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,  Inc. 1999
Employee 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