The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is an ACER academic reasoning test used by schools to identify academically able students for selective entry, accelerated learning and gifted and talented programs. HAST focuses on assessing higher-order, cross curricular reasoning skills that are characteristic of gifted students. 

The HAST Sample Question Booklets provide an opportunity for candidates to reflect on the types of skills required of them in the test but it is not designed to teach candidates these skills. Higher-order thinking skills are acquired over a long period of time or they are skills that are innate and natural.