This article announces a number of new releases and updates planned for PAT in 2026.
This article covers the following topics:
PAT Maths 5th Edition
At the beginning of 2026, PAT Maths 5th Edition will replace the current PAT Maths 4th Edition. The updated linear assessment includes brand-new content and item types new to the maths linear assessment such as drag-and-drop and cloze.
What you need to know
- Do not assign PAT Maths 4th Edition tests to students if you intend to administer them in Term 1 2026. In January, all unstarted PAT Maths 4th Edition tests will be unassigned from students. Unfinished tests will be closed, and students won't be able to resume them.
- Existing licences and credits for PAT Maths 4th Edition will be swapped over to PAT Maths 5th Edition - you don't need to take any action to begin using the new edition.
- PAT Maths 5th Edition will be reportable in the ACER Data Explorer. See this article for more information about generating reports with the ACER Data Explorer.
Updated Maths and Reading norms
In January 2026, we will release updated Australian norms for PAT Maths and PAT Reading assessments, both adaptive and linear.
What you need to know
- The updated norms are based on tests completed by students across Australia in 2024 and can be used as a reference sample against which your students' achievement can be compared.
- The updated norms will appear in the online reports for PAT Maths and PAT Reading, replacing the previous 2019 norms for all reported tests, including tests completed before the norm update.
- Updated norms mean the percentile rankings reported for the same scale score achievement will change. Scale scores and achievement bands remain the best way to understand student achievement and to measure progress.
PAT Early Literacy
Thanks to the many fantastic schools, teachers and students that took part in trialling, PAT Early Literacy will be available mid-2026. You can read more about this assessment and sign up to be the first to know when it is available here: Reimagining early years assessment with storytelling and design