ICAS
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools — English, Mathematics, Science, and Digital Technologies for Years 2–12, with skills-based questions aligned to international curriculum standards.
English
Mathematics
Science
Digital Technologies
ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) is an academic skills assessment developed by UNSW Global for students in Years 2 to 12. It is sat by students across many countries and benchmarks performance against international standards.
Rather than testing memorised facts, ICAS focuses on higher-order thinking and problem-solving in English, Mathematics, Science and Digital Technologies. Skills-based practice across these subjects is the best preparation.
| Provider | UNSW Global |
| Eligibility | Years 2 to 12 |
| Subjects | English, Mathematics, Science, Digital Technologies |
| Question type | Skills-based multiple-choice |
| Focus | Higher-order thinking against international benchmarks |
- English — comprehension, language and textual analysis
- Mathematics — number, algebra, measurement, space and data
- Science — scientific reasoning, data interpretation and inquiry
- Digital Technologies — computational thinking and digital systems
- Practise application and reasoning questions, not just textbook recall.
- Work on reading comprehension and data interpretation across subjects.
- Attempt questions slightly above your year level to stretch thinking.
- Use timed practice to build accuracy under time pressure.
Who can sit ICAS?
Students from Years 2 to 12 can sit ICAS; papers are set for each year level.
What subjects does ICAS cover?
English, Mathematics, Science and Digital Technologies (and, in some regions, Spelling and Writing).
Is ICAS based on memorising facts?
No — it emphasises higher-order thinking and problem-solving against international benchmarks.
How should I prepare for ICAS?
Practise skills-based and reasoning questions across subjects, and attempt slightly harder problems.
Are these ICAS practice questions free?
Yes. All ICAS practice on Safe Learning for Kids is free, with explanations.