About ACARA

The vision of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is to inspire improvement in the learning of all young Australians through world-class curriculum, assessment and reporting.

ACARA was established under an act of federal parliament on 8 December 2008 and became operational in mid-2009. ACARA receives direction from the Education Ministers Meeting (EMM), previously known as the Education Council. Through the EMM, all state, territory and federal ministers of education agree on ACARA’s work plan and set a common direction for the National Assessment Program (NAP).

ACARA’s work involves the 3 pillars of curriculum, assessment and reporting for school education between Foundation* and Year 12. Our work is carried out in close consultation and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including teachers, principals, governments, state and territory education authorities, professional education associations, community groups and the general public. Read more about our work at the ACARA website.

*The term Foundation Year is used as a nationally consistent term for the year of schooling prior to Year 1. It does not replace the equivalent terms used in states and territories – Kindergarten (NSW/ACT), Prep (Qld/Vic/Tas), Pre-primary (WA), Reception (SA) and Transition (NT).

ACARA’s expertise

ACARA is responsible for the development and management of the National Assessment Program (NAP). ACARA draws on both internal expertise and experts across Australia, all highly regarded in their relevant professional fields, to deliver a high quality and robust assessment program.

Development and management of the NAP

ACARA oversees all aspects of the NAP including:

test item development for NAPLAN and NAP sample assessments
ensuring appropriate accessibility of NAPLAN tests, such as provision of disability access versions and special print versions
central analysis of NAPLAN data
the ‘item trial’ tests
research and provision of evidence-based recommendations on improvements to the NAP.

ACARA convenes an advisory panel made up of international and national assessment and educational measurement experts who provide expert technical advice. The group is a formal advisory panel within the ACARA governance structure.

Administration of the NAP

ACARA works with a wide range of partners to oversee the delivery of the NAP.

Test administration authorities (TAAs) are the government departments or agencies responsible for the implementation and administration of the NAPLAN tests in their state or territory. ACARA staff work with the TAA in each state and territory to ensure the administration of NAPLAN is nationally consistent. ACARA provides the following advice to ensure consistency in test administration: