EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in this  Registration
Statement  on  Form  S-8  pertaining  to  the  National  Computer  Systems  1999
Non-Employee  Director Stock Option Plan of National Computer Systems,  Inc. and
subsidiaries,   of  our  report  dated  March  6,  2000,  with  respect  to  the
consolidated  financial  statements  of  National  Computer  Systems,  Inc.  and
subsidiaries incorporated by reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended January 29, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota


April  25, 2000