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 2, 1997,
included in the 1996 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) Registration  Statement Number 333-00000 on Form S-3
(VUE Selling  shareholders) and Registration  Statement Number 333-25343 on Form
S-8  (NCS/VUE  Stock Option Plan) of our report dated March 2, 1997 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
April 23, 1997