The domains of reading, mathematical and scientific literacy are covered not merely in terms of
mastery of the school curriculum, but in terms of important knowledge and skills needed in adult
life. Pencil-and-paper tests are used, with assessments lasting a total of two hours for each
student. Test items are a mixture of multiple-choice items and questions requiring students to
construct their own responses. The items are organized in groups based on a passage setting out
a real-life situation. A total of about seven hours of test items is covered, with different students
taking different combinations of test items. Students answer a background questionnaire, which
takes 20-30 minutes to complete, providing information about themselves and their homes.
School principals are given a 20-minute questionnaire about their schools.