What is the AQE Test?

AQE stands for Association of Quality Education. The AQE is a limited company set up to administer and manage the AQE test for a group of schools in Northern Ireland.

How is the Test Administered?

• Tests are held in grammar schools across Northern Ireland which use the AQE test as an entrance requirement.
• Parents can pick a school to sit the test in that is convenient and this does not have to be the school they wish their child to transfer to.
• Candidates will be invited to a familiarisation day in participating schools which will allow students to see where they will be sitting during the test and to go over the routines of test day.
• There are 3 AQE assessment days. In 2022 the tests are held on consecutive Saturdays, the 19th November, 26th November and the 3rd of December.
• All 3 assessments begin at 10 am and last for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Children who have applied for extra time will get an extra 15 minutes on top of this time.
• AQE has recommended that candidates attend all 3 assessments, if possible. The final standardised score is calculated from the best 2 scores out of 3, allowing for an “off day”.
• Find out more information on the AQE’s Website .

Registration for the 2022 AQE test

AQE Registration opens on Wednesday 4th May 2022 at 10 am
AQE registration closes on Friday 23rd September 2022 at 4 pm

Parents can complete their application online via the AQE website. Hard copies are also available to print.

AQE Practice Papers

Many Primary Schools use the past papers provided on the AQE website to help prepare children in the run up to the test. It is therefore advised not to use these past papers at home.

On Target Resources provides a range of AQE Practice Papers to help prepare your child at home. Visit our website to find out more.