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NBT Workshops

Walk into the NBT knowing exactly what to expect.

The National Benchmark Tests help decide university admission and placement. Our workshops make sure the first time you see the format isn't on test day.

Book Your Seat What is the NBT?
  • AQL & MAT Covered
  • Real Practice Papers
  • Timed Test Conditions
  • Taught by a Qualified Teacher
  • Online & In Person
Overview

What is the NBT — and why it matters

The National Benchmark Tests are written by learners applying to South African universities. Many institutions use the results for admission decisions, degree placement or to identify learners who need extra academic support. There are two tests — and preparation makes a measurable difference to both.

AQL

Academic & Quantitative Literacy

Written by virtually every NBT candidate, the AQL measures how well you read, reason and work with numbers in an academic context.

  • Academic literacy — reading, comprehension and reasoning
  • Quantitative literacy — interpreting numbers, graphs and data
  • Multiple-choice format written under strict time pressure
MAT

Mathematics

Required for maths-intensive programmes such as engineering, science, commerce and health sciences — and where Crystal Math's expertise shines.

  • Grade 10–12 curriculum maths, tested in unfamiliar ways
  • Problem-solving and insight, not just recall
  • No calculator — technique and number sense are everything
The Programme

What the workshop covers

A structured programme that takes learners from "what even is the NBT?" to writing with calm confidence.

1

Know the test

Format, timing, question styles and scoring — everything demystified so there are no surprises on the day.

2

Revise the maths that matters

Targeted revision of the Grade 10–12 topics the MAT leans on hardest — functions, algebra, trigonometry, geometry and more.

3

Master strategy & timing

Multiple-choice tactics, pacing plans, when to skip and return, and how to work without a calculator under pressure.

4

Practise under real conditions

Timed practice papers written under test conditions, followed by detailed feedback on exactly where marks were won and lost.

Schedule

How the workshop runs

Workshops run ahead of the national NBT test dates each year, online and in person.

Session 1

NBT Orientation + AQL Foundations

Understanding the tests, the scoring, and the quantitative literacy toolkit.

3 hours
Session 2

MAT Content Intensive I

Algebra, functions and graphs — the topics that carry the most marks.

3 hours
Session 3

MAT Content Intensive II

Trigonometry, geometry, probability and the trickier problem-solving styles.

3 hours
Session 4

Full Mock + Strategy Debrief

A timed practice paper under test conditions, marked with personal feedback.

3.5 hours
Next workshop dates announced soon. Enquire now to be first in line — groups are kept small.
The Benefits

Why learners leave the workshop confident

The NBT catches strong learners off guard because it tests familiar maths in unfamiliar ways. Preparation closes that gap.

  • No format shock. Learners have already seen the question styles, the pacing and the pressure before the real thing.
  • Sharper university applications. Stronger NBT results support admission and placement into competitive programmes.
  • Matric revision built in. Preparing for the MAT doubles as high-value revision for the final maths exams.
  • Workshop-tested teaching. Hosted by Nabeela Hoorzook — a qualified maths teacher with 13 years of experience and a track record of NBT workshops.
2
Tests covered — AQL & MAT
4
Structured workshop sessions
Full
Timed mock under test conditions
13+
Years of teaching behind every session
Practice Papers

Practise the way you'll be tested

Workshop learners work through NBT-style practice papers that mirror the real tests — the question styles, the multiple-choice format, the no-calculator rule and the clock. Every paper is followed by worked feedback, so learners understand not just what the right answer was, but why — and how to find it faster next time.

  • NBT-style papers for both AQL and MAT
  • Written under timed, test-day conditions
  • Fully worked feedback after every paper
Explore Past Papers
FAQ

NBT questions, answered

Any learner applying to a South African university that requires or recommends the NBT — typically matric learners, though strong Grade 11s preparing early are very welcome. If your target programme is maths-intensive, the MAT preparation is especially valuable.
Test sittings run at various points through the year, and universities have their own deadlines for receiving results. Check the requirements of the universities you're applying to, then book your NBT sitting — and your workshop — well ahead of that date. We're happy to help you plan the timing.
Both. In-person workshops run in Johannesburg, and the full programme is also available live online for learners anywhere in South Africa — same content, same practice papers, same feedback.
Absolutely. The MAT tests curriculum maths, but in unfamiliar, multiple-choice, no-calculator formats that reward familiarity and strategy. Learners who have practised the style, sharpened their number sense and rehearsed their timing consistently perform closer to their true ability.
Groups are deliberately kept small so every learner gets individual feedback on their practice papers. Because of this, workshops do fill up — enquire early to secure a seat for the next intake.

Secure Your Seat in the Next NBT Workshop

Small groups. Real practice papers. A teacher who knows the test. Enquire now and we'll confirm the next dates with you directly.

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