Schools may get extra time to transition to NAPLAN online.

Concerns have been raised about the IT infrastructure for a national digital test.

It comes after previous setbacks for the online version of the national numeracy and literacy test, which has seen all states and territories walk away from planned trials earlier this year.

The major issue relates to claims the system is not stable enough to deliver the test without problems that could compromise students' results.

Around 2500 schools in NSW and 280 in Western Australia have tested the system, while all other states and territories have decided to wait until next year.

NAPLAN co-ordinator ACARA wanted the test to be run entirely online across Australia by 2019.

But WA’s education minister Sue Ellery now says COAG’s Education Council could push back that date for transition.

“There is some talk that we consider pushing out the full implementation to 2020,” she told a recent WA budget estimates hearing.

Ellery said the delay is a “live matter” that will be revisited in December, but until then Western Australia still be aiming for the 2019 deadline.

“We are still working towards doing it in 2019 because I think you have to draw a line in the sand and get everybody working towards a particular point; otherwise, you will keep dragging out how quickly or otherwise you fix the issues.”

An ACARA spokesperson conceded states and territories were still making up their minds.

“Each state and territory will determine when schools in their jurisdiction are ready to move online, as they have responsibility for administering NAPLAN,” the spokesperson said.

“Readiness activities are being undertaken in states and territories across Australia in preparation for the move to NAPLAN online from 2018.

“State and territory education authorities will use the outcome of these readiness activities, and the experience of those schools, to assess which schools will transition to NAPLAN online in 2018 and which need additional time.”

The Australian Education Union has previously called on education ministers to ditch the online NAPLAN because it could create issues for schools with less technological capabilities.