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, 1998,
included in the 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders of National Computer Systems,
Inc. and subsidiaries.

    We  also  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in  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),  Registration  Statement Number 333-00383 on Form S-8 (1995
Employee Stock Option Plan), Registration Statement Number 333-25523 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, 1998 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 22, 1998