equivalent level of English to IELTS 7.5, with 8.0 for Speaking and Listening. This is assessed in Year 3 and 4 through method classes and placements.

Students are identified, monitored and supported from the very beginning of the program both within courses and as part of standard assessment criteria. Students consistently under performing in any aspect of language and literacy, including oral skills, are required to undertake appropriate additional English language training as advised by the School of Education staff. This may include but is not limited to completion of EDST2094 (Communication Skills) in Year 2 and /or participation in an oral skills workshop.

Preparing for the LANTITE Test

Students must be familiar with the Literacy and Numeracy website and the Described Proficiency Scale, which outlines the skills assessed by the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (‘the test’) and how candidates’ achievement of the standard required by the test is determined.

In addition, the following specific resources may help prepare for the tests.

Note: students should NOT to use resources designed for school student/ NAPLAN tests as the content is not aimed at a high enough skill level.

Literacy and numeracy

Strive for Excellence. Highly recommended course regularly updated by teachers.
Cambridge LANTITE Edge. Recommended. A program developed specifically for students of education courses to give them the guidance they need.
BBC Teach - Skillswise

Numeracy only

UNSW School of Mathematics and Statistics drop-in centre - tutors can help students looking for additional assistance with numeracy skills.
LANTITE numeracy training for teachers - provides interactive and hands-on training that will give you the skills and experience to handle a wide range of numerical problems in a test situation.
English Department for Education - numeracy skills for prospective teachers in the UK.
Numerical Reasoning Test. The University of Kent provides this free test (and others) through their Careers and Employability Service.

Literacy only

English Department for Education - literacy skills for prospective teachers in the UK.
Read theory - reading skills development.

Have More Questions?

Frequently asked questions and information about eligibility can be found on the NESA website.

Organisational units

School of Education