You booked your National Benchmark Test, the date is closing in, and a friend says, “Just do the Olico NBT practice, it’s free.” Fair advice, but what exactly is it, and is it enough on its own? This guide answers that plainly, so you can start preparing with a clear plan instead of guessing.
What Is Olico NBT?
OLICO is a South African maths education organisation. After more than a year of development, it released a free, extensive resource for learners writing the university National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). When people search for olico nbt, this is what they are looking for: an NBT preparation workbook plus online practice, built mainly around the Mathematics (MAT) test.
Both parts sit on OLICO’s maths learning site, and you can access them at no cost. The Western Cape Education Department’s ePortal also lists the “Olico NBT MATHS Practice booklet” as a free PDF of about 2.4MB.
Why Learners Search for Olico NBT
The reason is simple: the NBT Project does not release its past papers. You cannot cram old exams and hope for repeats. What you can do is practise the same skills and question styles, and that gap is exactly what OLICO’s material fills. Its resource includes full mock MAT papers, so you get a feel for the kind of questions you will meet.
What’s Inside the Olico NBT Resources
- A printable workbook: topic-by-topic explanations and exercises you can work through with a pen, away from the screen.
- Online practice: an interactive course on OLICO’s learning platform, handy for quick sessions on a phone or laptop.
- Mock MAT papers: longer, timed-style practice that shows where you lose marks.
Keep in mind that the main focus is the MAT. The WCED listing itself recommends that you also prepare for the AQL, so don’t treat the booklet as your whole plan.
Who Should Use It?
If your degree needs the MAT (engineering, sciences, commerce, health sciences at many universities), this is a smart place to start. It also suits Grade 11 learners who want a head start, and Grade 12 learners whose school maths felt shaky. Check your university’s admission requirements first so you know which tests you must write.
A Simple 4-Week Plan for Using Olico NBT
Week 1: Diagnose. Attempt one mock paper cold, with no notes. Mark it honestly and list the topics that hurt: algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry or number work.
Week 2: Repair. Use the workbook to attack your three weakest topics. Do fewer problems, but understand every step of each one.
Week 3: Speed. Work in timed blocks. The NBT is long (each test can run up to about three hours), so stamina matters as much as knowledge.
Week 4: Simulate. Sit another full mock in exam-like conditions, then review mistakes. Rest the day before the real test.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only reading solutions instead of attempting questions first.
- Ignoring the AQL (Academic and Quantitative Literacy) test while obsessing over maths.
- Studying everything once instead of fixing weak topics repeatedly.
- Relying on unofficial “leaked papers.” The NBTP does not publish past papers, so be careful with anything claiming otherwise.
Is Olico NBT Enough on Its Own?
For many learners it covers a lot, especially the MAT. But the honest answer depends on you. If you tend to freeze under time pressure, struggle with literacy-style questions, or have no one to explain tricky steps, add support: a tutor, a study group, or more practice material. Combine OLICO’s free content with other practice sets to cover both papers.
Helpful Links
For OLICO’s own announcement and sign-up details, visit the OLICO National Benchmark Tests free practice page, then log into the OLICO maths learning site to start the online course. For test dates, booking and official guidance, check the National Benchmark Tests Project website.
Want more preparation tips? Read our guides on NBT past papers, the purpose of the National Benchmark Test, and benefits of the National Senior Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olico NBT free?
Yes. The workbook and online practice are offered free by OLICO, and the booklet is also listed as a free PDF on the WCED ePortal.
Does Olico NBT cover the AQL test?
Its main focus is the Mathematics (MAT) test. Prepare for the AQL separately.
Are these the real NBT past papers?
No. The NBT Project does not release past papers. OLICO’s mock papers are practice material designed to resemble the real questions.
When should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before your test date, so you have time to diagnose, repair and simulate.
Final Word
The Olico NBT resources are a genuinely useful, no-cost starting point. Use them with a plan, practise under timed conditions, and cover the AQL too. Your score won’t define you, but it can open doors, so give yourself the best preparation you can.
