About the ASET
What is the ASET?
The Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET) is used by the WA Department of Education to select students for Gifted and Talented (GATE) secondary programs. It is developed by ACER and measures higher-order thinking skills — not curriculum knowledge.
Four Components (Equal Weight)
| Component | Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 35 min | 35 multiple choice |
| Communicating Ideas in Writing | 25 min | Written response |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 35 min | 35 multiple choice |
| Abstract Reasoning | 20 min | 35 multiple choice |
There is a 10-minute break after the Writing section. Total session ~2h 50min.
Key Facts
- No specialist subject knowledge required — all information is in the booklet
- Tests measure reasoning, problem-solving, and creative thinking
- Four alternatives (A, B, C, D) for multiple-choice questions
- Apply in Year 5, sit exam in Year 6, start GATE in Year 7
Official Resources
Visit the WA Department of Education GATE pagefor official application dates and guidelines.