EXHIBIT 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

    We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in this Annual  Report (Form
10-K) of National  Computer  Systems,  Inc.  of our report  dated March 3, 1996,
included in the 1995 Annual Report to Stockholders of National Computer Systems,
Inc. and subsidiaries.

    We  also  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in  Post  Effective
Amendment  Number 2 to Registration  Statement  Number 2-80386 on Form S-8 (1982
Employee Stock Option Plan),  Post Effective  Amendment Number 1 to Registration
Statement  Number  2-96965  on Form  S-8  (1984  Employee  Stock  Option  Plan),
Registration  Statement  Number  33-9830  on  Form  S-3  (Selling  Shareholder),
Registration  Statement  Number 33-21511 on Form S-8 (1986 Employee Stock Option
Plan),  Registration  Statement Number 333-00377 on Form S-8 (1989  Non-Employee
Director  Stock  Option  Plan),  Registration  Statements  Number  33-48509  and
333-00381 on Form S-8 (1990 Employee Stock Option Plan),  Registration Statement
Number  333-00379  on Form S-8 (1990  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan),  Registration
Statement  Number  33-48510 on Form S-8 (1992  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan),
Registration  Statement  Number  33-68854  on Form S-8  (option  held by  former
director) and Registration Statement Number 333-00383 on Form S-8 (1995 Employee
Stock  Option  Plan) of our  report  dated  March 3,  1996 with  respect  to the
consolidated  financial  statements  incorporated  herein by  reference  in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) of National Computer Systems, Inc.

                                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 20, 1996